The Voice - Student Newspaper

Baseball fans await state-of-the-art spring training facility

Glendale sports fans have something new to look forward to. The city's newest sporting facility will soon open its doors, just in time for fans to catch the upcoming baseball spring training games, beginning in early March.

The new complex, Camelback Ranch Glendale, is situated at 111 Avenue between Glendale Avenue and Camelback Rd. Two of baseball's most well known organizations, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox will call the new stadium home for spring training.

The facility expands over 125 acres and includes 13 full playing fields and 13,000 seats. A large amount of trees and plants will be installed throughout the complex, as well as a two acre lake, separating the two teams facilities. Fans can expect close interactions with the athletes, as the practice fields will only be surrounded by a limited number of fences.

Besides the new ballpark, the city of Glendale also has hopes to construct an entertainment district in the surrounding area. Homes, restaurants, a hotel, a golf course and several shops are also planned to open up.

The move for the two teams into Glendale is expected to have a large effect on the local cities. According to a 2006 Economic Impact Study done by Economic Research Associates, the economic impact for the area could be up to 19 million dollars each year because of the move.

Pack up the ice chests, put on the baseball caps and head out to the ballpark to watch some baseball. The popular springtime weather of Arizona and the beautiful mountain scenery makes for a perfect outing. For more information, call 623-877-8585.

Please send comments to jshepard@gccvoice.com