Phoenix Municipal Stadium opened in 1964 and is the oldest Cactus League park still in use. The San Francisco Giants played at Muni from 1964-81 and then swapped sites with the Oakland A’s who had been training in Scottsdale. The A’s have been at Muni ever since.
The Pacific Coast League Phoenix Giants/Firebirds also called Muni home from 1966-91 before following their parent club to Scottsdale. At one time, Phoenix Municipal Stadium had the largest seating capacity in the Cactus League, now only the Brewers Maryvale Ball Park is smaller. Muni is the only Cactus League parks that doesn’t offer lawn seating. Originally built for $891,000, the ballpark underwent a $4 million renovation in 1995. A later renovation enclosed the open-air press box.
Phoenix Municipal Stadium FAQs:
The Athletics 17-game home schedule starts on Monday February 25 vs. the Cleveland Indians.
Phoenix Municipal Stadium: 5999 E. Van Buren St.; Phoenix, AZ 85008
Capacity: 7,897; Dimensions: LF 345’; CF 410’, RF 345’
Tips: The A’s lone home night game is Monday, March 25 against the Brewers. Start time is 7:05 p.m. All other games begin at 1:05. Be careful of the following dates; Wednesday, February 27 (Padres); Tuesday March 5 (Italy); Thursday March 7 (Mariners) and Saturday, March 16 (Angels). These are split squads for the A’s. The March 16 contest is still a good chance to see the star-studded Angels lineup. In the battle of the bay, the world champion Giants visit the A’s on Friday March 1. Get tickets early for that one.
Athletics in 2012:
Regular Season: 94-68; ERA 3.48; BA .238; HR 195.
Spring Training: 15-7; ERA 4.44; BA .284; HR 29
The Muni experience……
The pre-1990s days of laid back spring training are gone forever. The closest you can get now is an A’s game at Phoenix Muni. The bullpens are still on the sides down the lines and you can reach out and touch the players. When you go to get a hot dog, you can still see the game from the concession stands which are above the bleacher seats. The park is not luxurious, but it is full of history. Willie Mays hit the first home run there. And you’ll love the atmosphere. Longtime public address announcer Mark Anderson has a distinctive style and the music he plays between innings is unlike that of any other ballpark. Nothing beats fun at the old ballpark, and you won’t find any more of it anywhere else in the Cactus League.
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