Innings Festival
If you're a fan of baseball and love live music, head to the Innings Festival in Tempe, Arizona on your next RV trip.
Event information
Innings Festival is a yearly event that brings together lovers of music, baseball, and food. It takes place at Tempe Beach Park in Tempe, Arizona. It is spread out over two days and features close to 40 bands every year.
It is a relatively new festival that first took place in 2018. It was organized by the MLB Network and Major League Baseball as a spring training tradition. The event typically coincides with the Cactus League spring training games which take place annually in the Valley.
Well-known international musicians, as well as local performers, bring the stages alive on the days of the event. Artists who have performed at Innings Festival in the past include Counting Crows, Young the Giant, Incubus, Sheryl Crow, Liz Phair, Band Of Horses, Queens of the Stone Age, Young The Giant, The Avett Brothers, Chris Stapleton, The Head and the Heart, and Cold War Kids.
In addition to the music performances taking place on the three stages, there will be a ton of family activities, delicious food and beverages, culinary demonstrations and even appearances by big league basketball players. The festival is a great way to experience the local culture, take in Tempe's unique vibe, and camp in the surrounding community.
Tickets
One-day and two-day tickets go on sale a few months before the Innings Festival. There are General Admission, VIP, and Platinum tickets on offer. These range in price from $160 for General Admission weekend tickets to over $1000 for the Platinum weekend packages. Ticket prices may go up closer to the event.
The Platinum tickets include access to prime viewing areas, unlimited access to the Platinum Lounge, onsite concierge services, and many other perks. Children under the age of seven can enter the festival for free as long as a ticket holding adult accompanies them. Take a look at the official festival website for more information on tickets and pricing.
Explore Innings Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The Innings Festival takes place at Tempe Beach Park which is visible on Google Maps. Keep in mind that there are likely to be road closures on the days of the event, especially near the event. Driving to the festival site is not recommended since parking can be challenging to find. Consider parking nearby or taking public transportation closer to the park. Driving to the wider Phoenix area will likely bring you through or near one of Arizona's national forests, monuments, or parks, and you may want to consider adding these into your trip if time allows.
Parking areas
Parking on site at the festival grounds is not an option. However, there are a few parking lots downtown where paid parking is available, some less than a half mile from Tempe Beach Park. They are only a short distance away from the venue. It's a good idea to book your spot in advance to avoid missing out on a spot.
Public Transportation
Festival attendees are encouraged to use public transportation to cut down their carbon footprint. One option is to use the Valley Metro Rail. Complimentary park-and-rides are offered to access rail stations in the area. You can also get to the venue using the Valley Metro Bus service, which has stops close to Tempe Beach Park.
Where to stay
Onsite
Onsite camping is not an option, and overnight parking is not available. Book a spot at an RV park or campsite nearby in advance.
Nearby
There are several RV parks around Tempe, so you're guaranteed to find a site that suits your camping preferences. Some nearby campgrounds within 15-minutes of the Innings Festival event site offer facilities like swimming pool access, water hook-ups, and free cable TV. You may also be able to enjoy outdoor activities like biking, fishing, and hiking.
Getting around
Rollerblades, wagons, skateboards, scooters, carts, hoverboards, or scooters will not be allowed on the festival grounds. You can easily get from one staging area to the next on foot. Most parts of Tempe Beach Park are accessible, and special requests regarding accessibility can be made by emailing the organizers in advance.
What to pack
Clothing
Innings is a baseball and music festival, and many attendees choose to wear clothing that reflects this. You'll see plenty of team baseball jerseys, band-inspired t-shirts, and other team merchandise. Stay cool and comfortable by sporting outdoor spring attire and carry a jacket in case it gets cold after sundown.
Gear
Only small single pocket bags, small purses, or fanny packs will be allowed into the grounds. Pack your bag with a few useful items like sealed sunscreen lotion, an empty water bottle, binoculars, earplugs, and a lightweight blanket. Aerosol containers will not be permitted. You can also choose to leave your bag at home for faster entry.
Health & Safety
Patrons are requested to partner with the organizers to cut down on the environmental impact of the event. Dispose of any waste in the proper receptacle and bring a refillable water bottle or hydration pack. Refill your bottle frequently to stay hydrated and take breaks from standing on your feet all day.
Where to eat
Cooking
Cooking on the festival grounds or bringing in outside food or beverages will not be permitted. RV parks in the area allow cooking as long as it's on the stove in your RV or a small portable grill. There may be restrictions when it comes to open fires like campfires or tiki torches. Grocery store options are available near Tempe Beach Park and may be located between the venue and your camping location in case you need to restock.
Restaurants
If you'd prefer to head out of the festival area to eat a meal or grab a snack, the downtown area in Tempe has plenty of restaurants and bar and grill options. So, start your day on the right note by eating at one of the stand-out breakfast spots or grab a late night drink or meal to unwind after the performances of the day.
Vendors
You will find no shortage of delicious food and drinks to choose from at the Innings Festival. A dedicated food court area will be set up where many of the best local restaurants and caterers will be represented. Whether you're in the mood for a cheesy slice of pizza, indulgent churros, or a sandwich made from fresh, local ingredients, you'll find it here.
Safety
Security
All bags will be searched upon entry, and guests may also be subject to a search. Patrons are requested to go through the list of prohibited items and ensure that they are not carrying anything that will hinder the scanning process. It's also a good idea to use the buddy system to stay safe and choose a meeting place in case your group gets separated. Tempe Beach Park is located along the Salt River just east of the Tempe Town Lake Dam, so be mindful as you enjoy this uniquely beautiful festival location.
Weather
Innings Festival is a rain or shine event. Evacuation plans are in place in case adverse weather does occur. Emergency exits are clearly marked on the festival map. Updates will be given on the official website and social media pages. Dress for the weather and carry a rain poncho to protect yourself from sudden showers.
Medical
A centrally located medical tent will be present at the venue, staffed with trained EMTs as well as festival staff. If you or someone you know requires assistance, you can head to the medical tent or flag down one of the staff members or anyone with a radio. Patrons with disabilities can find information and support at the guest services tent.
