Surprise, Arizona

Surprise got its unusual name from its founder, Flora Mae Statler, who established the small farming community in 1938. According to local history, when Statler founded the community, she commented that she "would be surprised if the town ever amounted to much," giving the settlement its unique name.

Statler had purchased 1 square mile of land where she established a small development of modest homes for agricultural workers. For many decades, Surprise remained a small, rural community with just a gas station and a few homes. The town was incorporated in 1960, and remained relatively small until the 1990s and 2000s when it began experiencing rapid growth.

Ironically, contrary to Flora Mae Statler's skeptical prediction, Surprise has grown to become one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona and the Phoenix metropolitan area, with a population that has increased dramatically from just 31,000 in 2000 to over 143,000 by 2020. The city's name now stands as a testament to how significantly it has exceeded its founder's expectations.

To get tickets for spring training games at Surprise Stadium (home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers), you have several options:

• Online: Purchase tickets through the official websites of the Kansas City Royals (royals.com) or Texas Rangers (rangers.com), or through MLB.com. You can also buy tickets through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner for Surprise Stadium.
• By Phone: Call the Surprise Stadium Box Office at (623) 222-2222 during regular business hours.
• In Person: Visit the Surprise Stadium Box Office located at 15960 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374. The box office typically opens in January for spring training sales and is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, with extended hours during spring training season.

Tips for spring training tickets:

• Purchase early, especially for popular matchups (like against the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, or San Francisco Giants) and weekend games, which often sell out quickly.
• Consider weekday games for better availability and potentially lower prices.
• Lawn seating offers the most affordable option and is popular for families.
• If you plan to attend multiple games, check for mini-packages or multi-game options that may offer savings.
• Spring training typically runs from late February through late March, with the schedule usually released in November or December.

For the most up-to-date information on ticket availability, pricing, and game schedules, visit SurpriseStadium.com or the official team websites.

Surprise features a variety of neighborhoods and master-planned communities, each with its own character and amenities:

• Sun City Grand: A large active adult community (55+) by Del Webb featuring multiple golf courses, recreation centers, clubs, and activities. Known for its resort-style amenities and social atmosphere.
• Arizona Traditions: Another active adult community with a golf course, clubhouse, and various activities designed for residents 55 and older.
• Surprise Farms: A popular family-oriented master-planned community with various housing options, parks, and good access to schools and shopping.
• Sierra Montana: A family-friendly community with walking paths, parks, and reasonably priced homes that attract many first-time buyers.
• Marley Park: A distinctive community designed with historical architectural styles, community gardens, parks connected by walking paths, and regular neighborhood events.
• Greenway Parc: A centrally located neighborhood near city facilities, featuring a community park and convenient access to shopping and amenities.
• Bell West Ranch: A newer development with larger homes and lots, situated near the White Tank Mountains, offering scenic views.
• Desert Oasis: A golf course community featuring the Desert Springs Golf Course, with many homes having golf course or mountain views.
• Rancho Gabriela: A family-oriented neighborhood with community parks, walking paths, and playgrounds.
• Greer Ranch: A community featuring a central park with sports facilities, playgrounds, and a range of housing options.
• Veramonte: An upscale neighborhood with larger homes, often on larger lots, located in the northern part of the city.
• Surprise Farms (Northwest): A rapidly developing area with newer construction and larger lot sizes.

The city continues to grow with new developments, particularly in the northern and western areas where there is still undeveloped land.

Surprise and the surrounding area offer a variety of outdoor activities for residents and visitors:

• Hiking and Mountain Biking: The nearby White Tank Mountain Regional Park offers over 30 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult. Popular trails include the Waterfall Trail, Ford Canyon Trail, and Mesquite Canyon Trail. The park also has petroglyphs and desert wildlife.
• Golf: Surprise is a golfer's paradise with multiple public and private courses, including the Coyote Lakes Golf Club, Desert Springs Golf Course, Granite Falls North and South Courses at Sun City Grand, and the Arizona Traditions Golf Club.
• Tennis and Pickleball: The Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex offers 25 tennis courts and pickleball courts open to the public, with lessons and leagues available.
• Fishing: The 8-acre lake at Surprise Community Park is stocked regularly for urban fishing. A valid Arizona fishing license is required.
• Baseball and Softball: Beyond spring training, recreational leagues for all ages use the city's numerous ball fields year-round.
• Cycling: The city has developed an extensive network of bike lanes and multi-use paths, with the White Tank Mountain trails offering options for mountain biking enthusiasts.
• Water Recreation: The Surprise Aquatic Center provides swimming options, while Lake Pleasant Regional Park (about 30 minutes away) offers boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
• Desert Exploration: Guided tours and experiences to learn about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, including flora, fauna, and geology, are available through various outfitters.
• Horseback Riding: Several nearby stables offer trail rides through the desert landscape, particularly in the Waddell and Wittmann areas.
• Hot Air Ballooning: Companies offer sunrise balloon flights over the desert with views of the White Tank Mountains and Phoenix valley.
• Parks and Recreation: Surprise maintains over 60 parks throughout the city with playgrounds, sports courts, ramadas, and open spaces.

When enjoying outdoor activities, especially during summer months, it's essential to stay hydrated, use sun protection, and be aware of desert safety considerations such as heat risks and wildlife.