Peoria Sports Complex

Gosh, this is a massive -- and congested -- complex!

Both the Padres and Mariners train in this sprawling expanse of land (that was undoubtedly reclaimed from the desert).  The two teams share the stadium at the center of the complex for their home exhibition games.  The shot on the right below was taken as the sun was setting at a Padres' exhibition game in 2004.

The stadium itself, which opened in 1994, is quite large.  The exterior is fairly appealing, and the overall architecture of the facility is nice, but nothing spectacular.

If you look at a map, Peoria (which is to the northwest of Phoenix) doesn't look that far from the other training camps -- especially the Surprise complex nearby.  Ahh, looks can be deceiving, as the traffic and suburban sprawl that you have to navigate to get here is sometimes a bit overwhelming.  And the complex itself -- and the word "complex" is quite appropriate here -- and the surrounding area is such a mass of congestion that you shouldn't come here if your plan is to relax.  However, Sun City isn't far away, so you can go there and hang out with all the retirees if you want.

The scene above is from a game in the Arizona Fall League, as the Peoria Javelinas play their home games here.  And, yes, it is a much more relaxed place in the fall than in the spring!

Don't forget that if you're in Peoria, you should also visit the lovely Maryvale baseball complex, too!

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