Yesterday, we posted the pre-sale code and on sale dates for the Arizona Diamondbacks inaugural spring training season at the brand new Salt River Field in North Scottsdale. Today we offer you the full list of ticket links and on sale dates for the rest of the Major League Baseball Cactus League (Spring Training) teams across the greater Phoenix Area.

Official Cactus League web page

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/tickets/spring_training.jsp?content=cactus

Arizona Diamondbacks – On Sale Monday – Pre-sale this weekend

http://www.azvibe.com/phoenix-entertainment/2011/01/12/d-backs-news-spring-training-pre-sale-code-and-fan-fest/

Tickets on Sale soon

San Francisco Giants – Thursday January 13th

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=sf

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – On Sale Saturday January 15th

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=ana

Colorado Rockies – On Sale Monday January 17th

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=col

Tickets on sale now

Oakland A’s – On Sale Now

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=oak

Cleveland Indians – On Sale now

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=cle

Texas Rangers – On Sale now

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=tex

Kansas City Royals – On Sale now

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=kc

Chicago Cubs – On Sale Now

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=chc

Cincinnati Reds – On Sale now

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=cin

Milwaukee Brewers  – On Sale now

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=mil

Los Angeles Dodgers – On Sale now

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=la

Chicago White Sox – On Sale now

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=cws

San Diego Padres – On Sale now

http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=sd&partnerId=ed-4352587-178088020

Seattle Mariners – On Sale now

http://mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=sea

Popularity: 8% [?]

Diamondbacks Spring Training Ticket Pre-sale

Spring Training is just around the corner as is the on sale ticket date for the brand new Salt River Fields, the new Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Spring Training tickets go on sale to the general public Monday January 17th at 10 AM Arizona time.

However, starting on Friday January 14th at 10 am Arizona Time to Sunday January 16th at 10 PM Arizona Time, the Diamondbacks will have pre-sale tickets available to all who use the password to the pre-sale event.

The password is:

SRFSPRING

For more information on Spring Training tickets and to purchase tickets Starting Friday at 10 AM, please refer to this link:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/spring_training/y2011/scottsdale.jsp?partnerId=ed-4362264-179002490

D-Backs Fan Fest returns in February

The Arizona Diamondbacks will host the seventh annual D-backs FanFest on Feb. 12 to the general public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chase Field. The free event will include autographs and photograph sessions with current players, coaches, alumni and broadcasters on the field at Chase Field.

D-backs players slated to attend include Brandon Allen, Geoff Blum, Sam Demel, Stephen Drew, Barry Enright, David Hernandez, John Hester, Daniel Hudson, Kelly Johnson, Ian Kennedy, Kam Mickolio, Miguel Montero, Melvin Mora, Kevin Mulvey, Xavier Nady, Jordan Norberto, Joe Paterson, J.J. Putz, Ryan Roberts, Joe Saunders, Konrad Schmidt, Daniel Stange, Brian Sweeney, Justin Upton, Chris Young and Zach Duke. Coaches participating include manager Kirk Gibson, hitting coach Don Baylor, pitching coach Charles Nagy, bullpen coach Glenn Sherlock, bench coach Alan Trammell, third base coach Matt Williams and first base coach Eric Young. Broadcasters Tom Candiotti, Mark Grace, Jeff Munn, Miguel Quintana, Greg Schulte, Oscar Soria and Daron Sutton will also be in attendance as well as Luis Gonzalez and other former D-backs players. All participants are subject to change without notice.

Autograph sessions with D-backs personnel will require a $5 donation to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and will be limited in quantity. Players will also participate in photo sessions free of charge. A special area will be available for children 12 and under to receive free autographs.

