Halos Heaven Spring Training Guide: The Peoria Sports Complex

The Peoria Sports Complex went through a two year upgrade process that has made it one of the best parks in the Cactus League.  The main stadium hosts games for both the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres and the facility boasts 12 practice fields to accommodate both teams.

Essential Links:

Stadium Map

Padres Tickets

Mariners Tickets

Where To Sit:

Anywhere.  There isn't a bad seat in the house.  If you want shade, sit on the second level behind home plate.  The view is similar to a club level seat at the Big A.  But really, the sight lines are great throughout the stadium and all sections are close to concessions.

Speaking of concessions, this ballpark seems to offer the widest variety of food.  I've had fresh made mini donuts, Asian noodles, and a solid Philly cheesesteak over the years.

Before or After The Game:

The Peoria Sports Complex is the only ballpark adjacent to a good sized dining and entertainment area.  Directly across 83rd Avenue you can find everything from Hooter's to a Japanese steakhouse.  There is also an 18 screen movie complex and a Harley Davidson store.  A few miles up the road is the Arrowhead Towne Center shopping facility.

The Back Fields:

The back fields are a little difficult to access at this facility.  What you want to do is find the main entrance and head west until you cross Mariners Way.  Keep walking a little more and a path will appear on your right.  Take that path to the back fields.  If you are at the ticket office located in the outfield, walk left and the path will appear on your left.

Pro Tip:

It is very common to see players from either squad at restaurants across the street.  You might not catch Robinson Cano and King Felix hanging out at Hooter's, but you can catch prospects there and bigger named guys at the more upscale establishments.

My Two Cents:

Peoria hosts a few night games each year and an ideal day for me goes like this: catch a day game at another complex, head to Peoria for a late afternoon bite, catch a night game at Peoria.  The stadium is beautiful and I love having nearby dining options.  And if you bring the wife and kids for a trip and they want a break away from baseball, you can catch a game while they enjoy a movie and shopping across the street,

Overall, this is probably the best setup in the Cactus League.

Your Two Cents:

What did I miss?  How have your experiences been here?