Shaded Seating at Hohokam Stadium

What You Need to Know About Shade at Hohokam Stadium

Hohokam Stadium is a ballpark Mesa, Arizona, that underwent a significant transformation to welcome the Oakland A’s in 2015. Known for having one of the largest HD scoreboards in Spring Training and a crisp “Oakland Green” color scheme, the stadium holds about 10,000 fans.

It offers a “wide-open” feel with expanded concourses and upgraded seating that makes it one of the more comfortable stops in the Cactus League.

One of the best results of the stadium’s renovation was the addition of extensive trellises and canopy structures. While the Arizona sun is notoriously intense, the architectural updates at Hohokam ensure that a large portion of the 200-level seating remains cool and protected, even during the hottest March afternoons.

How Shade Moves During the Day

Because the stadium faces northeast, the sun begins the afternoon positioned high above the first-base side of the grandstand. At a typical 1:05 PM start, the shade is concentrated in the highest rows of the first-base side and directly beneath the roof trellises.

As the game progresses, the shadow of the grandstand extends toward the field. By the middle innings, the shade “creeps” below the cross-aisle, finally reaching the 100-level seats behind home plate and the third-base side. Meanwhile, the outfield berm and the far third-base sections remain in full sun until the sun finally drops behind the stadium rim late in the day.

The Best Sections for Shade. Stick to the Terrace

To maximize your comfort and stay out of the Arizona sun, prioritize these specific areas:

• The Terrace Boxes (Sections 200-216): This is the gold standard for shade due to the trellised roof. Sections 200 – 216 even numbers are on third base and 201 – 15 odd numbers are on first base (home team side).

• The Hyatt Place Patio: Located next to the press box above section 208, this is an open-air but covered group area that provides excellent shade and a premium view.

• The First-Base Baseline Sections 105 – 111 Odd Numbers: If you prefer sitting down the line, the upper rows of these odd-numbered sections are shaded early in the game, especially after Daylight Saving Time begins in mid-March.

Evening and Night Games

While rare at Hohokam, evening games offer a reprieve from the heat, but still should stick to first base and behind home plate.

Night games are the best time to enjoy the outfield berm. Without the midday sun roasting the grass, it’s the most relaxing place to watch the game under the lights.