Other D-backs FanFest highlights include:
• D-backs home clubhouse tours
• Question and answer sessions with D-backs players, coaches, broadcasters and alumni
• Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation Yard Sale
• Family Fun Zone featuring speed pitch, T-ball and other interactive inflatables
• D-backs Training Centers Wiffle ball fields and clinics including D-backs players and coaches
• Sports card and memorabilia show
• Live Sports 620 KTAR broadcast throughout the day
• FOX Sports Arizona KidKaster auditions
• Sign ups to audition to sing the national anthem or be a Rally-back, Golden Glover or D-backs Legends Race participant

Popularity: 18% [?]

TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State University cornerback Omar Bolden, after consulting with family members, the ASU coaching staff and the National Football League, has decided to remain in school and play his senior season in 2011.

“I’ve built special relationships with these guys on the team,” said Bolden. “Not only are they teammates, but I see these guys as family. I wanted to finish that with them. I feel like I started something with them here and I feel like I need to finish it with my guys. I feel like we can be very special this upcoming season.”

Bolden, who was one of only four unanimous selections for the 2010 All-Pacific-10 Conference First-Team as selected by the league’s coaches, had spent the last month in fact-gathering mode while mulling a decision to declare for early entry to the 2011 NFL Draft.

“My family and I talked in great depth about weighing the pros and cons of leaving school early,” said Bolden. “I started off by thanking everyone in the beginning and I’d like to thank my coaches again. They have been very supportive through the whole decision making process. It was obvious that they wanted the best for me. They were going to support me in either decision I made. I’m just fortunate to be around a great coaching staff.”

Bolden, from Ontario, California, led ASU with three interceptions for 85 yards and one touchdown and collected 52 tackles, including 37 solo stops, in 2010. Bolden added three tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and one forced fumble. He also returned 11 kickoffs for 321 yards and a 29.2-yard average. He returned one 97 yards for a touchdown against Wisconsin. For his special teams play, Bolden also was named Second-Team All-Pac-10 Conference in 2010 as a kickoff return specialist.

In March of 2010 Bolden was granted an additional year of eligibility for the Sun Devil football team, as his medical hardship petition was approved by the Pac-10. Bolden missed almost the entire 2009 season due to injury.

“I’m ready to bring that Pac-12 Championship back to Tempe. I’m ready to set it off right for the 2011 season.”

Here’s the full video of his press conference:

Popularity: 8% [?]

Here’s today’s Scottsdale Greenbelt Surf report:

5-6 ft +

chest high occ. 5 ft.

EXCELLENT SURF CONDITIONS – AVERAGE JET SKI CONDITIONS

This is the Greenbelt surf report for Tuesday

Current Conditions: Excellent conditions at the moment for surfing from Scottsdale and Shea all the way to Tempe Town Lake. Winds are currently gusting up to 40-50 mph. Wind conditions are creating some very rideable waves. Jet skiers will love the conditions for tricks and whatnot as the SW swells will make for some very jump-able waves.

AM Report: Rain will slow down to a 30% chance but the winds will make for a very gnarly surf in the morning. Bring your wetsuits as the water will be cold in the morning.

WEATHER:

Rain and 14 mph wind from the SW gusting up to 22 mph – Later in the morning winds will be out of the W at 18 mph

Popularity: 2% [?]

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona State-Marist women’s basketball game originally scheduled for noon MT on Tues., Dec. 28 in Tempe, Ariz., has been canceled.

Earlier today the game was moved to Wed., Dec. 29 after it was determined that Marist would be unable to travel because of winter storms back East. However it was later concluded that the possibility of Marist being able to arrive in time for a game on Dec. 29 was also in doubt.

Wednesday was the latest possible date ASU could play because it opens Pacific-10 Conference play on Friday when it hosts Oregon State at 6:30 p.m.

There is no word on whether the teams will attempt to play the game later this season.

Fans who purchased tickets for the ASU-Marist game can use them at either of this weekend’s games: vs. Oregon State on Friday at 6:30 p.m. or vs. Oregon on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Popularity: 5% [?]

