Many Fans Unhappy With Indians' Goodyear Ballpark Complex

Indians Fans Feel Goodyear Ballpark's Setup Has Distanced Players Physically From Fans

Indians fans attending Spring Training games at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona, have "lashed out" at the new facility, according to Bob Young of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The fans' complaints haven't been with the "ballpark itself, but with the 'Recreational Complex' that includes the team's development facilities, clubhouse and practice fields." For some fans, the "only thing missing from the place is razor wire." Fan Randy Cuenot said the setup has "distanced the players physically from the fans. Newer isn't better. You can't get near anyone. There's security everywhere." Indians Dir of Media Relations Bart Swain, referring to the club's former spring home in Florida, said that the team is "aware some fans that had experienced Winter Haven's relaxed atmosphere are unhappy." Swain: "It's Year 1. Like anything, we'll try to adjust some things as we move along. Most of the complaints have been about the complex, not the stadium" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 3/12).

FANS FIRST: In Phoenix, Carrie Watters reported Spring Training in Arizona has "gotten bigger and bigger," while amenities have "gotten fancier and fancier." Goodyear Ballpark's right-field pavilion "accommodates 500 fans with a cash bar," and for $90-100 at Camelback Ranch, Dodgers and White Sox fans get "complimentary in-seat food service, water and sunscreen," among other items. Cactus League President Robert Brinton said that it is "all about market demand." Watters noted VIP options are "part of the evolution that accompanies spring training's success." Brinton: "It used to be about player conditioning. Now fan and sponsor conditioning is an important part of spring training" (AZCENTRAL.com, 3/11). SI.com's Jon Heyman wrote Camelback Ranch is "definitely among the nicer camps." It is also "about the friendliest, with fan access remaining a Dodgers hallmark." Heyman: "No matter what their team is like, the Dodger tradition of great public relations lives on." However, Heyman noted the facility is "missing the nostalgia of Dodgertown, L.A.'s beloved longtime spring home in Vero Beach" (SI.com, 3/11).