Fan Guide: Seattle Mariners

01/30/2006
The raindrops of the Pacific Northwest will soon give way to the Arizona sun, as the Mariners depart for yet another Spring Training season filled with hope and optimism.
After a disappointing 93-loss 2005 campaign, the Mariners reloaded with new catcher Kenji Johjima, new starter Jarrod Washburn, veteran hitters Carl Everett and Matt Lawton and promising young relievers Marcos Carvajal and Luis E. Gonzalez.
Those players, plus new hitting coach Jeff Pentland and pitching coach Rafael Chaves, will be looking to blend in with the team and pitch in for an improved spring that will lead to a successful season.
Here's a quick-hit guide to Spring Training, with answers to frequently asked questions about the Peoria Sports Complex, the spring schedule, and what the Mariners will be doing on a daily basis in the desert.
When do the Mariners arrive at camp?The Mariners' pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 15, with the position players following on Feb. 20. The first full-squad workout is Feb. 21.
When do games start?The Mariners' 2006 Spring Training campaign begins with the annual charity game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday, March 2, and the Mariners will play 16 home games at the Peoria Sports Complex and one game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, March 30, at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Nev., home of the Pacific Coast League Las Vegas 51s.
The Mariners' 30-game Spring Training schedule includes two split-squad day/night home doubleheaders, the first on March 8 against the San Francisco Giants (day) and an exhibition against an Asian pool qualifier from the World Baseball Classic (night) and the second on March 11 against the Arizona Diamondbacks (day) and Kansas City Royals (night). The home slate also includes games against the world champion Chicago White Sox (March 24), American League West champion Angels (March 13) and the division-rival Oakland A's (March 25).
There will be four Saturday home games (March 4 vs. San Diego, the March 11 doubleheader and March 25 vs. Oakland) and two Sunday home games (March 12 vs. Texas and March 19 against Colorado).
How do I get tickets?Individual-game tickets to 2006 Mariners Spring Training are available online at seattlemariners.com, in person at the Peoria Sports Complex Box Office or any Arizona Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet, by phone at Ticketmaster AZ (480-784-4444) or Ticketmaster NW (206-622-HITS) and by mail from the Peoria Diamond Club, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382.
Peoria Stadium holds 10,123 fans, including about 3,000 on the berm beyond the outfield fence -- always a popular spot for families. The stadium also has some seating in the shade, as well as a fully stocked concession stands on the outer concourse.
Where is Peoria, and how do I get there?Several airlines offer non-stop flights of about three hours' duration from Seattle to Phoenix, so that's the preferred method for most.
Located about 25 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix and about a 45-minute drive from the airport, the Peoria Sports Complex is shared by the Mariners and Padres.
To get to the Mariners' half of the Peoria Sports Complex, exit Loop 101 at Bell Rd. and head east to 83rd Ave., the next intersection, and take a right. You'll see the complex about a half-mile up on your left. The Mariners' complex is west of the stadium, marked by a team logo on the building. Parking is available there in the lot behind the stadium's home plate entrance.
How can I watch the team work out?There is no admission to see the Mariners work out on their fields at the Peoria Sports Complex. The Major League team uses the two full fields and one half-field nearest the clubhouse and offices; the Minor Leaguers will report in early March to the fields further west.
Before the start of the Cactus League schedule, the Major League team hits the field around 9 a.m., and some hitters stay out there well into the afternoon. Once the games begin, there's only a morning session prior to the game.
Where can I get some autographs?If they're finished with their work for the day, you might catch players heading back to the clubhouse. You can also catch players as they enter and exit the parking lot. Once games start, the seats down the right-field line and the fenced area located along the road between the stadium and the clubhouse are prime autograph spots.
What else is there to do in Peoria?There are plenty of restaurants, shops and hotels right around the corner from the complex, most along Bell Road. Believe it or not, there's also an ice rink nearby, plus movie theaters and plenty of shopping.
For more information on Peoria, visit the city's web site: www.peoriaaz.com.
When do the Mariners open the regular season?The regular season begins Monday, April 3, at Safeco Field at 2:05 p.m. PT against the Angels. Single-game tickets for the regular season go on sale March 4.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/