Cleveland Guardians Overview

Fast facts

League: Cactus League

Head Coach: Terry Francona

Team Mascot: Slider

Year Opened: 2009

Capacity: 10311

City / State: Goodyear / AZ

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Guardians vs Tigers

Rival Team: Detroit Tigers

Both the Guardians and Tigers were originally part of the old AL East before moving to AL Central meaning you’ll be in for a good one when these two clash. The Guardians and Tigers have a longstanding rivalry, and the two cities are separated less than 170 miles, so you’ll find lots of fans of both teams at these contests.

Ohio Cup

Rival Team: Cincinnati Reds

The winner of the annual interleague series between the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds walks away with the Ohio Cup and the bragging rights over the state. Clevelanders hate losing to Cincinnati in anything, so don’t miss it when these two Ohio based clubs square off.

Guardians vs White Sox

Rival Team: Chicago White Sox

Things may have cooled off a bit between the Guardians and White Sox, but the games between these two were red hot in the 1990s. The Tribe and Pale Hose battled for the AL Central crown several times throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Cleveland got the better of the Sox winning the AL Central six times from 1995 to 2001, but Chicago had the last laugh breaking through for a World Series win in 2005.

Cleveland Guardians Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Goodyear Ballpark is located in a wide open area providing fans with plenty of room to park and tailgate before the game. The original plan for the ballpark was to build a downtown area filled with shops near the stadium. However, due to a downturn in the economy, the area hasn’t been developed. As a result, though, you’ll find plenty of space to tailgate in the many parking lots around Goodyear. Guardians fans love to tailgate, and the lots are filled with fans on game days creating a fun atmosphere outside Goodyear Ballpark.

Guardians fans will also want to take a walk to the Player Development Complex down the road before the game. Here you’ll be able to see your favorite Guardians players practice, and you may even have the opportunity to snag a few autographs. The practice facility opens to the public at 9:15, so get here early to make the most out of it.

Finally, make sure to see The Ziz by Donald Lipski before the game. The renowned statue represents the distance between the pitching rubber and home plate and is a must-see for baseball fans as well as art lovers.

The fun of tailgating and watching the Guardians practices means you’ll want to get here early when attending an Guardians spring training game at Goodyear Ballpark.

Traditions

Guardians Practices

The Cleveland Guardians practice facility is located within walking distance of Goodyear Ballpark at 2601 S. Wood Blvd. Practice opens at 9:15 on game days and the team practices from 9:30 to 12:30 typically, so get here early to watch the Guardians practice before the game.

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The Ziz

Check out The Ziz by Donald Lipski outside the ballpark. The 60 ft 6 in sculpture is the exact height of the length between home plate and the pitcher's mound and is a can’t-miss part of attending a Guardians spring training game. Get a picture of The Ziz before entering the ballpark to watch the Guardians.

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Where to tailgate

Cleveland Guardians Stadium Guide

In Game

Spring training is a great time for Guardians fans as it breathes new hope into the fan base. The Guardians are searching for their first World Series title since 1948, and each year during spring training Tribe fans believe that this will finally be their year. Diehard Guardians fans from all over pack Goodyear Ballpark to watch what could be the team that finally brings home another World Series championship to Cleveland making spring training an exciting time of year for Cleveland baseball fans.

If you’re a diehard Guardians fan, then you’ll will without a doubt want to get an autograph from your favorite players before the game. The Guardians sign for the fans down the right-field line, so claim your spot early in batting practice to get a signature from your favorite superstar.

An Guardians spring training game also provides lots of fun and entertainment for the entire family. Goodyear Ballpark is home to one of the best kids’ areas in the Cactus League thanks to the abundance of inflatables you’ll find here. The kids’ area also features a whiffle ball field as well, meaning those of you who want to emulate your favorite big league stars can do so here.

Finally, Goodyear Park is home to several group ticket options making it easy for you to hold a large spring training gathering for all your friends and family. Guardians fans from all over the country come out to celebrate the start of the season, so make it an extra special experience by reserving one of these premium venues for your trip.

You won’t want to miss out on enjoying the hopeful atmosphere that surrounds Guardians spring training, so start planning your trip to Goodyear today.

Things to check out

Autographs

At Guardians spring training games, you’ll have the chance to get an autograph from your favorite player up until the start of the national anthem. Guardians players typically sign for fans down the right-field line, so get a spot along the right-field line to secure your favorite Guardians player’s autograph.

