Rivals joining forces

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies are N.L. West rivals.

Now they’re partners in a spring training facility planned for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Phoenix.

Under an agreement announced Thursday, the tribe will build an 11,000-seat ballpark and a complex that includes 12 practice fields, training facilities and offices. The facility is expected to be ready for the 2011 exhibition season.

The 140-acre site is adjacent to Scottsdale. It is believed to be the first major league spring training facility on tribal land.

“We are certainly excited that we have come to an agreement on our future spring training home with a wonderful community,” Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall said. “We have had several interested parties and sites but ultimately found this site to be superb.”