In my maiden voyage to Spring Training, I lived the high life on Tuesday, sitting just seven rows behind the Rangers' dugout at Surprise Stadium for $26.
On Thursday with the blazing desert sun not being a factor, we decided to take in a night game from the cheap seats, and it definitely had its pros.
Sure, the vantage point is a bit wacky from 400-plus feet in front of home plate, but have you ever watched a pro baseball game sprawled out on blankets, barefoot in the coolest, most lush grass you've ever set your bare feet on? I hadn't either, until Thursday's loss to the Brewers.
There is a lot to be said for sitting close, but with a 2-year-old,… https://t.co/6a0w2Ukzfs
The lawn was great for families, as our toddler was able to run around and be as crazy as she wanted with no seats or aisles to hold her back. I missed it, but tons of people vouched for what might've been the highlight of the trip so far as Adrian Beltre was jogging on the warning track in pregame and my 2-year-old Super Ranger fan daughter yelled "Go Beltre!" at the top of her little lungs. He smiled and waved at her.
That might've turned the tide on her favorite Ranger, who has always been Shin-Soo Choo. Choo hasn't played in either of the games we've been to and has been nowhere to be seen, and Beltre's waving and smiling at her from 20 feet away!
Anyway, back to the game environment. When the sun went down in the first or second inning, it was suddenly a beautiful night in the 70s or maybe low 80s. But that grass. Man, that grass. It was so lush and cold, it no lie made you chilly — so much so that when the game ended you were actually cold and warmed up when you left the lawn and made the change to concrete.
It was definitely a family-friendly experience, whether it was the best seats or not, and if you have little ones, I can't recommend enough sitting on the lawn for a night game.
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TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 13: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers signs autographs for fans prior to the spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 13, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Infielder Prince Fielder #84 of the Texas Rangers reacts during the cactus leauge spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Patrick Kivlehan #67 of the Texas Rangers in the dugout before the cactus leauge spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Outfielder Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers throws a ball during the cactus leauge spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Manager Jeff Banister #28 of the Texas Rangers watches from the bench during the cactus leauge spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Starting pitcher Colby Lewis #48 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of the cactus leauge spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Outfielder Delino DeShields #3 of the Texas Rangers catches a fly ball during the cactus leauge spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Elvis Andrus #1 of the Texas Rangers on deck during the cactus leauge spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Shin-Soo Choo #17 of the Texas Rangers during the cactus leauge spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Rougned Odor #12 of the Texas Rangers during the cactus leauge spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Ryan Rua #16 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Kansas City Royals during the cactus leauge spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Justin Ruggiano #25 of the Texas Rangers on deck during the cactus leauge spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Tim Ciesco, NBC 5 Arlington Reporter
Yu Darvish is throwing again today. The Rangers ace is coming off Tommy John surgery.
Tim Ciesco, NBC 5 Arlington Reporter
Pitchers just walked out onto the field. Rangers say Yu Darvish may get some more work in today.
Tim Ciesco, NBC 5 Arlington Reporter
Cole Hamels putting in work too!
Tim Ciesco, NBC 5 Arlington Reporter
First practices are underway!
Tim Ciesco, NBC 5 Arlington Reporter
Adrian Beltre getting some batting practice in.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Slugger Josh Hamilton on crutches in Surprise, Arizona, Feb. 24, 2016.
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers sits down during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers practices during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers practices during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers throws during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers throws during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers signs autographs during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Colby Lewis #48 of the Texas Rangers signs autographs during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers throws during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Manager Jeff Banister of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Bench coach Steve Buechele of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Bench coach Steve Buechele of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers arrives to a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Texas Rangers pitchers and catchers participate in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Texas Rangers coaches, pitchers and catchers participate in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Colby Lewis #48 of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers talks with fans during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish (second from right) of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitchers Colby Lewis #48 and Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers participate in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Bench coach Steve Buechele of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Pitchers Yu Darvish #11 and Martin Perez #33 of the Texas Rangers participate in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers throws during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Colby Lewis #48 of the Texas Rangers throws during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Pitchers Cole Hamels #35 and Martin Perez #33 of the Texas Rangers participate in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers throws during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers signs autographs during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers participates in a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Starting pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of the Texas Rangers throws during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 04: Prince Fielder #84 of the Texas Rangers makes a play on a ground ball during the fifth against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Surprise Stadium on March 4, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. Game ended in a 3-3 tie. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 04: Elvis Andrus #1 of the Texas Rangers attempts to turn a double play as Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers slides into second base during the first inning at Surprise Stadium on March 4, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. Game ended in a tie 3-3. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 13: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers smiles in the dugout during the spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 13, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 13: General view of the spring training game between the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 13, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 13: Jake Diekman #41 of the Texas Rangers delivers a pitch in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels during the spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 13, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Mitch Moreland #18 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Kansas City Royals during the cactus leauge spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Prince Fielder #84 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Kansas City Royals during the cactus leauge spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 04: Patrick Kivlehan #67 of the Texas Rangers celebrates with teammate Drew Robinson #68 after scoring a run during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Surprise Stadium on March 4, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. Game ended in a 3-3 tie. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 13: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers hits a solo home run in the second inning during the spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 13, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 13: Jurickson Profar #19 of the Texas Rangers makes the force out on Yunel Escobar #6 of the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning in the spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 13, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 13: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers signs autographs for fans prior to the spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 13, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 04: Chi Chi Gonzalez #21 of the Texas Rangers delivers a warm up pitch prior to a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Surprise Stadium on March 4, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 02: Delino DeShields #3 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Kansas City Royals during the cactus leauge spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
At the end of the night, we said goodbye to Surprise Stadium for the trip, as the Rangers play in Peoria on Friday before we head back to the land of mosquitoes and hail storms on Saturday, but not before Beltre's favorite young fan said her goodbyes to the Rangers' home away from home.
Next up? Still up in the air. We'll either hit that Rangers-Mariners game in Peoria, which is a split-squad game for the Rangers (boo!) or we'll do kids stuff (museums, etc.). Either way, it's been an awesome trip and something I could definitely see myself doing every year.
