Fun in the sun

ROCKIES new spring home has it all

Tucson, you’re so 1993. Say goodbye to Hi Corbett. The new place to be during baseball’s spring training is the Valley of the Sun. More specifically, Scottsdale, Ariz. Most specifically, Talking Stick.

It is here, at sparkling Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, where the Colorado Rockies have set up shop in their new spring headquarters. It is also here, at Talking Stick Golf Club, where duffers and scratch players alike can grab 18 between Rockies games. And, perhaps most importantly, it is here, at Talking Stick Resort, where gamblers can scratch their itch at Casino Arizona, a 240,000 square-foot, Indian-owned facility that is open 24/7.

So, if you like baseball (we know you do), and you like gambling (we know you do), and you love the resort lifestyle, consider flying the coop to Talking Stick this spring.

PLAYTIME in Scottsdale

You’re never too far from scintillating casino action when visiting the Scottsdale area. Casino Arizona at Talking Stick Resort boasts more than 700 multi-denominational slot machines and a 50-table, non-smoking poker room featuring favorites such as Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha and 7-Card Stud. The casino also has more than 50 table games, including blackjack, 3-Card Poker and Let It Ride. Keno and high-stakes areas complete the gaming offerings.

Casino guests who love good food will benefit from its location at a luxury resort, with no fewer than seven unique fine dining options, including tableside dining in the poker room with an assortment of American and Asian dishes.

A second operation, Casino Arizona at Salt River, is located just south on Hwy. 101 at McKellips. Its calling card is a world-class showroom bringing in top entertainers. The showroom also features Showstoppers Live, a musical tribute to America’s greatest superstars. Visit casinoarizona.com for info on both casinos.

PLAY ball!

After 18 spring seasons in Tucson, the Rockies usher in a new era in 2011, taking up residence at their beautiful new spring-training complex: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale.

The Rockies no longer will have to bus two hours to play opponents based in the Phoenix area. Instead, they’ll now play their entire Cactus League schedule in the Valley of the Sun, giving fans the chance to see many more teams and players.

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community partnered with the Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks to build Salt River Fields, the first major league spring training facility on Indian land in the nation. At 140 acres, the facility includes a fan-friendly 11,000-seat ballpark, 12 practice fields, clubhouses, training facilities, and offices for each team.

Visit coloradorockies.com/spring or call 888-490-0383 for ticket information.

Rockies games at Salt River Fields
Sat., Feb. 26 vs. Diamondbacks *
Mon., Feb. 28 vs. Diamondbacks *
Tue., March 1 vs. Diamondbacks
Thu., March 3 vs. Giants
Sun., March 6 vs. Indians
Mon., March 7 vs. Dodgers
Tue., March 8 vs. Cubs
Fri., March 11 vs. Royals
Sat., March 12 vs. Padres
Sat., March 12 vs. Diamondbacks
Mon., March 14 vs. Reds
Thu., March 17 vs. White Sox
Fri., March 18 vs. Brewers
Sun., March 20 vs. Angels
Wed., March 23 vs. Mariners
Fri., March 25 vs. Rangers
Sun., March 27 vs. Athletics
Tue., March 29 vs. Mariners
* Rockies are visiting team

OUT and about

So, you’ve got your bases covered with baseball and gambling. Round out that menu nicely with just a few more items sure to make your spring getaway one to remember.

Golf
The Phoenix area boasts more than 200 golf courses, and Scottsdale is the epicenter of the links scene. In fact, just east of the Rockies’ spring training facility is Talking Stick Golf Club, ranked No. 1 in the state by Golfweek magazine. The links-style North course and traditional South course offer many options for golfers of all skill levels in a serene desert setting. Check out talkingstickgolfclub.com.

Shopping
Scottsdale Pavilions, a 1.1-million-square-foot retail center with open-air shopping, dining and entertainment is a convenient one-stop destination with everything from specialty stores to national retailers. Of course, action-packed downtown Scottsdale has long been known as a haven for art galleries, fine shops, top-flight restaurants and legendary nightlife. Info at scottsdalepavilions.com and scottsdaledowntown.com

Lodging
There are myriad lodging options in the Scottsdale area, but why not make it easy by staying close to Rockies’ spring-training facility? You can’t go wrong at luxurious Talking Stick Resort and the amenities it offers. The modern rooms are Southwest in taste and offer great mountain views. On site are the golf club, spa, pool, casino and multiple dining options. The resort is offering a spring deal of 20 percent off through late April. Visit talkingstickresort.com.

GETTING there

The entire Talking Stick complex is near the intersection of Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) and Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale, northeast of downtown Phoenix. From Sky Harbor Airport, take 202 East to 101 North. Take Exit 44 Indian Bend Road. For Salt River Fields turn left, proceeding a half-mile west. Turn right onto Pima Road, heading north. Three entrances to Salt River Fields will be available on the right. For Talking Stick Resort, turn right at Exit 44 Indian Bend Road.