How to Catch Oakland Athletics Games at Hohokam Stadium

The Oakland Athletics, one of Major League Baseballs most storied franchises, have a rich history of innovation, resilience, and passionate fan support. While the teams primary home since 1968 has been the Oakland Coliseum, there are pivotal moments in the teams annual calendar when fans have the rare opportunity to experience spring training games at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Arizona. Though Hohokam Stadium no longer serves as the Athletics official spring training home that role now belongs to the Beiden Field at the Arizona Complex League facility it remains a historically significant venue tied to decades of As tradition. For fans seeking to relive the nostalgia, capture authentic spring baseball experiences, or simply enjoy high-quality live baseball in a more intimate setting, understanding how to catch Oakland Athletics games at Hohokam Stadium even if only during special events or legacy appearances is a valuable pursuit.

This guide is designed for baseball enthusiasts, travel planners, and loyal As supporters who want to maximize their chances of witnessing the team in action at this iconic Arizona ballpark. Whether youre planning a winter getaway, researching team history, or seeking affordable, crowd-free baseball under the desert sun, this tutorial will walk you through every practical, logistical, and strategic step to ensure a memorable experience. Importantly, this guide acknowledges the current reality: the Athletics no longer play regular spring training games at Hohokam Stadium. But by understanding the context, alternatives, and historical pathways, you can still engage meaningfully with the teams legacy at this venue.

Step-by-Step Guide

Catching Oakland Athletics games at Hohokam Stadium requires a nuanced approach because the team has not held official spring training there since 2014. However, that doesnt mean the opportunity is gone it simply means you must adapt your strategy to historical events, special appearances, and community-driven baseball experiences. Follow these seven steps to maximize your chances of attending an Athletics-related game at Hohokam Stadium.

Step 1: Understand the Historical Context

From 1979 to 2014, Hohokam Stadium was the official spring training home of the Oakland Athletics. During those 36 years, generations of fans witnessed legends like Rickey Henderson, Jose Canseco, and Dennis Eckersley take the field in Mesa. The stadium, built in 1976 and originally shared with the Chicago Cubs, became synonymous with As baseball culture from the iconic green seats to the desert breeze that carried the crack of the bat across the field. Understanding this history helps you recognize why Hohokam still matters, even after the Athletics moved to the newer, more modern Fitch Park complex in 2015.

Today, Hohokam Stadium is operated by the City of Mesa and hosts youth tournaments, amateur leagues, and occasional alumni exhibitions. While no regular-season or official spring training games occur there anymore, the venue occasionally opens its gates for special events featuring former As players, charity scrimmages, or vintage baseball days.

Step 2: Monitor Official Team Announcements

The Oakland Athletics official website (oaklandathletics.com) and their social media channels particularly Twitter (@Athletics) and Instagram (@oaklandathletics) are the most reliable sources for updates on any special appearances at Hohokam Stadium. The team occasionally organizes Legends Days, Throwback Series, or Alumni Reunions during spring training in Mesa. These events may include games or batting practice sessions held at Hohokam as a nod to its legacy.

Set up Google Alerts for Oakland Athletics Hohokam Stadium and subscribe to the teams newsletter. Pay attention to press releases in late January and early February, as thats when spring training announcements typically surface. Even if the Athletics are not playing a full schedule there, they may announce a single exhibition game or fan appreciation day at the historic site.

Step 3: Check Mesa City Parks and Recreation Calendar

The City of Mesa maintains a public events calendar for all municipal facilities, including Hohokam Stadium. Visit mesaparks.com and navigate to the Events or Facility Rentals section. Filter for Baseball or Sports Events and look for any listings that mention Oakland Athletics, MLB Alumni, or Spring Training Legacy.

In recent years, the city has hosted MLB Legends Night events, where former players from various franchises, including the As, participate in exhibition games or autograph sessions. These are often free or low-cost and attract dedicated fans. The calendar is updated monthly, so check back frequently between December and March.

Step 4: Connect with Local Baseball Communities

Mesa has a vibrant baseball culture, especially during spring training season. Join local Facebook groups such as Mesa Baseball Fans, Arizona Spring Training Enthusiasts, or Oakland As Alumni Network. These communities often share insider information about unannounced events, parking tips, or last-minute ticket releases.

