A little Slice of Heaven in the Desert

A Little Slice of Heaven in the Desert

I’ll admit a few might find that headline a bit inflammatory but what can I say? The Cleveland Indians are coming to Goodyear! The Indians are close to signing a deal with Goodyear to move their spring training from Florida to Arizona’s Cactus League.

Goodyear has been working for some time now to snag at least one team. This is yet another major development for the West Valley. Current proposal for the facility is a site located near Yuma and Estrella Parkway near the Goodyear City Center. Should Goodyear sign the Indians to this agreement there is an excellent chance that another team will also sign so as not to leave the Cactus League with an odd number of teams.

Once the Indians sign the proposal will need approval from the Tourism and Sports Authority to help provide funds. If all moves ahead, development on the $77.5 million facility should be complete by February 2009. Also proposed for the site is a mixed-used open-air style shopping area.

Any news of a spring training team in Goodyear would have thrilled me. Having been born and raised in Cleveland, I’m just a little partial to the Cleveland Indians and am looking forward to attending many spring training games in the future.