Those watching the Colorado Rockies conduct 2006 Spring Training at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, Ariz., will see essentially the same team as last year, only a year older. How much can a team mature in a year? The six weeks or so between when the pitchers and catchers report and the season opener against Arizona on April 3 at Coors Field should provide some answers.

At the end of camp last year, rookies and second-year players were the primary performers at six positions. Partly because of the youth, the Rockies went 67-95. But out of that came a set of everyday starters the club likes. First baseman Todd Helton, headed into his ninth full season in purple pinstripes, is the lone established star. But at least six other players -- none with more than three years of experience -- who became primary starters last year are projected back in their roles this year. And right-handers Jason Jennings and Aaron Cook lead a young starting rotation.

Where the team should look markedly different from a year ago is in the bullpen. Rookies dominated last year's relief staff, but right-handers Mike DeJean and Jose Mesa and lefty Ray King give the new 'pen a grayer tint and, the Rockies hope, a better chance of success out of the gate.

As Rockies fans prepare to journey to the desert, here's some information that should help.

When do the Rockies arrive at camp?
Colorado pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 17 and have their first workout on Feb. 18. The rest of the position players report Feb. 22, and the first full-squad workout is Feb. 24.

When do games start?
The Rockies' Cactus League schedule opens March 1 at Tucson Electric Park against the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox return the favor the next day, visiting Hi Corbett Field for the Rockies' home opener. Both of those games and most of the others in Arizona start at 1:05 p.m., but check the schedule for the few different start times.

Unlike in past years, when the Rockies would break camp but play exhibition games against Major League clubs or their affiliates, the entire exhibition schedule will be in Arizona this year. Colorado completes the Hi Corbett Field schedule on March 31 against Milwaukee and plays its Cactus League finale on April 1 in Phoenix against Milwaukee at Maryvale Baseball Park.

How do I get tickets?
The 8,665 seats at Hi Corbett Field range from $2 to $23, and there are many ways to get them, the easiest of which is by visiting the Rockies' Spring Training Tickets page. Fans may also call (800) 388-ROCK or buy tickets in person in Arizona or Colorado.

Where is Tucson, and how do I get there?
There are plenty of flights from Denver to Tucson, but flying to Phoenix and driving the roughly two hours south might shave some bucks off the airfare.

Or it's a nice drive of about 950 miles from Coors Field to Hi Corbett via I-25 south and I-10 west. The Sandia Mountains provide a breathtaking view, but cell phone service south of Albuquerque, N.M., is iffy. Then again, is that really a drawback?

Veterans of this trip skip off I-25 at Hatch, N.M., and take SR 26 west for a little under 100 miles before picking up I-10 west at Deming.

Once in Tucson, take the I-10 exit east on Broadway and turn right at Randolph Way to get to Hi Corbett Field. Parking is plentiful, but be smart -- many spaces are in harm's way of foul balls.

One more hint: There's good shopping in the outlets at Casa Grande, about 100 miles from Tucson.

How can I watch the team work out?
Workouts are free, and you can get a good view of everything in the area where the three fields meet. The Rockies have morning and afternoon workouts.

Where can I get some autographs?
The best time to catch Rockies players is during the two-a-day portion of camp, before the games begin. Practices take place on three adjacent fields. Some players sign between drills while moving from one field to another, or they may sign after workouts are complete. There also is a fourth field on which position players who report early take batting practice or perform other informal field work.

On game days, the best place to catch the Rockies is on the first-base side as they enter and exit the clubhouse area. Go to the third-base side to seek autographs from visiting players.

What else is there to do in Tucson?
Hi Corbett Field is in Reid Park, and the Reid Park Zoo is a nice diversion. The giant anteater is this zoo's big project, and it's not to be overlooked.

For the young ones, word is that the Tucson Children's Museum (at 200 S. 6th Ave.) not only is worth a trip but also begs a return visit.

Another impressive use of about three hours is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is more of a zoo and walking trail. You're up close with a re-created habitat for many desert mammals and birds.

For more information on Tucson, visit the city's Visitor Index on its Web site (http://www.tucsonaz.gov/visitor.html).

When do the Rockies open the regular season?
The Rockies will play Arizona at Coors Field on April 3 at 2:05 p.m. MT.