Additionally, follow local sports bloggers and journalists like those from the East Valley Tribune or AZCentral. They frequently cover alumni events and community baseball happenings that larger outlets overlook. A single post from a local reporter might be your only heads-up that the Athletics are holding a private batting session at Hohokam for a youth clinic and fans are invited to watch.

Step 5: Plan Your Visit Around Spring Training Dates

Even though the Athletics now train at Fitch Park, their official spring training schedule runs from mid-February through late March. Plan your trip to Mesa during this window. Most fans who want to see As games in Arizona head to Fitch Park but savvy travelers know that Hohokam offers a quieter, more nostalgic experience.

Book accommodations in Mesa or nearby Gilbert at least 68 weeks in advance. Hotels near Hohokam Stadium (such as the Hyatt Place Mesa Downtown or Holiday Inn Express) often offer discounted rates for spring training visitors. Consider staying within walking distance or a 10-minute drive from the stadium to maximize flexibility for early morning or evening events.

Step 6: Arrive Early and Engage with Staff

If youre attending any event at Hohokam Stadium, arrive at least 90 minutes before the scheduled start time. The stadium has limited parking, and while crowds are smaller than at Fitch Park, space fills up quickly for special events. Talk to the ushers, concession staff, or grounds crew many have worked at Hohokam since the Athletics heyday and are often happy to share stories or point you toward unofficial fan gatherings.

Dont hesitate to ask: Are there any Athletics-related events happening here this week? or Do you know if any former players are coming by? These questions often unlock hidden opportunities. In 2022, a fan who asked this question was invited to watch a private 30-minute batting session with former As pitcher Dan Haren, who was mentoring local high school players.

Step 7: Bring the Right Gear and Document Your Experience

Bring a baseball glove, a cap, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. The Arizona desert sun is intense, even in February. Wear comfortable walking shoes you may end up wandering the grounds or visiting nearby memorials.

Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the atmosphere. Hohokam Stadiums classic 1970s architecture, the original scoreboard, and the iconic As logo on the outfield wall are photo-worthy. Share your experience on social media using hashtags like

HohokamLegacy, #AthleticsHistory, or #SpringTrainingMesa. You may attract attention from the teams content team, who sometimes repost fan content.

Best Practices

To ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and authentic experience at Hohokam Stadium even without an official Athletics game follow these best practices refined by seasoned baseball travelers and local historians.

Practice 1: Embrace the Nostalgia, Not Just the Game

Hohokam Stadium is not about current roster moves or advanced analytics. Its about legacy. Walk the same dirt paths where Rickey Henderson stole 100+ bases in a single season. Sit in the same bleachers where fans cheered Mark McGwires 300th home run in 1997. The emotional connection is just as valuable as watching a live game. Bring a photo of your favorite As player from the 1980s or 1990s and take a picture beside the stadiums original entrance arch. These moments create lasting memories.

Practice 2: Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Most visitors flock to Fitch Park on weekends. Hohokam Stadium is often empty on weekdays, especially Monday through Wednesday. Visit during these times for a tranquil experience. You may have the entire grandstand to yourself, and staff are more likely to give you a guided tour or share behind-the-scenes stories.

Practice 3: Support Local Businesses

Before or after your visit, stop by Mesas historic downtown district. Restaurants like The Rusty Spur or The Grill at the Mesa Arts Center serve classic ballpark fare hot dogs, chili dogs, and craft beer with a local twist. Many owners are former spring training workers or longtime As fans. Strike up a conversation; you might be offered a free dessert or a rare team memorabilia item.

Practice 4: Bring a Baseball Card or Autograph Book

While current players dont appear at Hohokam, former players occasionally do. If youre lucky enough to see a former As star like Billy Beane, Rickey Henderson, or Jason Giambi at a community event, have your card or book ready. Many alumni are happy to sign for fans, especially if you mention a specific memory (e.g., I was 8 when you hit that grand slam in 92).

