Saguaro Cup Sports Festival

The Premier Softball Tournament in the Southwest

April 8, 2011
Registration

April 9 - 10, 2011
Tournament Play

April 10, 2011
Closing Party and Awards Ceremony

The City of Phoenix

Attending the Saguaro Cup is about more than just softball. Aside from all the friendships and night life activities, while you are in our wonderful city and during the downtime when you are not playing ball, we want you to make the most of your stay in Phoenix. For that reason, we have put together a short list of fun things to do while you are in town. By no means is this list meant to be all inclusive, as with such a large city there is so much going on. This list does however represent some of the events that the local Cactus Cities Softball League (CCSL) endorses.

For a more complete list of locations of interest, see this document and corresponding interactive map of CCSL sponsor bars and restaurants to help you navigate our city and find locations of interest.

Take the Metro Light Rail

Website: http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail/

The metro light rail project was completed and has been running since in late 2008, and has been a huge success. One of our host hotels, the Hilton Suites, is within walking distance to a light rail stop (Thomas Road and Central Avenue) meaning you can even take the light rail from the airport (a free shuttle will take you from the airport to the 44^th Street and Washington station). Charlie’s, the location of our closing party, is also right in front of one of the light rail stops (7^th Avenue and Camelback) so you can take that instead of driving on Sunday if you are staying at the Hilton Suites. Please note that the last trains run around 12:00 AM so if you plan to stay out later, you will need to take a taxi or drive responsibly. Tickets are $3.50 for a unlimited, full day pass and can be purchased at any station. A map of the light rail line can be found here, as well as this fact sheet that might answer any questions you might have. For the latest updates and transit information, feel free to visit the Valley Metro website.
Visit the Desert Botanical Gardens

Website: http://www.dbg.org/index.php

The Desert Botanical Garden has one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants. It is one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums. At the Desert Botanical Garden you will find 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits. Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, there is no finer place to enjoy desert beauty than the Desert Botanical Garden. The Garden is located in Papago Park in central Phoenix, very close to the Papago Sports Complex where your team might be playing ball this year depending on your division.
Check out the latest exhibits at the Heard Museum

Website: http://www.heard.org/

Every major city, and most minor ones, have museums. The Heard Museum is unique, however, not only in the exhibits that are displayed, but the style and grace with which it displays them. With more than 32,000 pieces of cultural and fine art, the Heard museum is truly one of a kind. There are permanent exhibits, like the famous Barry Goldwater collection of Kachina Dolls, as well as special exhibit year-round. There is also a light rial station nearby for your convenience.
Attend a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field

Website: http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=ari

The Arizona Diamondbacks, World Series Champions in 2001, will begin their opening weekend with games against the Pittsburgh Pirates during Saguaro Cup weekend. Chase Field was the first baseball facility in the world to combine a retractable roof, air conditioning, and a natural turf field. Chase Field's retractable roof can be closed in less than 5 minutes, in case we get one of those rare days of inclement weather. Lunch or dinner is available at Friday's Front Row Sports Grill, located in the left-field corner of the Ballpark. Friday's Front Row is open 363 days a year and if the Arizona Diamondbacks are playing that day, you have to call them to buy tickets to eat there. Fifty percent of the ticket admission price is credited to your food and beverage bill. Chase Field is located in downtown Phoenix with a metro light rail stop located right in front of the stadium. Public and pre-game tours of Chase field are available Monday through Friday in the mornings for $6 per person, tickets being sold at the box office.
Hike Piestewa Peak

Website: http://www.phoenix.gov/parks/hikphgud.html

Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak, is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. The elevation of Piestewa Peak is 2,608 feet; the total elevation gain for the Summit Trail is 1,190 feet. That might not sound high, but hikers of all levels can get a great workout climbing this mountain, and get a great view of the city when they get to the top. If you decide to hike the Summit Trail, though, you won't be alone. According to the City of Phoenix. it is one of the most heavily used trails in the nation with 4,000 to 10,000 hikers per week.
If you arrive early, check out the Scottsdale Art Walk

Website: http://www.scottsdalegalleries.com/

There are more than 100 art galleries in Scottsdale. You can enjoy Scottsdale ArtWalks every Thursday evening, year-round (except Thanksgiving) from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Each week, Scottsdale Gallery Association members host special exhibits - many with artist receptions - and join together for an informal come-and-go “open house” throughout the district. Casual and eclectic, it’s a great time to visit the galleries and learn about featured artists.
Shop at the Biltmore Fashion Park

Website: http://www.shopbiltmore.com/

At the heart of a desirable, upscale neighborhood of estate homes, grand resorts, executive office towers and new hi-rise condominiums is the open-air Biltmore Fashion Park, a lush garden of shopping and dining experiences in the center of the historic Camelback Corridor. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's, and including such luxurious shopping venues as CALYPSO, Escada, Ralph Lauren and more, Biltmore Fashion Park - the original luxury shopping destination in Phoenix – is strategically placed on 34 acres in an increasingly urban and much in demand location. The fashion park is conveniently located within walking distance from the Ritz Carlton host hotel.
Support the bars and restaurants that support our local league

Cactus Cities Softball League values the support and generosity of bars and restaurants that sponsor teams. We ask that you show your support by visiting them this weekend.

Click on the image for a larger version in portable document format.

For information on Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun, visit the Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce at www.visitgayarizona.com, the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors bureau at www.phoenixcvb.com and www.arizonaguide.com.