2011 Cubs Official Spring Training Schedule Released

by Al Yellon on Dec 14, 2010 3:41 PM CST in Chicago Cubs News

UPDATE: The Cubs officially released their 2011 spring training schedule today; the only differences between the one I posted here a couple of weeks ago and the official schedule is the addition of two games in Las Vegas, against a split squad of Reds on March 12 and a split squad of Dodgers on March 13. Also, the Cubs will be playing some sort of intrasquad game in Mesa on March 30, the day after the regular Mesa spring schedule ends -- this so they can keep the pitching rotation on schedule and not have two days off before Opening Day in Chicago in April 1. The rest of this post is the original post from December 1.

Tickets will go on sale online and by phone Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. CST and the HoHoKam box office will open on Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. MST.

The Cubs' spring training schedule announcement is unusually late this year; one reason for that is that the Diamondbacks' and Giants' schedules were also delayed because they had been discussing opening the regular season in Taiwan. When that didn't happen, their spring schedules had to be finalized.

The Cubs also have not yet finalized their schedule. They are still planning a weekend in Las Vegas next March, as has been traditional for several seasons, and they say they'll formally announce their 2011 spring schedule as soon as those details are firmed up. I'll post that when it appears and update this one.

In the meantime, after the jump, is a tentative and mostly complete (only missing a handful of dates, and one of those may be an off day) schedule, compiled from other teams who have officially released their spring schedules. All game times are 2:05 Central, until March 13, when it becomes 3:05 Central when Daylight Saving time goes into effect. Times other than those are noted -- there's at least one night game on the schedule, on March 19 vs. the Mariners at Peoria. (ss) indicates a split-squad game. "Talking Stick" is the new Diamondbacks and Rockies complex, located on Native American land near Scottsdale; for the first time in Cactus League history, all 15 teams will be training in the Phoenix metro area.

Sun 2/27: vs. Athletics at Mesa
Mon 2/28: vs. Brewers (ss) at Mesa
Tue 3/1: vs. Giants at Scottsdale
Wed 3/2: vs. Brewers at Maryvale
Thu 3/3: vs. Rangers (ss) at Mesa
Fri 3/4: vs. Royals at Surprise
Sat 3/5: vs. Padres at Mesa
Sun 3/6: vs. Reds at Goodyear
vs. Dodgers at Mesa
Mon 3/7: vs. Angels at Mesa
Tue 3/8: vs. Rockies (ss) at Talking Stick (2:10 CST)
Wed 3/9: vs. Royals at Mesa
Thu 3/10: vs. Indians at Mesa
Fri 3/11: vs. White Sox at Glendale
Sat 3/12: vs. Reds (ss) at Mesa
vs. Reds (ss) at Las Vegas (2:05 CST)
Sun 3/13: vs. Diamondbacks at Talking Stick (DST begins, 3:10 CDT)
vs. Dodgers (ss) at Las Vegas (2:05 CDT)
Mon 3/14: vs. Mariners at Peoria
Tue 3/15: vs. Athletics (ss) at Phoenix
vs. Rockies at Mesa
Wed 3/16: OFF DAY
Thu 3/17: vs. Athletics at Phoenix
Fri 3/18: vs. Reds at Mesa
Sat 3/19: vs. Padres at Peoria
Sun 3/20: vs. Giants (ss) at Mesa
Mon 3/21: vs. Angels at Tempe
Tue 3/22: vs. Dodgers at Glendale
Wed 3/23: vs. Athletics at Mesa
Thu 3/24: vs. White Sox at Mesa
Fri 3/25: vs. Mariners (ss) at Mesa
Sat 3/26: vs. Rangers at Surprise
Sun 3/27: vs. Rockies (ss) at Mesa
Mon 3/28: vs. Indians at Goodyear
Tue 3/29: vs. Diamondbacks at Mesa
Wed 3/30: Intrasquad game at Mesa (time TBA)

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Comments

88 days...

"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade

by Cubbiegoon on Dec 1, 2010 4:12 PM CST reply actions

88?

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on Dec 14, 2010 4:18 PM CST up reply actions

Well, it was 88 on December 1.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 14, 2010 4:26 PM CST up reply actions

upps...

