There’s no place like home, and this season 38 of Arizona baseball’s 55 regular season games will be in Tucson.
Now in year three of playing at Hi Corbett Field, the UA has found itself a quality home to play America’s pastime. Conditions in the clubhouse, dugout and on the field are much nicer for the Wildcats than Jerry Kindall Field at Frank Sancet Stadium, where they played until 2012.
HiC first opened in 1937, but was renovated three different times throughout the ’90s. Its $3.77 million upgrade in 1997 expanded the clubhouses and added new seats. Two years later, a ticket booth and team store were also built.
In the past, Hi Corbett served as the home venue for professional baseball teams of all different levels. Before Arizona moved in, the Colorado Rockies used it as their Spring Training base.
Located near Reid Park and Randolph Golf Course, the ballpark holds a maximum of 9,500 people.
The best place to park is in the Hi Corbett lot close to the front entrance, but most spots there are usually filled as early as 30 minutes before first pitch.
There’s always space to park at the back of the stadium near Reid Park, but sometimes you can find a spot along East Camino Campestre and South Randolph Way. Start practicing your parallel parking if you hope to leave your vehicle there.
Fans can enjoy a variety of snacks and refreshments, including the classic ballpark favorite: hot dogs. Unlike Arizona Stadium, McKale Center and the rest of the varsity athletic venues, Hi Corbett sells beer on tap to those of age.
If you’re still hungry after the game, In-N-Out Burger, Chick-fil-A and Panda Express are located right by the stadium, on Broadway Boulevard.
Arizona’s season opener against Kent State starts tonight at 6 p.m. The Wildcats won’t have to leave Hi Corbett until the end of March.
—Follow Joey Putrelo @JoeyPutrelo