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Kids Zone

If you’re taking the kids to the game, then stop by the Kids Zone on the first base concourse. Here you’ll find inflatables and a whiffle ball field, which provide plenty of entertainment for young fans.

Cactus League History

Learn more about the history of the Cactus League by taking some time to view the Cactus League history display. The exhibit is located next to the elevator tower and is a must-see for any baseball fan.

Team Shops

Pick up some Reds or Guardians gear at one of the four team shops at Goodyear Ballpark. The largest shop is located near the Home Plate Entrance with smaller shops at the First Base, Third Base, and Outfield Entrances.

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Right Field Pavilion

The Right Field Pavilion is perfect for hosting large group events at Goodyear Ballpark. It accommodates up to 300 guests while also featuring general seating, a picnic style atmosphere, food, and more.

Party Patio

The Party Patio is located under the left field scoreboard and is a great place to enjoy a game with 49 of your closest friends. You’ll also receive food and non-alcoholic beverages when reserving the Party Patio.

Terrace

The Terrace features incredible views from behind home plate as well as open seating, food, non-alcoholic drinks, and private restrooms. Book the Terrace for your group of 40 to 90 today.

Suites

The suites offer you the ability to enjoy a spring training game in-style. When renting a suite, you’ll receive an incredible view of the field, a buffet, four parking passes, and an HDTV.

Cleveland Guardians Bars & Restaurants

  1. Roman’s Oasis

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    Always great music, friendly people and staff, and awesome food and drinks!

    16825 W Yuma Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85338, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Lazy Palm Sports Bar and Grill

    beer burger

    Great food, Great drinks, Great people!

    76 N Old Litchfield Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  3. Dino’s Greek & Italian Grill & Bar

    salad

    Food is delicious and service is superb!

    1550 N Dysart Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85395, USA

    Bar website

    european - italian - $$

  4. Tailgaters Sports Grill

    Tailgaters Sports Grill

    Low-key sports bar featuring a menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizza, wings & more plus arcade games.

    5110 N Dysart Rd #124, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  5. La Bona Pasta

    JB Dawsons Restaurant Bar spaghetti

    Amazingly delicious Italian food and awesome service.

    13321 W Indian School Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  6. Raul and Theresa’s Mexican Restaurant

    La Isla mexican El Toro Bar Grill

    Authentic Mexican restaurant that makes great sauces which definitely makes great food!

    519 W Main St #1, Avondale, AZ 85323, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  7. Clubhouse Grill

    beer Billy Jacks Wing Draft Shack Roost Great American Pub

    Our Menu specializes in great bar food, with tantalizing entrees at a great value. If you have the appetite, we have the burgers, steaks, salads and appetizers that are right for you!

    14175 W Indian School Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85395, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  8. TJ’s Homestyle Restaurant

    Tooties Restaurant Burger Galaxy Diner Burger Chicken Box Restaurant Burger Buddys BBQ Burger TJs Restaurant Burger Lazy Palm Sports Bar and Grill Burger Skids Iggys Sports Grill

    Family-owned diner providing generous plates of traditional American fare in an unpretentious space.

    310 N Dysart Rd, Avondale, AZ 85323, USA

    623-932-0309

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant

    Manuel's Mexican Restaurant Mexican

    Colorful local chain cantina for casual Mexican fare & cocktails, with a sizable bar & patio.

    13319 W McDowell Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85395, USA

    623-435-3793

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  10. Red Allen’s Bar & Grill

    Reds Bar and Grill Bar

    Casual Wigwam resort grill serving burgers & all-day Southwestern fare overlooking the golf course.

    451 N Old Litchfield Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA

    623-856-1094

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Augie’s Sports Grill

    Mamas Country Showcase Beer 33 West Ale House and Grill Beer Tequila Hoppers Bar & Grill Beer Dee Fords West Beer Sams Hideaway Beer Augis Sports Grill Beer Tipperarys Pub Beer

    Compact sports bar offering daily & late-night happy hours, plus live music & bites in relaxed digs.

    15605 W Roosevelt St #100, Goodyear, AZ 85338, USA

    623-932-0001

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  12. Gus’s New York Pizza & Bar

    Guss New York Pizza & Bar Cocktails

    Casual pizzeria serving straightforward pies, eclectic comfort grub & beer till the wee hours.

    13824 W McDowell Rd #100, Goodyear, AZ 85395, USA

    623-935-4488

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  13. Ground Control

    Ground Control Beer

    Gathering place for wine, specialty coffees, beer tasting & eclectic meals in contemporary environs.

    4860 Litchfield Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA

    623-535-9066

    Bar website

    american - $$