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on Dec 15, 2010 2:23 AM CST up reply actions

Maybe he's really looking forward to that Red's game.

We're out of glue.

by katie casey on Dec 14, 2010 4:28 PM CST up reply actions

That was in the past holmes

by Cubbiegoon on Dec 14, 2010 4:59 PM CST up reply actions

Spring Wrap-up

So does the new regular season schedule, which sees most teams starting play on Friday kill many of the two game series at various major league venues and in other locations? Typically they were Friday night/Saturday day series, but now this would be Tuesday/Wednesday with an off-day on Thursday before the opener. The final weekend of the Cubs schedule is open, but it wouldn’t seem to make sense to travel somewhere for a two game series, return to Mesa for a few games, and then fly to Chicago.

by dmlichte on Dec 1, 2010 4:25 PM CST reply actions

From what I understand, the Cubs won't do that...

… unless that’s the Vegas weekend, which as you say doesn’t make sense.

They may try to add a game in the Phoenix area on Wed 3/30, from what I hear, so they don’t have two off days before Opening Day.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 1, 2010 4:43 PM CST up reply actions

Here's to hoping

the Vegas dates are up soon. Since I’m stationed out there now it would be the perfect opportunity to take the family—especially my son who has, to the point in his short 3 years, not yet had the honor of attending a cubs game. If this weekend were over spring break, all the better.

"There is no tomorrow for you, and that makes you very dangerous people."--Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman) The Replacements

Time is an illusion--lunch time doubly so.

by snowyman28 on Dec 1, 2010 4:42 PM CST reply actions

Dibs on the hottie in the pink shorts.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Dec 1, 2010 6:29 PM CST reply actions

You either need to get a better monitor...

or you’re drunk.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 1, 2010 6:40 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, you won't see anyone falling into her for a HR ball

"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 1, 2010 6:56 PM CST up reply actions

She denied you, huh?

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Dec 1, 2010 8:05 PM CST up reply actions

Yeeech

Looks like a couple of swamp rhinos, I won’t fight you for those dibs.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Dec 2, 2010 9:56 AM CST up reply actions

Cards trade for Theriot!

Cardinals GM says if the season started today, Theriot would likely be our shortstop.
I don’t know about the rest of you but I can’t wait to see the riot play every day for St.Louis. Anyone want to bet the over/under on TOOTBLANs in games vs the Cubbies?

"...the name on the front is a lot more important than the name on the back." Ryne Sandberg 7/31/05

by shifafaontheside on Dec 1, 2010 8:26 PM CST reply actions

Cardinals GM says if the season started today, Theriot would likely be our shortstop.

Oh please, oh please, oh please…

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Dec 1, 2010 9:32 PM CST up reply actions

They have a couple dates that you don't have

listed with the official Cubs Destinations spring training packages. I saw your calendar I noticed a couple of the weekends coincided with what they were hosting. I figured it would have been dick move on their part to have you come in and watch baseball on a day the Cubs were off. I have girlfriend on board for a possible trip to see her friend (and for me to see baseball), so I’m particularly excited for spring training this year.

"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth

by TkGoUWGB on Dec 1, 2010 9:20 PM CST reply actions

I am glad you don't have a photo

of the game where the home run rolled by me while I was napping with a newspaper over my head.

"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Dec 1, 2010 11:13 PM CST reply actions

Now that I would like to see...

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on Dec 2, 2010 1:15 AM CST up reply actions

Trust me.

If there were such a photo, it would have been posted here a long time ago.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 2, 2010 7:17 AM CST up reply actions

Can't you do a reenactment?

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on Dec 2, 2010 8:52 AM CST up reply actions

You'll have to come to Mesa to see that.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 2, 2010 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

I figured as much.

"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Dec 2, 2010 9:42 AM CST up reply actions

Looking forward to seeing Talking Stick Park.

I guess that is what they will be calling it??

Sandberg for manager!

by mrcubsfan on Dec 2, 2010 8:05 AM CST reply actions

The official name is

“Salt River Fields at Talking Stick”

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 2, 2010 8:11 AM CST up reply actions

"Talking Stick"

is the name of the resort. “Salt River Fields” is the name of the ST complex.

