30 Feb 23rd–March 1st, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | What Will Security and Getting Into the Festival Be Like? The main gates will be located at the entrance to Tempe Beach Park at Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue. All attendees will be screened with a full-body pat-down by security personnel upon entry (children will only be screened with the consent of their parent or guardian). All bags will be searched before entry and only clear bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC that are no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches will be allowed. Anyone who refuses to comply with searches will be denied entry. Will Re-entry to the Festival Be Allowed? Yes. Anyone can leave and re-enter as needed until 7 p.m. each day. Will Lockers Be Available for Rent? Yes. Banks of lockers will be available in the GA, VIP, and platinum areas. Each measures 11 inches wide by 13.5 inches and 18 inches deep. If you’re a GA or VIP ticketholder, they’re $25 per day or $45 for the weekend with phone charger packs available for a refundable $10 deposit. For platinum experience patrons, lockers and chargers are complimentary. What Can You Do at the Festival? Besides the various performances happening, a number of baseball-related activities will take place near the Left Field stage. You can test your hitting skills at the batting cage, attempt to make a game- saving catch or see how good your throwing arm is at a speed pitch booth. Various retired MLB stars have appearances planned around these activities. (See below for a full schedule of appearances or click here for more info about each activity.) Beyond that, retired major league pitcher Ryan Dempster will host an on-site talk show called Off the Mound on the Left Field stage throughout the weekend. It’ll feature live interviews with various base- ball pros. There will also be giant displays (like an enormous baseball card) around the park where you can pose for selfies. Zia Record Exchange will also have a pop-up store inside a tent near the Left Field stage. What Sort of Food and Drinks Will Be Available? They’ll have various vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available, and the lineup will include such restaurants, vendors, and food trucks. In addition to soft drinks and water, pop-up bars will sell a mix of beer, wine, and spirits. Liquor and beverage companies will have branded booths and bars, each serving their respective libations, including Tito’s Vodka, Mamitas Tequila, Corona, and Sierra Nevada. Where Can You Get Water? So you’re not into the adult beverage thing. Got it. Vendors will have sealed bottles of water available for purchase. Attendees also can bring in refillable and disposable bottles or CamelBak-style water bladder systems or hydration packs. Each must be empty upon entry and packs can only have two pockets in addition to the space for the water bladder. Free refill stations will be set up on the east and west sides of the park. When Will MLB Players Appear? As we mentioned, MLB stars and legends will make appearances throughout the weekend. Here’s the schedule: Saturday, February 25 Speed Pitch Area 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. — Matt Williams 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Mike Cameron Batting Cage 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Kevin Mitchell 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Rafael Palmiero 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. — Jake Peavy 6 to 7 p.m. — Vinny Castilla Sunday, February 26 Speed Pitch Area 2 to 3 p.m. — Dontrelle Willis 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. — Edgar Martinez 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. — Randy Johnson Batting Cage 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. — Bret Boone 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. — Grady Sizemore What Should I Bring to the Festival? Sun protection like hats and sunglasses for starters, as well as a fully charged phone and comfortable shoes. Blankets, towels, and sheets are also allowed into the event if you’d like somewhere to relax while watching performances. You can also bring in binoculars and consumer-grade cameras without detachable lenses and accessories, baby strollers, and Frisbees. What Can’t I Bring? Drugs or paraphernalia of any kind, weapons (including baseball bats), fire- works, coolers, flags, banners, festival totems, chairs, inflatables, large backpacks or non-clear bags, hammocks, tents, and umbrellas. Beyond that, drones are forbidden, as are chairs, hammocks, outside food or beverages, pets, selfie sticks, recording equipment or profes- sional cameras, tents or shade structures, and large chains or spiked jewelry. Play from p 29 Partaking in some baseball-inspired fun at a previous Innings Festival. Roger Ho
