Baseball: America’s Favorite Pastime is Alive and Well in Spokane Valley
If you’re visiting Spokane Valley in the spring or summer, catching a Spokane Indians minor league baseball game is a non-negotiable. The team’s legacy in this region is unmatched, and it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening, whether it’s just the two of you or the entire family. Catch the excitement of seeing players at the beginning of their athletic careers; many Indians advance to the MLB. You can say you knew them when.
Read on for all the details of this exciting, affordable way to enjoy America’s favorite pastime.
History of the Spokane Indians Baseball
The Spokane Indians have a rich history dating back to their start in 1898. They are a High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, though over the years, they have been affiliated with various Major League Baseball teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Indians developed notable players who have gone on to play in the Major Leagues and, at one time, were coached by Hall-of-Famer and Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda. The team is a source of great regional pride, providing a sense of identity and community for baseball fans in the Inland NW region. The legacy of the Indians fosters a love for baseball for people in Spokane Valley that spans generations.
In 2006, the Spokane Nation officially supported the team’s logo redesign. The tribe permitted the Spokane Indians to showcase subtle and tasteful imagery to pay tribute to the team’s history and connection to the tribe. For the past decade, this has included a secondary logo on their uniforms with “Spokane” written in Salish, the traditional language of the Spokane people.
Getting There
The Spokane Indians play at Avista Stadium, conveniently located in Spokane Valley close to I-90. Parking is free unless you prefer Premier Parking, which costs six dollars and guarantees a spot in the main lot and a quicker exit after the game.
You can purchase tickets to Spokane Indians games online, which must be digitally displayed upon entrance into the stadium. If you’re going to the game with young kids, we have two pieces of good news. If you can fit your child on your lap for the game’s duration, their ticket is free. There is also a Kid’s Zone with fun games and bounce houses designed for children ages three through eight.
What to Eat
Outside the main gates of Avista Stadium, be sure to visit the Hop Valley mini-shipping container with Hop Valley beer on draft, canned beer, water, and prepackaged food. There are also food trucks from local favorites Wake Up Call Coffee, Longhorn Barbeque, and Pizza Factory.
Inside Avista Stadium, there is a main concession stand with basic ballpark food, such as hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and popcorn. If you arrive early, there is an Inlander Happy Hour one hour prior to the start of the game.
Special Promotions
Throughout the season, the Spokane Indians have several promotional events offering package deals for special occasions. Dog lovers will be happy to learn about “Bark in the Park,” where six dollars will give your furry friend their own spot in the left field reserved bench seats. All ticket proceeds are donated to local animal shelters.
If you’re heading to the game with the family, take advantage of the Family 4-pack which comes with reserved seats, hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream. In August, for one day only, the stadium releases a limited number of tickets (usually around 25) for a spectacular Princess Package. Finally, celebrate your birthday at an Indians game, where you’ll enjoy reserved seats, food, a visit from OTTO, the Indians’ mascot, and more.
Where to Stay in Spokane Valley
Four hotels within four miles of Avista Stadium put you in your home away from home within ten minutes. Here are our picks of where to stay:
Holiday Inn Express Spokane Valley
When you return to Holiday Inn Express in Spokane Valley after the game, you’ll be happy to learn that parking is free. Take a dip in the indoor heated pool or hot tub and take advantage of the complimentary hot breakfast the next morning. The Holiday Inn Express is also pet-friendly if you are interested in bringing your dog along for “Bark in the Park.”
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
The Fairfield Inn and Suites has free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks from 5 pm – 7 pm Monday-Wednesday and homemade cookies nightly from 7-9 pm.
Silverstone Inn & Suites
The Silverstone Inn & Suites is a comfortable, affordable option that is minutes from Avista Stadium with free Wi-Fi, pool, and hot breakfast.
Motel 6 Spokane Valley
Motel 6 is the most economical hotel choice, closest to Avista Stadium. It is an affordable, pet-friendly option with free Wi-Fi.
Other Sports Teams of Interest
Spokane Chiefs
If you’re traveling to Spokane Valley in the winter, you won’t be able to see the Indians play. But we have good news. The Valley is home to the Spokane Chiefs, a junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League (WHL), a major league in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The team was founded in 1982 and has won several division titles and conference championships over the years. In fact, In 1991, they won the Memorial Cup, the annual championship tournament of the Canadian Hockey League.
The Spokane Chiefs have been a significant developmental ground for young hockey talent, with many players going on to have successful careers in the NHL. The Spokane Chiefs continue to compete in the WHL, providing entertainment and excitement for hockey fans in the region while nurturing players to reach the big leagues.
Game Day Details
Where: The Spokane Chiefs play at the Spokane Arena.
Tickets: Chiefs games are typically on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets are mobile-only, and prices vary depending on the section and day of the week.
Food: Spokane Arena has two food courts with pizza, sandwiches, burgers, Asian cuisine, frozen yogurt, beer, wine, and cider. There are five additional concession stands with hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, soda, and beer. Keep in mind that Spokane Arena has cashless concessions, so be sure to plan ahead.
Parking: $10, and is first come, first served, and payment with credit card only. Unfortunately, parking passes are not available ahead of time.
Theme Nights: Various games throughout the season include a University of Idaho night and a celebration of Women in Hockey with limited edition swag and a ticket to the game.
Whether on the field or on the ice, Spokane Valley has tremendous local talent. Come visit and help support our teams. We can’t wait to see you!
