Mist opportunity: Peoria adds cooling stations for unseasonably hot spring training

PHOENIX — Spring training fans heading to Peoria Sports Complex this weekend will find cooling stations, temporary misting systems and a relaxed beverage policy.

It is a series of steps the stadium is taking in response to record high temperatures during games hosted by the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, who share the facility.

The complex announced it will install 14 temporary cooling zones featuring high-powered evaporative fans throughout the stadium for games running March 14-23. They’ll be deployed in popular gathering areas: the Four Peaks Pavilion Tent in left field, West Coast Beer Garden Patio in right field and Sammy’s on 3rd Terrace Deck.

In a departure from standard policy — and a win for penny pinchers — the stadium will allow fans to bring sealed bottles of sports drinks in addition to bottled water through the gates.

“Fans attending spring training games are encouraged to hydrate before arriving, bring bottled water and sports drinks, bring personal umbrellas for individual shade, wear sunscreen and take advantage of added cooling areas throughout the ballpark,” Peoria marketing manager Jennifer Doan said in a statement.

Furthermore, the start of the March 21 game in Peoria between the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs has been moved from 1:10 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. It is one of multiple Cactus League contests that have been rescheduled due to the heat.

Forecasters predict an unseasonably early heat wave for the Phoenix area during a stretch expected to draw large crowds to the Cactus League venue.

Families attending Kids Days on March 15 and March 22 will find additional options for young fans, including two inflatable water slides at Peoria Cove Field.

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