Brace yourselves, spring training is here. Every year, baseball fans from around the country come to Phoenix to drink beer, chow down on hot dogs, and cheer on their favorite team.

We’re here to help you sort through all the noise to get the best game day experience. We’ve already covered the NL West and NL Central.

Now? It’s time for the American League to get in on the fun. Whether you’re from the rainy Northwest or the plains of Texas, you won’t want to miss our guide to the AL West.

The Seattle Mariners

Location: Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria

Mariners fans make their annual pilgrimage from Seattle to Peoria to chase their beloved team (and some sunshine.) The Mariners spring training headquarters is at Peoria Sports Complex. This longstanding stadium has hosted the Mariners since 1994. You may not find fried grasshoppers like at Safeco Field, but the Craft Courtyard offers the next best thing for a taste of Seattle. It’s a craft brewery oasis filled with tasty microbrews from the Pacific Northwest.

The Mariners may play in Peoria, but it’s worth it to make a trek to Scottsdale. That’s where you’ll find Skeptical Chymist, a renowned Irish bar, and supporter of Seattle sports. You’ll find tasty pub fare, daily drink specials, and free-flowing Guinness at this fun hangout. Of course, you can never go wrong with Arizona’s famed Mexican food. You can get zesty tacos, burritos and quesadillas at Revolu Modern Taqueria, just half a mile from the stadium.

The Texas Rangers

Location: Surprise Stadium, Surprise

Everything is bigger in Texas. At least, everything is bigger inside the Texas Rangers Surprise Recreation Stadium Campus. In addition to hosting the Rangers, it also includes a number of fun attractions like a park, tennis courts, and aquatic center. The expansive stadium is equally as impressive thanks to a large, fan-friendly upper deck and the plaques commemorating famous Rangers’ heroes of yesteryear. It also has free parking on game day.

Surprise Stadium is located about 45 minutes northwest of Phoenix, so you’ll want to stay in the area for some postgame bites and refreshments. Your best bet? State 48 Brewery. This local brewery includes 23 different craft beers made in house. It also has a patio with lawn games and delicious burgers, pretzels and buffalo chicken dip.

The Oakland Athletics

Location: Hohokam Stadium, Mesa

You can enjoy a blast from the past at the newly renovated Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, which first hosted the Oakland Athletics in 1977. The A’s made a triumphant return back to this beloved facility in 2015. In addition to watching the Athletics on the field, fans can also enjoy Bay Area favorites like Ike’s Love and Sandwich inside the park.

Hohokam Stadium is less than two miles from downtown Mesa, which is full of fun local attractions and restaurants. A’s fans can cool down after the game at Mangos Mexican Cafe & Bakery in Old Town Mesa. They serve up mouthwatering burritos, nachos and tortas perfect for a postgame pick me up. You can also grab some adult beverages at Mesa Drummer, a classic dive located just half a mile from the stadium.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Location: Tempe Diablo Stadium, Tempe

The Dodgers might get all of the love from L.A. baseball fans, but the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim may have one thing going for them: Tempe Diablo Stadium. This beautiful stadium sits directly under the Twin Buttes mountain base. This presents an amazing, picturesque stadium experience with the best views in all of the Cactus League.

Angels fans can take full advantage of the stunning views by making post-game dinner reservations at the Top of the Rock Restaurant. It’s located at the Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes and comes with panoramic views of the city to go with fine-dining options like filet mignon. Angels fans can also travel to the nearby Mill Avenue for more casual beers and bites. It’s a 10-minute drive from the stadium and it boasts eateries and bars like Pedal Haus, Mellow Mushroom and The HandleBar. Cheers!

Is your team in the NL Central, AL Central or NL West? Check out the full #FrayLife guide to spring training in Phx!

If you’re looking to play during your free time, think about forming a corporate team with your colleagues! PHX Fray has got you covered with a variety of sport options and the best player perks.

View More Articles By John Kuells

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