Going to Spring Training as a fan

[Jake]

I live nowhere close to where the Sox play, so in scheming some dates to fly out to see the Sox play this season, I thought maybe going to Spring Training would be interesting. That said, I've never done anything like that so I'm not sure what it's like. I'd be going in the second week of March. I'd be taking my wife, who has become Sox-crazed as of late. Can anyone share experiences, suggestions, etc.? Obviously the games themselves would only be a part of the appeal. And if you ever went and thought it wasn't worth it, I'd like to hear that too.

[oldsox]

Not worth it, IMO.

[WestEddy]

1 hour ago, Jake said:

I live nowhere close to where the Sox play, so in scheming some dates to fly out to see the Sox play this season, I thought maybe going to Spring Training would be interesting. That said, I've never done anything like that so I'm not sure what it's like. I'd be going in the second week of March. I'd be taking my wife, who has become Sox-crazed as of late. Can anyone share experiences, suggestions, etc.? Obviously the games themselves would only be a part of the appeal. And if you ever went and thought it wasn't worth it, I'd like to hear that too.

The games are great, flying out of the 20 degrees and snow into 70 and sunny. Starters only play 1/3 to half of the game, then it's all minor leaguers, which is very cool if you follow that. I had found that the games are expensive, now. Everybody else draws better than the Sox. You can watch out for morning games at team complexes. The paper used to give hints at that. Maybe call the team to see if there's a free minor league game in the morning? 

Players are more available for autographs, and stuff. I've never had the time to do the backfields stuff. 

[kitekrazy]

1 hour ago, oldsox said:

Not worth it, IMO.

So true.  I could stand on my roof and see the Ranch but prices are ridiculous.

Ticket prices are not universal.  You could go to a game to see them play another team that is equally bad.

Check out the prices for Dodger games.  My luck I would spend $$$ hoping to see Ohtani but he would have a game off.

[Falstaff]

1 hour ago, Jake said:

I live nowhere close to where the Sox play, so in scheming some dates to fly out to see the Sox play this season, I thought maybe going to Spring Training would be interesting. That said, I've never done anything like that so I'm not sure what it's like. I'd be going in the second week of March. I'd be taking my wife, who has become Sox-crazed as of late. Can anyone share experiences, suggestions, etc.? Obviously the games themselves would only be a part of the appeal. And if you ever went and thought it wasn't worth it, I'd like to hear that too.

If you have never been to Spring Training, I would suggest going it's a good time. The one thing that was really expensive was renting a car so unless they have lowered the prices be prepared to get hit with all sorts of fees. Camelback Park is also a must see, you can roam around the complex before the game. I would suggest that you go to a Sox game at other parks, there are some beautiful parks that are worth seeing. 

[CaliSoxFanViaSWside]

2 hours ago, Jake said:

I live nowhere close to where the Sox play, so in scheming some dates to fly out to see the Sox play this season, I thought maybe going to Spring Training would be interesting. That said, I've never done anything like that so I'm not sure what it's like. I'd be going in the second week of March. I'd be taking my wife, who has become Sox-crazed as of late. Can anyone share experiences, suggestions, etc.? Obviously the games themselves would only be a part of the appeal. And if you ever went and thought it wasn't worth it, I'd like to hear that too.

https://allchgo.com/join/

They are planning an event to go to ST with a Bulls game in Phoenix as part of the package.. Might be better to with a group with an itinerary and like minded Sox fans. 

If you have never watched the CHGO podcasts they are a part of All City Network and sports in multiple cities . In Chicago they cover, the all major teams and have podcasts of each one. The Bears get tons of coverage the Sox not much.Future Sox guys like Soxtalks James Fox and others from the Futute Sox podcasts have been on the CHGO Sox podcasts. 

You would probably need to become a Diehard Member of the Network to get a discount on the trip. Sometimes they have specials on becoming a Diehard Member . The All City Network relies on Memberships and Chat donations to support all the things they do . When the Bears went to England they had group outing for that. They have events in local establishments so being a Diehard Members works better for people in the Chicagoland area. But I dont think that means you would be excluded from event trips. It just might change the cost. I cant really tell you how it works because being in Ca. I've not given much thought to becoming a Diehard Member  so thats why I gave you the link. So if that sounds interesting you have a month to figure it out. Maybe look up CHGO White Sox podcasts on youtube and watch some recent ones . I think they advertise the ST trip on the Sox podcast .I subdcribr to most Sox and FutureSox podcasts. It helps keep me informed and most are forward looking and not hyper critical .Good luck. 

Edit : Unsure if your dates coincide with the CHGO trip . 

Edited 4 minutes ago by CaliSoxFanViaSWside

[Buehrle>Wood]

I absolutely loved it when I went. Went to some other stadiums too which aren't all too far. The game is a mere distraction but its awesome just walking around or sitting in the outfield grass.

[southsider2k5]

This is one of my bucket list things to do.  Going to move it on the soon list once this team is worth paying to see again.