PBR returns to Jobing.com Arena, March 12-13
2010 event produced history-making 94-point ride by Jenkins

GLENDALE, Ariz. – You won’t need your whole seat … just the edge … when the Professional Bull Riders bring the Top 40 bull riders and the fiercest bucking bulls in the world to Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on March 12 & 13, 2011.

Fans in Glendale witnessed history in 2010 when L.J. Jenkins of Porum, Okla., became only the second man ever to ride Voodoo Child. Jenkins scored 94 points in the Built Ford Tough Championship Round to leapfrog four other riders and win the event. The score was the highest posted in the nationally-televised Built Ford Tough Series season.

Bull riding begins at 6:50 p.m. on March 12, and at 5 p.m. on March 13. Tickets are available at the Jobing.com Arena box office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, and by telephone at (480) 784-4444.

Fans will be able to experience two rounds of 8-second rides and jaw-dropping wrecks as the world’s best bull riders try to stay on animals 10 times their size. The scores from Saturday and Sunday will be combined, and the Top 10 riders will advance to the Built Ford Tough Championship Round on Sunday, where they will compete with one more bull. The rider with the highest total score after the championship round will be the winner.

Glendale is the 10th of 28 stops on the 2011 BFTS schedule. The season opens at world-famous Madison Square Garden on Jan. 7-9. It ends Oct. 26-30 in Las Vegas with the PBR World Finals, where the 2011 PBR World Champion will be crowned and awarded a $1 million bonus.

The BFTS is televised every week on VERSUS with select events being shown on NBC and CBS. Beginning in 2011, the telecasts will be produced by the PBR which has hired
the production company led by 30-time Emmy® Award winner and Peabody Award winner David Neal, who will serve as executive producer and creative lead.

About the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR)
The PBR is the world’s premier bull riding organization. More than 100 million viewers annually watch over 400 hours of primetime PBR programming on VERSUS, NBC, CBS and networks around the world. The PBR has awarded over $100 million in prize money and 20 riders have earned over $1 million, including Justin McBride with $5.5 million — the most of any western-sports athlete in history. The PBR was nominated as 2010 Sports League of the Year at the Sports Business Journal Sports Business Awards, alongside the National Football League, National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Nearly two million fans attend Built Ford Tough Series and Touring Pro Division events each year. For more information on the PBR, go to www.pbr.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamPBR and http://twitter.com/TEAMPBR.

About the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR)
The PBR is the world’s premier bull riding organization. More than 100 million viewers annually watch over 400 hours of primetime PBR programming on VERSUS, NBC, CBS and networks around the world. The PBR has awarded over $100 million in prize money and 20 riders have earned over $1 million, including Justin McBride with $5.5 million — the most of any western-sports athlete in history. The PBR was nominated as 2010 Sports League of the Year at the Sports Business Journal Sports Business Awards, alongside the National Football League, National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Nearly 2 million fans attend Built Ford Tough Series and Touring Pro Division events each year. For more information on the PBR, go to www.pbr.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamPBR and http://twitter.com/TEAMPBR.

Popularity: 7% [?]

This week, the Arizona Diamondbacks, in conjunction with the Colorado Rockies and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, have released the Spring Training schedule for the inaugural season of the Salt River Fields.

General admission lawn seating that will hold 4,000 people will be $8 and tickets for 7,000 reserved seats in the seating bowl will range from $15-$25. More specifically, ticket prices for games at Salt River Fields are: Infield Box $25, Dugout Reserve $21, Infield Reserve $20, Party Decks $19, Baseline Reserve $15 and Lawn $8.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community members and D-backs and Rockies season-ticket holders can purchase season-ticket plans for Spring Training games at Salt River Fields exclusively up to Dec. 4. Season-ticket plans for the each team’s home schedule at Salt River Fields and all 33 Cactus League games at Salt River Fields will go on sale to the public beginning on Dec. 6.

Individual game tickets for all 33 games at Salt River Fields will go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. (MST) on Jan 17. Tickets can be purchased in person at the D-backs Ticket Office at Chase Field, at dbacks.com/spring, coloradorockies.com/spring or by calling 888.490.0383 or 480.362.WINS (9467).

