Camelback Ranch in Glendale was one of two new Cactus League ballparks to open in 2009. The other was Goodyear Ballpark, host to the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. The Los Angeles Dodgers, long the anchor of the Grapefruit League, had trained in Vero Beach, FL from 1948-2008 before relocating to Arizona last year. The Dodgers share the Camelback Ranch complex with the Chicago White Sox who moved up I-10 from Tucson where they had trained from 1998-2008.
There is no spring training site more distinctive that Camelback Ranch. In addition to the stadium, 13 practice fields, clubhouses and training facilities for each team, the complex features unique features that make it a family destination. There is a 1,300-foot lake system that is stocked with bass, bluegill, carp, catfish and turtles. Fans can take walking paths along the water and between the practice diamonds. There is also an orange grove and a bandstand which provides daily music performances. The fan-friendly atmosphere provides for up-close-and-personal interaction between players and fans. It truly is state-of-the-art.
Camelback Ranch FAQs
The Dodgers began their 14-game home schedule on Saturday, March 6 against the Chicago White Sox.
The White Sox began their 15-game home schedule on Friday, March 5 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Camelback Ranch
10710 West Camelback Rd.
Glendale, AZ 85037
Capacity: 13,000
Dimensions: LF 345’; CF 410’; RF 345’
Dodgers in 2009:
Regular Season: 95-67, 1st place, NL West;
Spring Training: 15-22
White Sox in 2009:
Regular Season: 79-83, third place, AL Central
Spring Training: 16-20
Tips: The White Sox take on the Cubs in the Chicago series three times in Glendale; Sunday, March 7; Friday March 12; and Friday March 19…..The Dodgers meet the Angels just once in Glendale, Monday March 22. The two clubs play a home-and-home Freeway Series in Anaheim on April 2 and in Los Angeles on April 3…..The Dodgers host the White Sox on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)……Get to the park early and take in the whole experience—batting practice, the walkway near the water features and some music from the bandstand.
Hit the road…..
In addition to their Cactus League schedules, both the Dodgers and the Sox make a couple of pit stops on the way to opening day. The Dodgers play two exhibitions in Taiwan (March 13, 14); have a stop in Las Vegas against the Cincinnati Reds (March 31) and then play their two-game Freeway Series against the Angels (April 2,3)…..The White Sox make a detour to Charlotte to play an exhibition against their Triple-A affiliate on April 1 and then continue their southern swing to Atlanta to face the Braves in a two-game exhibition series at Turner Field.
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