Frequently Asked Questions 2019 Fantasy Camp General Q: What is the Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp? A: The Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp is a week-long baseball camp for men and women over 30 years of age taking place January 19-26, 2019. All proceeds from camp will benefit Cleveland Indians Charities (CIC). Participants will spend a week playing and talking baseball alongside numerous former Indians greats at the team s new Player Development Complex in Goodyear, AZ. Physical activity is required, as there is a six-game regular season schedule plus two playoff games. Teams will also play a game against the pros. Q: What is the average age and skill level of a Fantasy Camp participant? A: The majority of campers fall within the age range of mid 40s to mid 60s. While the skill level is obviously varied, the most important element is fun. Whether participants are in their 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s, the games are both fun and competitive for all. Q: Am I required to live in Ohio to attend camp? A: Certainly not. Tribe fans from all over the country and occasionally other countries attend camp. Q: What do I need to bring? A: All you need is your glove, rubber cleats (no metal spikes allowed), and if you have your own special wood bat, you may bring that along, too. This is the Major Leagues, thus no aluminum bats are allowed! Professional quality bats will be provided for use during the week then collected at week s end. If you do choose to travel with your own wood bats, we encourage you to contact your airline regarding proper travel instructions. Q: What is the cost of Fantasy Camp? A: Camp is obtained through a $4,900 donation to Cleveland Indians Charities (CIC). A portion of each donation may be tax deductible. In late February/early March following camp, participants will be provided a letter from CIC that we
encourage be sent to their tax advisors. Q: As a first-time camper, what do I receive for my $4,900 donation? A: For a complete list of details, please reference the Fantasy Camp Package details on the camp homepage. In short, most items are provided: first-class hotel accommodations at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa, breakfast and lunch daily at the ballpark, select dinners throughout the week, complete authentic uniforms, expert trainers to keep you on the field, a clubhouse staff to care for your uniforms, and more! Campers are responsible for their own airfare, however bus transportation will be provided from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to the hotel on the two travel days. Van transportation is provided from the hotel to the baseball complex and back throughout the week. Q: As a veteran camper, what do I receive for my $4,600 donation? A: Everything listed first-time camp excluding a new uniform. Veteran campers must bring their camp uniform to receive the deduction (camp uniform is defined as home white jersey, alternate blue jersey, white pants, mock turtlenecks, and team jacket). Should veterans need a particular uniform piece, the may fill out a Uniform Accessories Form to purchase separately any of those pieces but still receive the $4,600 rate. Veteran campers are responsible for their own airfare, however bus transportation will be provided from the Phoenix Airport to the hotel on the two travel days. Van transportation is provided from the hotel to the baseball complex and back throughout the week. Q: Can a camper bring along a family member or spouse? A: Yes, while supplies last campers may purchase a "Favorite Fan" package, which provides a person of his or her choice (usually a spouse or family member) the chance to join the camper in Goodyear, AZ. The "Favorite Fan" is at camp from Saturday to Saturday and will room with the camper. Breakfast and lunch at the ballpark will be provided, along with a ticket to Saturday's welcome reception, Sunday's special "Favorite Fan" dinner, and Friday's Awards Banquet. Favorite Fans are also responsible for their own airfare to and from Phoenix, but may utilize the bus transportation. A limited number of Favorite Fan packages are available, and the cost is $2,100. "Favorite Fan" packages are sold while supplies last but will be available no later than September 1, 2018. Q: What is the weather like in Goodyear, AZ? A: Average temperatures in Goodyear during January include highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. Mornings and evenings have the potential to be cool, so we encourage both Campers and Favorite Fans to keep that in mind when packing.
Q: What is the appropriate dress while at camp? A: Campers will spend most of the days on the field in their baseball uniforms, but off the field dress is casual (slacks, jeans, shorts, polo shirts, etc.). Favorite Fans should also dress comfortably and for the weather. At Friday night's Awards Banquet, most men choose to wear a sport coat and most women a dress or skirt. Ties are optional. Q: Are meals included? A: Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the ballpark daily for all Campers and Favorite Fans. Also provided is a Saturday Welcome Banquet, Thursday concession offerings inside Goodyear Ballpark, and Friday Awards Banquet. Campers and Favorite Fans will be on their own for dinner the remaining evenings. Numerous restaurants are located within walking distance of the Renaissance (Westgate Shopping Center). Q: What photo opportunities exist? A: Photos will be taken throughout the week by camp photographers and will be available for view and purchase. The official Photo Day is scheduled for Tuesday morning, where individual and team photographs will be taken. All campers will receive a team photo at the end of camp. Viewing stations will be set up at the complex where during designated times campers and favorite fans may view, select, purchase and print photos from the week. All photos printed on sight will come complete with a special 2019 Fantasy Camp template. Q: What is Kangaroo Kourt? A: All campers, favorite fans, pros and staff will gather select evenings at the Renaissance Hotel and Kourt will feature fines for committing various lighthearted infractions. All proceeds from Kangaroo Kourt will be donated to Cleveland Indians Charities (CIC). Q: What are Bull Session? A: Bull Sessions are informal baseball discussions led by various pros from different eras of Indians baseball. The Bull Sessions serve as a great means of getting to know the pros and gaining additional insight from their playing careers. The Bull Sessions will take place on select evenings during the week, and the schedule of pros will be announced during camp. Q: What is Team Trivia Night A: On Sunday evening, all campers, pros and favorite fans will assemble as teams and test their Indians knowledge during a fun Team Trivia Night. Attendance is mandatory.
