A Guide to Cactus League Baseball in Arizona

For sports fans, it’s one of the most highly anticipated times of year. The smell of hot dogs and popcorn fill the air, the weather switches from cool and mild to warm and sunny, and the Cactus League players (and their fans) head to the Valley of the Sun for the annual spring games. Since all 10 Cactus League stadiums are in the Phoenix metro area, it’s possible to watch a game at each one without even switching hotels. Here’s a quick look at the stadiums and the teams that play there:

• Root for the home teams at the state-of-the-art Salt River Fields, where the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies play their spring training games. Note that it’s $5 per car, and $15 for bus and RV parking at this Scottsdale stadium.
• Located in Glendale and inspired by the Sonoran Desert, Camelback Ranch is where the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers play. Parking is free, and there’s a lot of it!
• The Los Angeles Angels can be found at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Nestled up on a hill between Tempe’s Twin Buttes—this popular spot has a view that can’t be beat. Parking is $5 per vehicle and $25 for RVs.
• Sloan Park (also known as Wrigleyville West) in Mesa is the Chicago Cubs spring home. Many fans take a Chicago to Phoenix road trip to watch the games. Parking lots open four hours before the game, and it’s $5 for general, $10 for reserved, and $14 for bus and RV parking.
• Maryvale Baseball Park on the west side of Phoenix is where the Milwaukee Brewers play&mdah;and parking is just $5 per vehicle. Following spring training 2018, the stadium is set to undergo a $56 million renovation.
• The San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners each play their home games at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria. You’ll find one of the most affordable ticket prices here, and parking is just $5 per car, and $10 for RVs and oversized vehicles.
• Goodyear Ballpark, where the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds play, is located in Goodyear. Parking is $5 per vehicle and $10 for RVs, and there’s a free “Kids Zone” in the stadium—perfect for the little ones.
• Hohokam Stadium, where the Oakland Athletics play, is another ballpark in Mesa. Recently renovated, the stadium features a canopy that provides shade for most of the 200-level seats. Parking is $5 per vehicle and $10 for RVs and oversized vehicles.
• Scottsdale Stadium—arguably the most popular spring training stadium in the Cactus League—is located in Old Town Scottsdale, and plays host to the San Francisco Giants. Despite paid parking structures nearby, finding a spot can be a challenge. The city does provide a free trolley to get you to the stadium from various pickup points.
• The Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers play at Surprise Stadium in Surprise. Parking is free, and you can bring food with you—as long as it’s in a clear plastic bag and can fit under a standard stadium seat.

Getting There

Enjoy views of the Phoenix area while you're in town for Arizona spring training games.

Almost 2 million fans attended Cactus League spring training games in 2017—that’s a lot of cars on the road, and a lot of people to navigate through. But one great thing about getting around Phoenix is that the roads are arranged in a grid, so it’s fairly easy to get your bearings. No matter where you stay in the Phoenix area, you’re easily within a 45-minute drive to any of the stadiums (depending on traffic). Scottsdale Stadium and Tempe Diablo Stadium in particular are both notorious for local and stadium traffic, so plan your trip accordingly or take advantage of bus, shuttle and ridesharing opportunities.

Sunscreen, Shade & Staying Hydrated

In February and March, the average temperate is still in the high 70s. But once April rolls around, the Valley of the Sun becomes more than just a fancy nickname, it’s a hard truth. Yes, even in the springtime, there’s the likelihood of at least a day or two with temperatures in the 100s. And with over 300 days of clear skies in Phoenix every year, it’s unlikely clouds will offer any break from the heat. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more is recommended—especially for kids. Bring a hat and wear light, breathable clothing. Shade is also essential... if you can find it. Unfortunately, most of the seats at most of the stadiums offer very little shade, so staying hydrated is even more crucial. Dehydration can creep up on you when you least expect it. Every stadium has their own policy regarding food and drink, but most (if not all) allow at least two factory sealed water bottles per person. Thankfully, all of the Cactus League stadiums offer food and drink on-site.

Ready to swing into Cactus League baseball? Find a Phoenix area hotel close to your favorite stadium.