’Salt River Fields at Talking Stick" is the attempt to provide synergy between the two.

by azjazzman on Dec 2, 2010 5:10 PM CST up reply actions

Added two games to the schedule

The Rangers released their schedule. The Cubs will face them March 3 at Mesa and March 26 at Surprise.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 2, 2010 8:12 AM CST reply actions

Added two more games.

March 4: Cubs vs. Royals at Surprise

March 9: Cubs vs. Royals at Mesa

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 2, 2010 8:15 AM CST reply actions

Marion Byrd???

the photo caption

by Jamison1 on Dec 2, 2010 9:48 AM CST reply actions

Sharp eye, you have.

That was the caption provided by AP. I fixed it.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 2, 2010 9:51 AM CST up reply actions

Rockies schedule announced.

Added one more game — March 15 vs. Rockies at Mesa.

That leaves, most likely, just March 27 — March 16 is likely to be an off day.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 2, 2010 9:50 AM CST reply actions

Update

Spring Training Online : Cubs schedule updated. Complete save for any games right at the end — if there are any.bold as brass

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=181211025229029&id=43747728026

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on Dec 2, 2010 4:09 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Guess what?

The schedule here has more games than that one. And it’s more accurate.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 2, 2010 8:41 PM CST up reply actions

I just added one missing date...

… which makes this schedule (tentatively) complete except for the Vegas games.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 2, 2010 8:48 PM CST up reply actions

Las Vegas

Cubs are playing two split squad games in Vegas. March 12 against the Reds. March 13 against the Dodgers.

by Santofan on Dec 2, 2010 9:02 PM CST up reply actions

Where did you get this info?

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 3, 2010 7:57 AM CST up reply actions

Vegas games

I received an email from the Las Vegas 51’s ticket office announcing the sale of tickets for “Big League Weekend.” This sale was for season ticket holders and group purchases. You can call their box office to confirm.

by Santofan on Dec 3, 2010 6:59 PM CST up reply actions

Could you send me the contents of that email?

My email address is on the left sidebar. Thanks.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 3, 2010 7:23 PM CST up reply actions

75 days...

by Cubbiegoon on Dec 14, 2010 4:46 PM CST reply actions

You are getting warmer.

You can always check the side bar on the right for the countdown.

We're out of glue.

by katie casey on Dec 14, 2010 4:51 PM CST up reply actions

I know....

74 days 21 hours….. 75 days to moi

by Cubbiegoon on Dec 14, 2010 4:57 PM CST up reply actions

74 to moi.

Anything to make it seem sooner.

We're out of glue.

by katie casey on Dec 14, 2010 5:08 PM CST up reply actions

Only two or three more seasons left at Hohokam

I’m looking forward to the new facility.

by Chi-Fed on Dec 14, 2010 5:02 PM CST reply actions

Hope the new place has a tailgating area though

Just win the next game...!

by blackhawk24 on Dec 15, 2010 6:31 AM CST up reply actions

I would think so.

It’s got to have a parking lot.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 15, 2010 6:24 PM CST up reply actions

Some lots are not

conducive to tailgating, like Tempe Diablo. We’ve gone towards the unpaved area just as a matter for convenience.

FWIW, the pine tree area right along Center St at HoHoKam is about as good as it can get for ST.

Just win the next game...!

by blackhawk24 on Dec 16, 2010 10:00 AM CST up reply actions

True.

Why don’t you find Tempe Diablo conducive to tailgating? (I think I know, but want to hear your take.)

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2010 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

Lady in black tank top behind grasping fan

is sure lookin’ like she’ll be need aspirin and an icebag!

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on Dec 14, 2010 5:18 PM CST reply actions

This makes me sad,

but I won’t be at another Cubs spring training in AZ until the anti-immigration law is repealed. Not looking for a debate on that issue, just noting the Cubs won’t see me (or my money) in AZ again until then.

by dfrancon on Dec 15, 2010 3:51 PM CST via mobile reply actions