Tickets will also be available beginning at noon on Jan. 17 at the Salt River Fields temporary ticket office in the Scottsdale Pavilions, located at 8980 E. Indian Bend Rd., Suite D-6, in Scottsdale.

Below is the full 2011 Spring Training Schedule for the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks:

Salt river Fields at Talking Stick 2011 SPRING Training Schedule

Date                                       Home Team                          Opponent                                           Time

Saturday, February 26        D-backs                                  Colorado Rockies                               1:10 p.m.

Sunday, February 27           D-backs                                  San Francisco Giants                          1:10 p.m.

Monday, February 28         D-backs                                  Colorado Rockies                               1:10 p.m.

Tuesday, March 1                Rockies                                  Arizona Diamondbacks                     1:10 p.m.

Wednesday, March 2          D-backs                                  Seattle Mariners (ss)                         1:10 p.m.

Thursday, March 3               Rockies                                  San Francisco Giants                          1:10 p.m.

Friday, March 4                    D-backs                                  San Diego Padres                               1:10 p.m.

Saturday, March 5               D-backs                                  Texas Rangers                                     1:10 p.m.

Sunday, March 6                  Rockies                                  Cleveland Indians                               1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 7                Rockies                                  Los Angeles Dodgers                         1:10 p.m.

Tuesday, March 8                Rockies                                  Chicago Cubs                                      1:10 p.m.

Wednesday, March 9          D-backs                                  Milwaukee Brewers                          1:10 p.m.

Thursday, March 10            D-backs                                  Chicago White Sox                             6:40 p.m.

Friday, March 11                  Rockies                                  Kansas City Royals                              1:10 p.m.

Saturday, March 12             Rockies (ss)                           San Diego Padres                               1:10 p.m.

Rockies (ss)                           Arizona Diamondbacks (ss)              6:40 p.m.

Sunday, March 13                D-backs                                  Chicago Cubs                                      1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 14              Rockies                                  Cincinnati Reds                                   1:10 p.m.

Tuesday, March 15              D-backs                                  San Francisco Giants                          6:40 p.m.

Wednesday, March 16       D-backs                                  Los Angeles Angels                            1:10 p.m.

Thursday, March 17            Rockies                                  Chicago White Sox                             1:10 p.m.

Friday, March 18                  Rockies                                  Milwaukee Brewers                          1:10 p.m.

Saturday, March 19             D-backs                                  Cincinnati Reds                                   1:10 p.m.

Sunday, March 20                Rockies                                  Los Angeles Angels                            1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 21              D-backs                                  Los Angeles Dodgers                         6:40 p.m.

Tuesday, March 22              D-backs                                  Cleveland Indians                               1:10 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23       Rockies                                  Seattle Mariners                                6:40 p.m.

Thursday, March 24            D-backs                                  Oakland Athletics                               1:10 p.m.

Friday, March 25                  Rockies                                  Texas Rangers                                     6:40 p.m.

Saturday, March 26             D-backs                                  Kansas City Royals                              1:10 p.m.

Sunday, March 27                Rockies                                  Oakland Athletics                               1:10 p.m.

Monday, March 28              D-backs                                  Texas Rangers                                     1:10 p.m.

Tuesday, March 29              Rockies                                  Seattle Mariners                                1:10 p.m.

All times local to Arizona; (ss) — split squad

Popularity: 23% [?]

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks had a busy day today announcing a bunch of news from all levels of their organization. Most of the news will something Diamondbacks fans will want to read.

First of the Arizona Diamondbacks in conjunction with the Colorado Rockies and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community announced ticket prices for their inaugural spring training in 2011.

