INNINGS FESTIVAL IN FULL SWING RETURNS TO TEMPE FOR 5TH YEAR
The migration south in search of warmer weather has landed me and my home on wheels in the Phoenix area for the season. I’ve always been on the east coast during this time of year where, with the exception of Florida, we are relegated to indoor venues and fewer opportunities to experience live music. Because of its ability to host year round events, the city and suburbs of Phoenix typically see more shows during the cold months than other large cities across the nation. Winter is historically a dry time for outdoor music festivals, and although it may be in the desert, Arizona provides an oasis for artists and fans alike.
In February, while most of the nation is bundling up and defrosting their cars, you’ll find the Spring Training season for Major League Baseball heating up in the heart of sunny Arizona. The Cactus League, boasting 10 ballparks, facilitates many travelers looking to catch their favorite team’s practice, drawing over a million fans to Phoenix during the busy pre-season. Coinciding with the start of the exhibition games comes the 5th annual Innings Festival, an event to celebrate the sport of baseball, love of music, and delectable culinary treats. The festival is set to take place on February 25th & 26th 2023 at Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park, which overlooks the Rio Salado and Papago Mountains. The two day experience features three stages, aptly named Home Plate, Right Field, and Left Field, with upwards of twenty artists performing throughout the weekend amidst meet and greets with some of baseball’s star athletes.
Fans get to look forward to seeing some heavy hitters on stage for the 2023 exposition, including Green Day, Eddie Vedder, Weezer, The Black Crowes, Mt. Joy, and the Revivalists amongst other amazing artists. I appreciate the organizer’s attention to variety in the lineup. It makes the music appealing to people from all walks of life since there is a bit of something for everyone. Go from rocking out with gritty female fronted, The Pretty Reckless, to getting funky and dancing with Magic City Hippies, and rounding it all off by singing the lyrics to the nostalgic “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” alongside the punk legends, Green Day.
In addition to the all star lineup, there will be plenty of family friendly activities, with activities to hone in on your baseball skills. You can leap for the game saving catch, take a swing in the batting cages, or wind up your best fastball at the speed pitch area. If you plan on attending with a child I have good news - children seven and under have free entry with a ticketed adult! There are one-day and two-day tickets currently on sale starting at $112 & $209. There are also multiple upgrade options like GA+, VIP, and Platinum to customize your festival experience. Activities start at noon each day with performances wrapping up by 11:00pm. Be sure to allow yourself time to get to the park since there is no parking at the site. Innings Festival has compiled a resource for public transport and nearby parking lots to ensure their visitors a smooth arrival.
Grab your jerseys and caps and get ready to hit a home run at this year’s Spring Training tradition, which brings together fans of music and sports alike!
For more information on Innings Festival in Tempe, Arizona visit:
https://www.inningsfestival.com/arizona
Or check them out on socials!