Q: What additional gifts will I receive? A: All campers will receive a Team Photo during the Awards Banquet at camp along with another personalized gift. First time campers will be fitted for a camp uniform which is theirs to keep. Following camp, campers will receive a flash drive containing professionally-shot footage of their camp experience along with 100 baseball cards. Video footage will be shot during camp, then edited by camper and team. Q: I signed up for camp but need to cancel. What happens to my balance? A: If camp participation becomes impossible, CIC will keep $750 to cover hard costs and administrative costs incurred and then refund any remaining monies back to your credit card. Costs could include uniforms, bats, gifts, supplies, reservations and administration fees. Items would be sent following the conclusion of camp. Q: Is a portion of Fantasy Camp tax-deductible? A: Following camp, CIC will provide a letter for income tax purposes and campers are encouraged to provide the letter sent to their tax advisors. The tax deduction value showing in the letter is calculated by the excess of the camp price over the fair market value of the goods and services received. * CIC cannot provide tax advice and asks you to please consult your tax advisor to determine whether a deduction of any portion is allowable. The exact amount of your deduction will vary depending on your tax bracket or other personal tax circumstances as each person's tax situation is unique, whether you file as a single person or jointly.
Baseball Related Q: What is the team format and game schedule? A: Camp will feature two divisions and an equal number of teams. Each team will play an eight game schedule - doubleheaders Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday then two Playoff games on Thursday. Q: When is the Championship Game played? A: The top team from each of the two divisions will compete in the Championship Game, scheduled to be played Thursday evening under the lights at Goodyear Ballpark. Q: What is the Pro vs Camper game and when is it played? A: A highlight for most campers is playing a game against the pros. All pro vs camper games will take place Friday morning. Q: How are teams formed? A: On Sunday, campers will enjoy baseball clinics conducted by the pros, then the pros will conduct the draft. The draft is closed to campers and favorite fans. Q: May I request to play on the same team as a friend or family member also attending camp? A: Yes, we will allow up to three (3) campers to be drafted together on the same team and special consideration will be given to family members. Campers may indicate their teammate preference(s) the first day of camp inside the clubhouse. Additional details will be announced during Saturday's Welcome Dinner. Q: What entails the Pre-Camp and Post-Camp Experiences at Progressive Field? A: Campers will be invited to Progressive Field this September for the Pre-Camp Experience, as they will hit and throw in the batting cages as well as be professionally fitted for their camp uniforms. The Fantasy Camp Reunion constitutes the Post-Camp Experience, and that will take place in the early summer of 2019. Campers will have the opportunity to return to Progressive Field and play a one hour game on the field!
Lodging Related Q: At what hotel will the group be staying? A: Campers will enjoy first class hotel accommodations at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa in Glendale, roughly 20 minutes from the Player Development Complex in Goodyear. Located within walking distance of the Renaissance Hotel is the Gila River Arena, University of Phoenix Stadium, and the Westgate Shopping Center. Restaurants at Westgate include Mama Gina s, Saddle Ranch Chop House, The Yard House, McFadden s Pub, and Gordon Biersch to name a few. There are numerous retail stores and entertainment options as well, including boutiques, a Cold Stone Creamery, AMC Westgate Theaters and an outlet mall. Q: How does the roommate situation work? A: All rooms at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa are double occupancy. Campers will have the opportunity to request a specific roommate; otherwise we will assign roommates according to similar age and same smoking preference. Q: Are private hotel rooms available? A: A limited number of private rooms are available at an additional cost of $,1000. Private rooms requests are granted on a first-come-first-serve basis. Travel Related Q: What are my travel options to camp? A: Campers are responsible for their own airfare to and from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Bus transportation will be provided from the airport to the Renaissance hotel on January 19 th then back to the airport on January 26 th. A bus schedule will be communicated. To ensure ground transportation we would ask you to select a flight arriving in Phoenix before 3:00 p.m. on January 19 th and leaving Phoenix no earlier than 9:00 a.m. on January 26 th. If your flights are outside of these times, you may need to be responsible for your own ground transportation. Goodyear, AZ is located 25 miles west of Phoenix. Q: Do I need a rental car for other travel? A: During camp, 15-passenger vans will transport campers and favorite fans daily to and from the hotel to the Player Development Complex during designated times. This is approximately a 20 minute commute. The transportation schedule will be published daily in the camp newspaper.
Should your transportation needs be more extensive, it is recommended you consider renting a car for added flexibility. Please note that any personal travel, or travel outside the designated van schedule, is the responsibility of the camper or the favorite fan. Numerous restaurants are housed inside the Westgate Shopping Center, located within walking distance of the Renaissance Hotel. Uniform Related Q: What is the camp uniform? A: First time campers will receive a uniform consisting of two authentic jerseys (home white and alternate blue), one pair of baseball pants, two mock turtlenecks, one team jacket, belt, pair of socks, and fitted cap. Q: How do I make sure my uniform will fit correctly? A: A Pre-Camp Experience will be conducted at Progressive Field in the fall of 2018. During this session, campers will be professionally measured for uniforms. Should you be unable to attend the Pre-Camp Experience, we encourage you to visit the Indians Team Shop to try on jerseys, hats, jackets and mock turtlenecks. We also suggest you NOT estimate low on your sizes, as you may be uncomfortable all week long. Indians Fantasy Camp representatives will gladly assist with any uniform related questions you might have. Q: What general tips can be provided to help determine your uniform sizes? a. Jersey Rule of thumb is that your sport coat size is your uniform size (i.e. 42, 48, 54). b. Pants Modern players measure length from their inseam to the ball of their ankle; "old-fashioned" players measure from their inseam to their lower/mid calf. c. Mock Turtleneck and Team Jacket These are available in the following adult sizes: M, L, XL, 2XL d. Fitted hat Range in sizes from 6 7/8 to 8.