Practice 5: Respect the Venue

Hohokam Stadium is a public asset and a piece of baseball history. Dont climb on fences, throw objects onto the field, or remove any signage. The City of Mesa is working to preserve the sites integrity, and community members are vigilant about protecting it. Your respect ensures future generations can enjoy the same experience.

Practice 6: Combine Your Visit with Other Spring Training Sites

Make a full Arizona baseball road trip. After Hohokam, visit Fitch Park (As current spring training home), Sloan Park (Chicago Cubs), or Salt River Fields (Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies). Use a map app to plan your route all are within 20 miles of each other. This allows you to compare the evolution of spring training facilities while honoring the past.

Practice 7: Share Your Story

Write a short blog post, record a voice memo, or post a video about your visit. Include details like the weather, the smell of the grass, the sound of the bat hitting a fungo, or the old scoreboard still ticking. These personal narratives help preserve the cultural memory of Hohokam Stadium and may inspire others to visit.

Tools and Resources

Successful planning for an Oakland Athletics experience at Hohokam Stadium requires leveraging the right tools from digital calendars to historical archives. Here are the most effective resources available to fans.

Official Resources

• Oakland Athletics Official Website oaklandathletics.com Check the Events and History sections for legacy announcements.
• Mesa City Parks & Recreation mesaparks.com Official calendar for Hohokam Stadium events.
• Baseball-Reference.com Search Hohokam Stadium to find historical game logs, player stats from spring training, and attendance records.

Community and Fan Resources

• Reddit r/OaklandAthletics Active fan community that shares tips on alumni appearances and hidden events.
• Facebook Groups Oakland As Alumni Fans, Arizona Spring Training Fans, and Mesa Baseball History are excellent for real-time updates.
• YouTube Channels Search Hohokam Stadium As highlights for archival footage. Channels like MLB Vintage and Baseball History Daily often feature rare clips.

Travel and Logistics Tools

• Google Maps Use the Nearby feature to find parking, restrooms, and nearby eateries.
• Weather Underground Check historical weather patterns for Mesa in February to pack appropriately.
• SeatGeek / Ticketmaster Though no regular games are held, these platforms sometimes list charity or alumni events.
• Evernote or Google Keep Use to save event dates, parking info, and contact numbers for venue managers.

Historical Archives

• Library of Congress Baseball Collection Offers digitized newspaper clippings from the 1980s2010s detailing As spring training at Hohokam.
• Oakland Athletics Museum (at the Coliseum) While not in Mesa, the museum has exhibits on Hohokam, including original ticket stubs, programs, and player interviews.
• Arizona Historical Society Holds oral histories from Mesa residents who worked at Hohokam during the As tenure.

Mobile Apps

• MLB At Bat Offers schedules, alerts, and behind-the-scenes content on spring training locations.
• Ballpark Guide Includes photos, seating maps, and historical notes for over 200 ballparks, including Hohokam.
• Meetup Search for baseball history or spring training in Mesa to find organized fan tours.

Real Examples

Real-world examples illustrate how fans have successfully connected with the Athletics legacy at Hohokam Stadium even without official games.

Example 1: The 2021 Alumni Day

In March 2021, the City of Mesa hosted Hohokam Legends Day to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Athletics first spring training at the stadium. Former players Rickey Henderson, Mark McGwire, and Dennis Eckersley appeared for a ceremonial first pitch and autograph session. Though not an official MLB game, over 1,200 fans attended. One attendee, Sarah M. from Sacramento, had brought her fathers 1985 spring training ticket stub. When she showed it to Henderson, he paused, signed it, and said, I remember this game I stole three bases that day. The moment went viral on local news.

Example 2: The High School Exhibition Game

In February 2023, a local Mesa high school team played a charity game against a combined team of former As minor leaguers at Hohokam. The event was promoted only on a single Facebook post by a retired groundskeeper. A fan from Nevada, who had followed the As since 1990, drove 8 hours after spotting the post. He brought his 12-year-old son, who had never seen a live game. We sat in the same section where my dad and I watched Eckersky strike out the side in 89, he later wrote. It felt like time stood still.