General Admission Lawn seating will be $8 – Capacity 4,000

Reserved ticket pricing is as follows – Capacity 7,000

Infield Box $25
Dugout Reserve $21
Infield Reserve – $20
Party Decks – $19
Baseline Reserve – $15
Lawn – $8

“Consistent with our pricing for regular-season games at Chase Field, D-backs’ Spring Training games at Salt River Fields will be affordable for families to endure the finest fan experience throughout the Cactus League next year,” said D-backs’ President & CEO Derrick Hall. “The ballpark is designed to offer plenty of shade for fans in the reserved seating bowl while also having the largest lawn seating area in the Cactus League for fans wanting to watch a game from a more casual point of view. The entire facility will provide an interactive fan-friendly experience to get close to the players as they prepare for the 2011 season.”

Next, the D-Backs announced they have signed infielder Jeff Blum to a two year contract. Blum, 37, hit .267 (54-for-202) with 22 runs scored, 10 doubles, a triple, 2 home runs and 22 RBI in 93 games for the Houston Astros last season.

“The signing of Geoff Blum is the first step in identifying how we can improve Kirk Gibson’s options off the bench next season,” General Manger Towers said. “Geoff is a veteran that can play nearly every position on the field while also having the experience of contributing to key situations late in the game as a pinch-hitter off of the bench.”

The next bit of news is that the D-Backs announced that they have named Billy Ryan Assistant General Manager.

Ryan spent the previous three seasons in the Commissioner’s Office for Major League Baseball as the Senior Coordinator of Salary & Contract Administration, acting as a liaison for all 30 clubs with respect to Major League rules, the Basic Agreement and other contractual and industry practices. He also was directly involved with recommendations to clubs regarding the salary arbitration process and signing bonuses related to amateur players selected in the First-Year Player Draft.

“I am delighted to have Billy join our Baseball Operations staff at the D-backs,” Towers said. “He brings an incredible amount of knowledge with him in the areas of salary arbitration and bonus recommendations related to the First-Year Player Draft after working in the Commissioner’s Office.”

Finally D-backs Senior Vice President, Scouting & Player Development Jerry Dipoto announced that Mike Bell has been promoted to Director, Player Development after Rico Brogna resigned from the post he was appointed to last month.

“Mike has earned this opportunity after exhibiting tremendous character, passion, preparation and leadership skills during his tenure in the D-backs’ player development system,” Dipoto said. “He also brings the unique experiences gathered during a lifelong exposure to the game as a member of baseball’s most respected families. We all respect Rico’s decision to resign as Director, Player Development and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Popularity: 6% [?]

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks announced that Kirk Gibson has signed a two year deal with the ball club to become the sixth manager in team history. Gibson was named interim manager when former manager AJ Hinch was released from his duties in July of 2010.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to team up with Kirk Gibson,” D-Backs Executive Vice President and General Manager Kevin Towers said in a prepared statement. “I feel Kirk and I share similar values and philosophies about what this organization needs to do to get back to its championship ways.”

The Diamondbacks also announced that they have promoted Jerry Dipoto to Senior Vice President of Scouting and Player Development. Dipoto was named interim General Manager when former General Manager Josh Byrnes was relieved of his duties in July 2010.

“Jerry has been a huge asset to the D-backs and will continue be with this highly deserved promotion in the baseball operations department,” GM Kevin Towers said in a prepared statement. “I am looking forward to spending more time with Jerry and learn more about the organization from him as we work together to improve the club throughout the offseason.”

In other moves today, the Diamondbacks announced that they will retain Matt Williams and Glen Sherlock for Gibson’s coaching staff for the 2011 regular season. Third base coach Joel Youngblood will be taking a position in the D-Backs minor league system while pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr was offered a different position in the D-Backs organization. D-Backs hitting coach Jack Howell and Bench Coach Bo Porter were not retained by the Diamondbacks.

Popularity: 5% [?]

PHOENIX-Fox Sports Arizona announced their high school football schedule for the upcoming season. Fox Sports Arizona and the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) have teamed up to bring fans 16 games this season. Games (schedule below) will be broadcast on Fox Sports Arizona or for free via FoxSportsArizona.com.

