spring training 2008 - welcome

HELLO BASEBALL FANS...

On behalf of everyone at Arizona Key Magazine, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Arizona, the Grand Canyon state. March is dominated by baseball... it’s Spring Training season and Arizona welcomes visitors from around the world to this annual right of passage. Prepare yourself for plenty of warm sunshine, green grass and some exciting, exhibition Major League baseball action.

This year Arizona will welcome back 12 teams playing in 9 different facilities throughout the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Spring Training offers baseball fans a unique opportunity. The venues are state of the art and provide for intimate, up close and personal viewing. The players are more accessible, all of the teams are tied for first place, and hope springs eternal.

It all starts here at Spring Training, where practice and game play will help the “boys of summer” endure the season and hopefully earn a spot in the “fall classic”.

And the Cactus League will be expanding. The City of Goodyear has started construction on a new facility scheduled to open in 2009 that will be home to the Cleveland Indians (and possibly the Cincinnati Reds in 2010). Glendale looks to add to its strong sporting heritage in 2009 by adding a spring training facility to complement the University of Phoenix Stadium (home of the NFL Arizona Cardinals) and the Jobbing.com Arena (home of the NHL Arizona Coyotes).

Helping you navigate the Cactus League is hall of fame sport’s writer Charlie Vascellaro. Through his cover story and team previews, you’ll be guided thru the Spring Training season with substantive information delivered with Charlie’s brilliant flair.

When not at the games, I encourage you to explore your desert surroundings. Arizona's natural beauty begins with rugged mountains, Saguaro cactus towering over adventure trails, pink and orange sunsets you thought you only read about in Western novels, and all within steps from the most luxurious resorts. Play over 200 golf courses, soothe the body and soul in spas. Dip into a cool pool. Watch jackrabbits chase the morning sunrise. Dine on roasted chicken enchiladas, pecan crusted lamb, grilled filet to shrimp ceviche and more as culinary treats are found in every neighborhood. And afterwards, stroll under stars you actually see twinkle. There's no place on earth quite like the Grand Canyon State. And to help you decide what to do, former NBC journalist and concierge Johnny Fenton offers expert advice on day trips and short vaunts in her article on page fifty-eight.

The 2008 Spring Training Visitor & Travel Guide marks the 6th Anniversary of this extremely popular publication. Thanks to our advertisers for supporting the book, and thank you to the concierge and other travel professionals who use the publication as a resource for their guests. Lastly, thank you to all of the Spring Training fans - it warms my heart when I see the Spring Training Guide sticking out of a purse or back pocket - we do it for you.

See you at the ballpark,
Thomas J. Ruberto
Owner / Publisher