Salt River Fields celebrates 'Two Tribes, Two Teams, One Home' in Scottsdale

The 14th spring training opening day at Salt River Fields, set for 1:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, is also celebrated as “SRPMIC Day,” in which Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, and the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies celebrate their partnership with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is home to two distinct Native American tribes: the “Pima” – Onk Akimel O’odham (Salt River People) and the “Maricopa” - Xalychidom Piipaash (Upriver People). While they have distinguishable cultures and languages, the two tribes share many of the same values. Similarly, the Diamondbacks and the Rockies come from two different states, with different players; yet they both have made Salt River Fields their spring training home.

The Feb. 23 program will begin with the National Anthem performed by Sistine Lewis, former Miss Indian Arizona. Along the concourse artists Raeann Brown, Alice Manuel and August Wood will demonstrate traditional basketry and artist Dwayne Manuel will be painting live. Tribal council members and royalty will be in attendance with President Martin Harvier throwing out the first pitch.

Visit saltriverfields.com/spring-training-at-salt-river-fields for more information.