D-backs spring training: Want to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks for free?

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - It's time to talk spring training baseball!

With games less than two weeks away, the Arizona Diamondbacks' pitchers and catchers start spring training workouts Tuesday morning.

If you want to watch them in action, the guys take to the practice fields at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The best time to get autographs is right after practice.

For fans, it's a great way to see their favorite players up close and personal for free, plus they don't have to deal with big crowds.

The rest of the team reports Thursday, so the first full squad practice will be Friday morning. Fans can park in the Desert Lot off Via De Ventura and 90th Street. See saltriverfields.com for a more detailed workout schedule.

The Diamondbacks' first spring training game kicks off at 1:10 p.m. on February 23 against the Rockies in Scottsdale. They play 36 games before the regular season starts. Tickets range from $8 for lawn seats to $27.

Diamondbacks' Dave Dunne said opening day and the St. Patty's Day games are almost sold out so act quickly if you want tickets.

Dunne said Salt River Fields is also excited to host Team Mexico on March 5 and Team USA on March 6 for the very first time.

Spring training is not only fun for the fans, but a big deal for area businesses. According to two recent studies, it pumps $632 million into the state economy.

Approximately 1.7 million fans attend games across the Valley and more than half of them are from out of town. According to the studies, guests stay about five days.