By Val Tapia, BADS Contributing Writer
Photo by Fred Kuhlman
I’ll just take a guess and say that those who love baseball and music are still buzzing about last weekend’s sixth annual Innings Fest.
As many of you know by now, this Fri. Mar. 1 and Sat. Mar. 2 at Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park there’s a little twist with the long-running festival. This year, the Innings Festival will segue, if you will, into Extra Innings, with two days of music once again on two stages, with plenty of family-friendly fun within a third stage area that features all-things baseball— and a live sports talk show as well.
For this festival’s debut, it’s a pretty stellar and diverse lineup on the music end of things. Friday night features country superstar Chris Stapleton headlining the Home Plate Stage from 9:30 p.m.-11:00p.m.
On Saturday, 90s veteran rockers Dave Matthews Band will do the honors of closing out the weekend from 9:00 p.m.-11:00p.m.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention another Home Plate Stage artist: 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sheryl Crow will take the stage on Saturday from 4:40 p.m.-5:40 p.m.
Both days look to be ideal weather-wise as well. Sunny skies and clear nights are expected at press time.
On the Right Field Stage, you can catch (get it?) Goodnight, Texas from 1:05-1:35 pm on Friday, as well as Shane Smith & The Saints, Charley Crockett, and Turnpike Troubadours among others.
On Saturday, Josiah & The Bonnevilles, Larkin Poe, Morgan Wade are scheduled. Not to be outdone, Tempe’s own Gin Blossoms just might end up being the MVPs of the inaugural Extra Innings festival. I’m pretty certain it’ll be a memorable homecoming for them— and all the longtime Tempeans in attendance.
Of course, given that that the festival is in conjunction with Cactus League Spring Training, you’ll see a few MLB players having fun amongst the fans at the Left Field Stage. Some of them (on Fri.) include Russ Ortiz and Rollie Fingers at Speed Pitch, Eric Karros at the Batting Cage, and a double-play of live talk show Off The Mound with MLB Network analyst and 2013 World Series champion Ryan Dempster.
Be sure to keep your eyes open for any prizes that Dempster literally throws out to the crowd during both shows. It’s always a fun part of the fest that you’ll want to check out between bands.
Also at the Left Field Stage on Saturday, don’t miss Ryan Braun at the Batting Cage, Jake Peavy at Speed Pitch, and Peavy’s All-Star Jam. Other appearances include Andre Ethier and Bobby Valentine.
Some of you may ask, understandably so, about the food. Well, there’s plenty of that I assure you. Some of the vendors on site taking part are El Hefe Tacos, Frites Street Fries, Pork On A Fork BBQ, and Philly Up.
Tickets are still available at inningsfestival.com/extra/tickets or at the festival box office, located on the southeast corner of Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Ave. across from the park.
The box office hours are from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thur. Feb. 29 as well as Fri. March 1 and Sat. March 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
As for getting to the festival, I think taking the Valley Metro light rail would be your best option. A full day pass will cost you $4.00 (available at most Circle K stored valleywide) and you’re dropped off at Third Street and Mill Ave. which is less than a five minute walk to the park.
Have fun this weekend, and please, stay safe… and hydrated!
