Goodyear Ballpark Live Cam
A world-class venue located in Goodyear, AZ
History
The Goodyear Ballpark is a baseball stadium located in Goodyear, Arizona, which serves as the spring training home for both the Cleveland Guardians and the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). The stadium was opened in 2009 and has a seating capacity of 10,311.
The construction of the Goodyear Ballpark was part of a larger development project by the city of Goodyear to create a sports and entertainment complex that would attract tourism and stimulate economic growth in the area. The ballpark was built in just over a year, with a total cost of approximately $108 million.
The first game played at the Goodyear Ballpark was on March 1, 2009, between the Cleveland Indians and the San Francisco Giants. The Indians won the game 6-5 in front of a sellout crowd of 10,311 fans.
Since then, the Goodyear Ballpark has hosted numerous spring training games and other baseball events. In addition to the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, several other MLB teams have played at the ballpark over the years, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, and Kansas City Royals, among others.
The Goodyear Ballpark is considered one of the top spring training facilities in the Cactus League, offering modern amenities and a fan-friendly atmosphere. The stadium features a wide range of seating options, including traditional grandstand seats, lawn seating, and suites. It also includes multiple practice fields and training facilities, as well as a variety of dining and concession options.
Top Tourist Attractions
While the Goodyear Ballpark is a popular destination for baseball fans, there are several other tourist attractions in the area that visitors may want to check out. Here are some of the top attractions near the Goodyear Ballpark:
- Estrella Mountain Regional Park: This park offers scenic hiking trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
- Phoenix International Raceway: Located about 20 miles northeast of Goodyear, this NASCAR racetrack hosts several major racing events each year and offers tours of the facility.
- Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park: This nearby attraction is home to over 600 species of animals, including exotic wildlife from around the world. The park also includes an aquarium and a safari park.
- Westgate Entertainment District: This shopping and entertainment district features a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, including a movie theater, bowling alley, and arcade.
- White Tank Mountain Regional Park: This park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Sonoran Desert and the nearby mountain ranges.
- Luke Air Force Base: This military installation offers tours of its aircraft and facilities, as well as a museum dedicated to the history of flight and the U.S. Air Force.
- Goodyear Community Park: This park features a skate park, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, as well as a community center with a fitness center and indoor pool.
- Palm Valley Golf Club: This nearby golf course offers two championship courses and scenic views of the Estrella Mountains.
These are just a few of the many attractions in and around Goodyear, Arizona. Visitors to the area can find plenty of options for outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Historical Facts
- The ballpark was originally built as a spring training facility for the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds, who signed a 20-year agreement with the city of Goodyear to use the facility.
- The construction of the ballpark was partially funded by a $60 million bond issue approved by Goodyear voters in 2006.
- The Goodyear Ballpark was designed by the architectural firm HOK Sport, now known as Populous, which has also designed several other MLB stadiums and arenas around the world.
- The first game played at the Goodyear Ballpark was on March 1, 2009, between the Cleveland Indians and the San Francisco Giants.
- The ballpark features state-of-the-art training and practice facilities, including a main field with a natural grass playing surface and several practice fields with artificial turf.
- In addition to hosting spring training games, the Goodyear Ballpark has also been used for other baseball events, such as the Arizona Fall League and exhibition games between MLB teams.
- The Goodyear Ballpark has undergone several renovations and upgrades since it opened, including the addition of a new scoreboard and video display screen in 2016.
- The ballpark has hosted several notable players and events over the years, including Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the stadium's grand opening in 2009.
Geography
Goodyear is situated in Maricopa County, which is the most populous county in Arizona and includes the city of Phoenix.
The ballpark is located just off the Interstate 10 freeway, which runs east-west through the Phoenix metropolitan area. It is about 20 miles west of downtown Phoenix and about 30 miles northwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The Goodyear Ballpark is situated in a relatively flat and desert-like area, with the Estrella Mountains visible to the south and the White Tank Mountains visible to the north. The area around the ballpark is primarily residential, with several housing developments and shopping centers located nearby.
The ballpark is part of a larger sports and entertainment complex that includes several other sports facilities, such as the Goodyear Recreation Campus and the Goodyear Tennis Center. The complex is also home to the Goodyear Branch Library and several parks and trails for outdoor recreation.