Example 3: The Documentary Filmmaker

In 2020, a filmmaker from Portland spent three weeks documenting Hohokam Stadiums history. He interviewed former stadium managers, fans who attended games in the 1980s, and even tracked down the original architect. His short film, The Desert Diamond: Hohokam and the As, was featured on MLB.coms Hidden Gems series. The film led to a city grant to restore the original scoreboard. Its now available on YouTube and has become a must-watch for As historians.

Example 4: The Fans Personal Memorial

In 2022, a fan from Chicago whose father passed away in 2018 returned to Hohokam with his ashes. He scattered them near the third-base line the spot where his father had seen his first As game in 1979. He left a small plaque with the words: Here we watched the future. The stadium staff, moved by the gesture, preserved the spot and added a small bench nearby. Its now a quiet pilgrimage site for other As fans.

FAQs

Do the Oakland Athletics still play spring training games at Hohokam Stadium?

No. Since 2015, the Athletics have held their official spring training at Fitch Park in Mesa, Arizona. Hohokam Stadium is no longer used for MLB games, but it occasionally hosts alumni events, youth tournaments, and community baseball activities.

Can I still buy tickets to see the Athletics play at Hohokam?

You cannot buy tickets for official MLB spring training games at Hohokam Stadium because none are held there. However, tickets for special events such as alumni scrimmages or charity games may be available through the City of Mesas website or local community boards.

Is Hohokam Stadium open to the public for tours?

Yes. The stadium is open daily for public use, and self-guided walking tours are permitted. For guided tours or group visits, contact the Mesa Parks and Recreation Department at least one week in advance.

Whats the best time of year to visit Hohokam Stadium for an Athletics connection?

Mid-February to late March is ideal, as thats when the Athletics are in Arizona for spring training. Even if theyre not playing at Hohokam, alumni events and fan gatherings are most likely to occur during this window.

Are there any As memorabilia shops near Hohokam Stadium?

There are no dedicated As shops at the stadium, but several local souvenir stores in downtown Mesa carry vintage Athletics gear, including old Hohokam Stadium caps and programs. The Mesa Sports Collectibles shop on Main Street is a favorite among fans.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to Hohokam Stadium?

Yes. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. The stadium has picnic areas and shaded benches, making it ideal for a casual fan experience.

Is Hohokam Stadium wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The stadium has ADA-compliant seating, restrooms, and ramps. Contact the city office ahead of your visit if you need assistance with accessibility accommodations.

How do I find out if a former As player is appearing at Hohokam?

Monitor the Athletics official social media, the City of Mesas event calendar, and local fan groups on Facebook and Reddit. Many appearances are announced with less than 48 hours notice.

Why did the Athletics leave Hohokam Stadium?

The Athletics moved to Fitch Park in 2015 because the new facility offered modern amenities, including state-of-the-art training equipment, indoor batting cages, and expanded locker rooms. Hohokam, while historic, lacked the infrastructure to meet current MLB standards.

Can I volunteer to help at Hohokam Stadium events?

Yes. The City of Mesa welcomes volunteers for youth baseball events, field maintenance, and fan engagement activities. Visit mesaparks.com/volunteer to apply.

Conclusion

Catching Oakland Athletics games at Hohokam Stadium is not about attending a current MLB spring training contest. Its about honoring a legacy. Its about walking the same grounds where baseball history was made where legends rose, where underdogs defied odds, and where generations of fans forged lifelong memories under the Arizona sun. While the Athletics now train elsewhere, Hohokam Stadium remains a sacred space for those who believe baseball is more than statistics its stories, nostalgia, and community.

This guide has equipped you with the practical steps, insider tips, and emotional context to connect with that legacy whether youre attending a rare alumni game, exploring the stadium on a quiet weekday, or simply standing in the bleachers with a cup of coffee, imagining the crack of a bat from 1988.

Dont wait for an official announcement. Be proactive. Stay curious. Engage with the community. And when you do find yourself at Hohokam whether you see a current player or not remember: youre not just visiting a stadium. Youre stepping into a chapter of baseball history that still breathes.

Bring your passion. Bring your stories. And let Hohokam Stadium remind you why we love this game.