“Our coverage of AIA football adds even more options to our unmatched lineup of local sports programming,” said Mike Connelly, FOX Sports Arizona Senior Vice President & General Manager. “Our partnership with the AIA continues to grow and having games available on FOXSportsArizona.com makes our digital platform even stronger. Showcasing games on the website allows the players’ and coaches’ family and friends living outside Arizona and New Mexico to watch them as well.”

Games will be broadcast by either Fox Sports Arizona’s Brad Steinke or Mark McClune along with color analysis by either John Fina or Bryan Ollie.

Here’s the full Fox Sports Arizona 2010 High School Football broadcast schedule:

Friday, Sept. 3 St. Mary’s @ Sandra Day O’Connor – 7:00 pm (FOXSportsArizona.com)

Friday, Sept. 10 Paradise Valley @ Arcadia – 7:00 pm (FOXSportsArizona.com)

Thursday, Sept. 16 Sunnyside @ Mountain View – 7:00 pm (FOX Sports Arizona)
Thursday, Sept. 16 Centennial @ Brophy – 7:00 pm (FOXSportsArizona.com)

Friday, Sept. 24 Basha @ Gilbert – 7:00 p.m. (FOXSportsArizona.com)

Friday, Sept. 30 Horizon @ Mesa – 7:00 pm (FOX Sports Arizona)

Friday, Oct. 1 Red Mountain at Brophy – 7:00 pm (FOXSportsArizona.com)

Friday, Oct. 8 Catalina Foothills @ Canyon De Oro – 7:00 pm (FOXSportsArizona.com)

Friday, Oct. 15 Arcadia @ Notre Dame Prep – 7:00 pm (FOX Sports Arizona)
Friday, Oct. 15 Chandler @ Red Mountain – 7:00 pm (FOXSportsArizona.com)

Friday, Oct. 22 Brophy @ Hamilton – 7:00 pm (FOX Sports Arizona)
Friday, Oct. 22 Horizon @ North Canyon – 7:00 pm (FOXSportsArizona.com)

Friday, Oct. 29 Salpointe @ Tucson – 7:00 pm (FOXSportsArizona.com)

Thursday, Nov. 4 Millennium @ Westview – 7:00 pm (FOX Sports Arizona)

Friday, Nov. 5 Salpointe @ Sunnyside – 7:00 pm (FOXSportsArizona.com)

Popularity: 18% [?]

PHOENIX-On August 18th during the broadcast of ‘WEC: Cruz vs. Benavidez’ on Versus, the winner of the ‘Hometown Takedown’, a contest sponsored by AMP Energy drink, was announced.

Getting over 70,000, votes Phoenix will host a ‘World Extreme Cagefighting’ (WEC) event December 16th at the Jobing.com Arena.  More details about the event will be announced in the coming days.

“On behalf of AMP Energy and the WEC, we would like to congratulate the city of Phoenix for winning the Hometown Takedown contest,” said Justin Toman, Marketing Manager, AMP Energy. “There was tremendous support for the program all around the country and it was a close call between the top three cities. We know MMA fans in Phoenix will rally around this amazing opportunity.”

Popularity: 5% [?]

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY (Arizona)-The HKS Sports & Entertainment Group, designers of many world class sports facilities like the new Cowboys Stadium (Irving, Texas), Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI), and the new Glendale Spring Training Facility (Spring Training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox), today released design photos for the new Salt River Fields.

Salt River Fields will be the new Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Avalanche.

The new design photos for the new Salt River Fields have also been uploaded to our Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/azvibe

“We wanted to reinvent the fan experience of spring training by designing a distinctive destination that focuses on fan connectivity to the players while creating a unique environment that embodies the character, values and culture of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks,” said Byron Chambers, director of sports design, HKS Sports & Entertainment Group.

