Seeing the Padres during Spring Training in Arizona is a much different experience than going to games at Petco Park in San Diego. The vibe is low-key, players are more accessible, and optimism for the coming season is as high as the desert sun. I hope this article helps you make the most of your visit to the Peoria Sports Complex.
Tip #1 - pregame activities
Go to the back fields! The team's practice fields (also known as "the back fields") are where you can see the players and coaches up close, soak in the sights and sounds of baseball, and perhaps come away with a player's autograph. Don't forget to bring a Sharpie along with whatever ball, cap, or other item that you want signed.
The back fields are especially great for families. Bring your glove and toss a ball around with your kid!
Visiting the back fields requires going to the Peoria Sports Complex in the morning (for day games) or early afternoon (for night games). Parking and admission are free.
Please be aware that the Padres share their Spring Training facility with the Seattle Mariners. To see the Padres players practice in the back fields, you'll need to be sure that you go to the Padres side of the complex (enter "W Padres Way" in your GPS).
Below is a map that will get you to the right location:
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| Please note: the fields may also be labeled "F1," F2," etc. |
Before heading into the practice fields area, pick up a roster and schedule at the Padres' clubhouse office (see map above). This will tell you what is happening at each of the fields. The roster gives you the players' jersey numbers which comes in handy because so many major and minor leaguers are invited to camp.
There are signs pointing you to the fields and a metal detector/security point to pass through.
After entering the area, you'll see most fans veering to the right towards the fields near the clubhouse. There will be guard rails in place to allow the players a route to the various fields. Players from the major league squad start coming out of the clubhouse between 10:00-10:30am (for a day game), but you'll see many minor league players heading to the various fields throughout the day.
After the big league squad has made their way to the fields (usually "P1" and "P2"; see map above), the security staff will open the guard rails so that fans can fill the bleachers and watch them practice.
The players don't usually sign autographs until coming off of the fields and heading back to the clubhouse after their practice session.
Here's a link to my video about navigating the back fields:
WBC warning: Please be aware that several of the Padres' most popular players will be heading to their World Baseball Classic (WBC) teams on approximately March 1. This means that Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Mason Miller, Wandy Peralta, and Alek Jacob will not be in Peoria from March 1 until approximately March 18 (this could change, if their teams are eliminated from the tournament earlier).
Tips for the game
The Peoria Sports Complex has a capacity of about 12,500 whereas Petco Park can accommodate more than three times that number of fans. You will experience the game in a new and different way. For me, the most obvious difference is in terms of how close fans are to the action. The sensory elements of the game are more prominent in Spring Training. You'll be much closer to the athletes and the plays they make. Also, the sounds of baseball won't be drowned out by the crowd or stadium. When Jackson Merrill barrels one up, you'll hear it - no matter where you're sitting. When Manny Machado scoops a ball near the line, you'll marvel at his athleticism as he somehow slings the ball over to first for the out.
The Padres' dugout is on the first base side. The players enter and exit the field down the right field side. If you or your kids hope to get autographs, there are two common areas to do so: 1) along the dugout and right field sideline before and after the game; and 2) "Autograph Alley" which is an area the stadium has set up at the location where players enter and exit the field (a roped-off kids section is included). Here's a map:
For logistical information about the stadium, check out the complex's FAQ section on its website. You'll find their latest information about tickets, parking, food/bag policies, shaded seats, pets, the team store, ticket booth hours, and more:
You'll also be pleased to know that seeing a game in Peoria is much easier than seeing one at Petco Park. Parking is free, and you usually don't need tickets in advance except for weekend games.
The bag policy is clearly laid out on their website:
Bag policy: Peoria Sports Complex
For day games, you may want to consider shaded seats: Sections 305-308 (Club), 309-319 (Upper Box), 200-215, 217, 219 (only rows HH and above).
A great website for seeing what the view of the field will look like from your seat is here:
"A view from my seat" website:
FAQs
Will my kid be able to get Fernando Tatis's autograph?
Probably not but anything is possible. There are players who are very generous with their time and who enjoy interacting with fans and those who rarely do so. It's best not to have high expectations regarding the star players because although most try their best to make time for fans, the likelihood of being in the right place at the right time is usually a matter of luck. However, your children will have ample opportunity to get autographs from minor league and international players if you take them to the back fields.
What's the bag policy for the back fields?
The bag policy is more relaxed in the back fields of Peoria than at Petco Park. So pack your water, lunch, baseball gear, and whatever you need to be comfortable for a few hours at the fields. You can even bring your dog!
Is there a snack bar in the back fields?
Yes! The concession stand is nothing elaborate but has the basics. However, you should bring your own water because this item is very expensive at the snack bar.
Restrooms (back fields)?
Yes! The restrooms are centrally located behind the snack bar.
Can I leave my car there if I'm going to the game that day?
Yes, it's the same parking lot that's used for the main stadium.
What else is nearby?
"The Park at 83" is a complex of restaurants adjacent to the parking lot and stadium. You'll find a lively selection of bars, restaurants, and green space (including lawn games) just steps away from the practice fields and stadium. For fast food nearby, there's Chipotle (16680 N. 83rd), In-N-Out (8285 W. Bell), and Chik-fil-A (16657 N. 83rd).
Road games: how do I find out about the other Cactus League stadiums?
Here's a terrific website that includes logistics information as well as tips for getting autographs and photos at each of the Cactus League stadiums:
Spring Training Connection website
Finally:
Don't forget to bring water, sun screen, and (most importantly) GOOD VIBES!
🌵😎⚾
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