Thoughts on spring baseball & Phoenix

Phoenix’s Sky Harbor airport (PHX) is well served by most major US carriers from all local departure airports. I selected to depart from Columbus (CMH) for two reason-price and non stop flights. Presently US Airways and Southwest offer daily nonstop departures.

Instead of the traditional rental car check in counters generally located in the baggage reclaim area Phoenix loads everyone on a bus and transports you to a surface transportation center located about 15 minutes for the main terminal. I found this process to be efficient and not too much of a burden. The real burden I discovered was the extra taxes and fees tacked on to my rental. I suspect that these charges are helping to pay for this facility.

Lodging choices in the Valley of the Sun ranged from no star properties to ultra deluxe golf resorts. Comfort Suites 15575 W. Roosevelt St, Goodyear, AZ located about 2 miles away from the baseball complex is the closest hotel. It’s a good hike to the fields and there isn’t any public transportation so a car or taxi is required.

Instead of staying here I opted for an Extended Stay America (www.extendedstayamerica.com) property more centrally located in Phoenix. Room features and rates were the major reasons that I went this route. For about $50.00 a night in late March I got a spacious room equipped with a full sized refrigerator, microwave and a two burner stove top. Additional amenities included an outdoor pool, barbeque grill and a guest laundry. Location was not an issue for me as I would be traveling to greater Phoenix area golf courses and spring training sites.

A unique eclectic dining spot and watering hole is Roman's Oasis 16825 W. Yuma Road, Goodyear, AZ. About a 5 minute drive from the ball park it offers hearty pub grub and hundreds of amusing signs tacked to the walls. The clientele was an interesting mix of Indian fans, cowboys, bikers and business people.