Built on 140 acres of Native American land, Salt River Fields will be leveraged 365 days a year with many and various events, in addition to Spring Training, that will help the area economy immensely.

Here’s some quick stats about Salt River Fields:

• Opens February 1, 2011
• Located at Highway 101 and Indian Bend
• It’s the first spring training facility to be build on Native American land
• Both the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks will have separate training facilities
• Features an 11,000 seat central stadium
• 12 practice fields
• Parking available for 1,600 vehicles
• The community theme for the ballpark is ‘Two Teams – Two Tribes – One Home’.  The Two teams are the Diamondbacks and the Rockies.  The Two tribes are the Pima and Maricopa tribes.
• Will allow fans to watch Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies players practice up close and personal

“This is the most uniquely designed facility in all of baseball,” said D-backs’ President & CEO Derrick Hall. “It exudes friendliness and comfort, which was our intention from the outset. We preach fan-friendliness every day at Chase Field and are proud to know that the same approach will be present at our new spring training complex.”

Popularity: 8% [?]

PHOENIX-Now that the Major League Baseball deadline has passed, here’s a quick summary of the salary dumping trades that the Arizona Diamondbacks were involved in:

July 25th – Dan Haren traded to The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Saunders, two prospects and a player to be named later – The Arizona Diamondbacks announced today they have acquired left-handed pitchers Joe Saunders and Patrick Corbin, right-handed pitcher Rafael Rodriguez and a player to be named later from the Los Angeles Angels for right-handed pitcher Dan Haren, according to D-backs’ interim General Manager Jerry Dipoto.

July 30 – P Jackson traded to the Chicago White Sox for Hudson, Holmberg - The Arizona Diamondbacks announced today they have acquired right-handed pitcher Dan Hudson and left-handed pitcher David Holmberg from the Chicago White Sox for right-handed pitcher Edwin Jackson, according to D-backs’ interim General Manager Jerry Dipoto

July 31 – P Chad Qualls traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for a player to be named later

July 31 – C Chris Snyder, Minor leaguer Pedro Ciriaco and cash to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Carrasco, Church and Crosby.
– The Diamondbacks send Catcher Chris Snyder, Minor League player Pedro Ciriaco and $3 Million Dollars to the Pirates for Pitcher D.J. Carrasco, Infielder Ryan Church and Infielder Bobby Crosby.

When all was said and done, the Diamondbacks unloaded approximately $25 million in salary (according to ESPN.com), received some great prospects in return, and will be in a great position to re-tool their lineup for next season. In the short term, D-backs fans may not like these deals but in the long run, this will help out the club not only on the field but in the stability of their entire organization.

Popularity: 5% [?]

PHOENIX-Tonight in Anaheim, California the eyes of all Major League Baseball fans will be glued to there televisions sets for the Home Run Derby which begins the 2010 All Star Game festivities. Diamondbacks fans will be wanting to tune in as their lone All-Star Game representative, Chris Young, will be participating in the Home Run Derby.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Young said. “No matter what the results are, just to be able to say you were in the Home Run Derby is pretty cool. I am going to go out there and compete and make the best out of it.”

The Home Run Derby begins at 5:00 PM Arizona Time on ESPN.

The Home Run Derby Participants are as follows:

Miguel Cabrera – Detroit
Corey Hart – Milwalkee
Matt Holliday – St. Louis
David Ortiz – Boston
Hanley Ramirez – Florida
Nick Swisher – New York Yankess
Vernon Wells – Toronto
Chris Young – Arizona

Popularity: 6% [?]

AZ Vibe is proud to announce the launching of our brand new dedicated website dedicated to all things ASU Athletics. Our goal is to provide not only coverage of the major sports but also coverage of sports you may not always hear about like aquatics events and the ASU Hockey team.

Make sure you bookmark this site and get ready for some great stories!

http://asu.azvibe.com

Stay tuned….we’re going to be rolling out another dedicated sports website in the next few weeks!

Popularity: 9% [?]