Arizona's scorching forecast prompts spring training game time changes

Two games set for March 20 are now night games, both of which involve the Chicago Cubs, who will have a split squad that day. The Cubs at Athletics game at Hohokam Park will start at 6:10 p.m., while the Reds at Cubs contest at Sloan Park will begin at 6:05 p.m.

Starting next week, a high-pressure system building across the West could push temperatures in the Phoenix area past 100 degrees in what could amount to a historic heat wave for March.

The Diamondbacks are not planning to alter their start times at Salt River Fields, according to Derrick Hall, the club’s president and CEO. He said the team is monitoring the temperatures, but added that “logistically, there is not much we can do.”

“Fans purchased spring packages knowing what the announced times are and several plan trips around our schedules,” he said. “Additionally, we have businesses that reserved the party decks and suites specifically for day outings.

“But fans can walk around, find shade on the concourses, and we are bringing in hundreds of gallons of water to place at the gates for fans to fill cups and bottles. We also have free sunscreen stations in the ballpark.”

Peoria Sports Complex is making similar adjustments, adding “cool down zones” and misting systems to certain areas of the ballpark. The stadium will also relax policies by allowing fans to bring in sealed bottles of sports drinks in addition to bottled water.