Actual games start this Wednesday and for the next month, Phoenix turns into a Giant practice field.

Hopefully this little bit of info helps those planning to visit who have never been before.

Let’s start with TICKETS:

ALL THE GENERAL INFO ABOUT TICKETS CAN BE FOUND HERE. (pricing, seating chart, etc.)

It’s always a good idea to lock in the days you want to come ahead of time.

If you want to buy tickets directly from the Giants:

Tickets can be purchased at the Scottsdale Stadium box office starting at 11am, or at www.sfgiants.com, or by calling (877) 473-4849.

To purchase group tickets, season tickets or to reserve the press box suites, ramada or patio please call (415) 972-2209.  

To purchase tickets for the Charro Lodge and Pavilion, please call (480) 990-2977 or visitwww.charros.com/lodge.

The Charros lodge is the RF pavilion above the home Bullpen. I believe it’s an all you can eat kind of experience. I’ve never sat there, but just be aware that they do their own ticketing.

Also, Giants tix are “dynamic” in the sense that diff opponents costs more, so make sure you realize who they are playing.

Lastly, if you buy tix on the day of game, you needed to anticipate a $1 increase to the ticket price.

If you want to purchase tickets at resale (very helpful for “away” games):

I highly recommend Phoenix Craigslist to find some tickets because of the lack of fees and handling charges. You can usually find good seats as well.

Stubhub is the authorized reseller of MLB, and the benefit to buying from them is you can usually get the tix electronically and print them out yourself. Beware of last minute fees though, they really enjoy when you want to buy tix the day of game.

PARKING:

Parking at Scottsdale Stadium is pretty easy. You are not allowed to park in the lot adjacent to Gate B, as this is the players lot. You have to park in the parking structure up “Drinkwater’ and behind LF. Parking is free, but PLEASE NOTE: you cannot park on the street level for more than 3 hours during weekdays, which is close timing when watching a game. Park on the lower level to avoid this time constraint.

There is also a free downtown trolley that does special Stadium runs but I haven’t been able to find that updated info for 2010 yet.

MAD EATS:

Scottsdale has so many good restaurants I could probably say go anywhere and you won’t be severely disappointed. However, my wife and I have some places we really like (we aren’t really “expensive” place type of people so most of these joints are really reasonable and have great food and great atmosphere)

Don and Charlies - (American) This is probably the staple for those from out of town. It has an absolute ton of sports memorabilia and great food. They usually do spreads for a lot of the teams in the area as well. Think McCovey’s atmosphere but a higher end variety of food.

Zipps - (burgers/bar/American) As a heads up, you will most likely need angioplasty after eating here, but boy is it good on the way down. Don’t over order, when they say double cheeseburger, they literally mean 2 regular size cheeseburgers smashed together.

The Breakfast Club - (breakfast) Oh what a blessing The Breakfast Club is. Nothing like getting a “Quick Start” before heading over to the stadium. One of the best breakfast places I’ve been to. They are outrageously fast with getting you your food, and it’s always hot, fresh, and heaven on a plate.

RA - (sushi) This is a chain, but they have a relatively cheap Happy Hour 3-7, perfect for right after the game with half price rolls and drink specials. Nothing like good cheap sushi.

Oregano’s - (Italian) Ironically I’d go here for their sandwiches. Great sized sandwiches for a good price. Wasn’t too down with their pizza, it’s the really thin “cracker” type, I’m more of a Chicagoan style, but hey, you might dig it.

Chloe’s Corner - (Sandwiches, American) This one is a little distance from the Stadium, but if you are in North Scottsdale and want the best ham and cheese panini known to man, check these guys out. They are located in Kierland Commons.

Like I said, there are probably some other really great places in and around Scottsdale, these are just some we like to go to, especially if you’re on a budget.

MORE BASEBALL:

Minor League Camp - The Indian School Complex is a great place to start your day. You’ll be able to catch some practice of many players you will probably see in the next couple of years in SF. Not only is this the home base for Giants operations, it is also a public park with volleyball and places for kids to play. You’ll want to sop here as well to get a MiLB game schedule if you’d like to watch them suit up. Games should be free and open to the public. Get a first person look at Zack Wheeler, Tommy Joseph, Gus Benusa, Evan Crawford, and other star prospects in our system.

Play Ball Experience - Museum of baseball in AZ. Cool stuff included McCovey game worn jerseys and equipment, vintage baseball items, interactive exhibits, and more. Gaylord Perry is a big supporter of this exhibit as well. Their site seems to be rather useless right now, none of the links work.

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Hopefully this gives you a sampling of info for your trip. I trust no matter what you do, or where you go, as long as you are taking in a game it’s going to be a great day.

If you see me around, don’t hesitate to “say hey” as well!