Chicago Cubs Spring Training 2026 Schedule Release Date
For Chicago Cubs fans counting down the days until they can return to Arizona’s desert sun and Sloan Park’s perfectly manicured grass, the anticipation for the 2026 spring training season continues to build. With the Cubs consistently drawing the largest crowds in the Cactus League and major facility upgrades transforming their Mesa headquarters, the 2026 season promises to deliver an unparalleled spring training experience. The official schedule release, expected in Fall 2025, will mark the beginning of another memorable chapter in the storied tradition of Cubs baseball in the desert.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Cubs faithful planning their annual pilgrimage to Arizona. Fresh off leading all Cactus League teams with an average attendance of 13,401 per game in 2024, the Cubs organization has invested heavily in facility improvements that will be completed just in time for the 2026 season. These enhancements, combined with an exciting roster of young talent and veteran leadership, position the 2026 spring training campaign as potentially the most compelling in recent memory.
Quick Takeaways
- Cubs spring training 2026 schedule releases in Fall 2025, with tickets available late 2025 or early 2026
- Sloan Park completes $16 million upgrade featuring new performance lab and motion-capture technology
- Spring training historically begins mid-February, with first exhibition games starting February 20-21
- Cubs maintain Cactus League attendance leadership with 13,401 average per game in 2024
- Major facility improvements include a women’s locker room and an 18,000-square-foot performance center
- The best ticket purchasing strategy involves official Cubs sources to avoid third-party markups
When to Expect the Official Schedule Release
The Chicago Cubs Spring Training 2026 schedule will be announced during Fall 2025, likely in late September or early October. This timing follows the league’s recent pattern of summer schedule releases, exemplified by the 2025 Cactus League schedule announcement on August 14, 2024. The consistent timing allows Cubs fans approximately six months of advance planning time – crucial for securing accommodations, flights, and tickets in the highly competitive Arizona spring training market.
The scheduling process involves coordination between all 15 Cactus League teams and MLB headquarters, ensuring balanced competition and optimal fan experiences across Arizona’s spring training venues. Historical patterns suggest the Cubs will once again be featured in marquee matchups, including potential season-opening games that have become a tradition for the organization. The 2025 season saw the Cubs open against the Los Angeles Dodgers on February 20, showcasing the type of high-profile matchups fans can anticipate for 2026.
Spring training schedules traditionally follow a predictable structure, with pitchers and catchers reporting around Valentine’s Day, followed by position players arriving several days later. The first exhibition games typically begin around February 20, creating a six-week window of baseball action that extends through late March. This timeline has remained remarkably consistent across recent seasons, providing fans with reliable expectations for planning purposes.
Chicago Cubs Spring Training Facility 2026: A State-of-the-Art Transformation
The Chicago Cubs’ spring training facility in 2026 represents a quantum leap forward in player development technology and fan experience amenities. The $16 million upgrade project, approved by Mesa City Council and set for completion before the 2026 season, transforms Sloan Park into baseball’s most technologically advanced spring training venue.
Revolutionary Performance Technology
The centerpiece of the facility upgrade is an 18,000-square-foot hitting and pitching performance lab equipped with cutting-edge motion capture technology. This state-of-the-art facility rivals the technology used by elite baseball development organizations like Driveline Baseball, providing Cubs players with unprecedented tools for analyzing and improving their performance. The motion capture system can track every aspect of a player’s movement, from pitching mechanics to swing paths, creating detailed biomechanical profiles that inform individualized training programs.
This technological advancement addresses the modern game’s increasing emphasis on data-driven player development. With MLB teams investing heavily in analytics and performance science, the Cubs’ new facility ensures they remain at the forefront of player development innovation. The lab will serve both major league players during spring training and minor league prospects throughout the year, creating a comprehensive development pipeline that extends far beyond the traditional February and March timeframe.
Enhanced Amenities and Infrastructure
Beyond the performance lab, the facility upgrades include construction of a women’s locker room, reflecting baseball’s evolving landscape and the Cubs’ commitment to workplace equality. This addition accommodates the growing number of female staff members throughout Major League Baseball, from coaches and trainers to front office executives and media personnel.
The project timeline ensures seamless integration of all improvements, with construction beginning immediately after the Cubs’ final 2025 spring training game on March 25 against the Atlanta Braves. This careful scheduling minimizes disruption while guaranteeing all enhancements are fully operational for the 2026 season opener.
Funding Partnership Excellence
The upgrade project exemplifies the strong partnership between the Cubs organization and the Mesa city government. Mesa covers all construction costs using funds from its Capital General Fund, money systematically set aside for these scheduled improvements. The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority contributes over $7 million toward the project, while the Cubs organization handles fixtures, furniture, and equipment expenses.
Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney has praised the collaborative relationship, noting how city leadership “knows what Sloan Park does for Mesa, and they’ve been incredibly good partners.” This partnership operates under a facility use agreement established in November 2011, which outlines improvement investments at both the 10th and 20th seasons of operation.
Chicago Cubs Spring Training Location 2026: Mesa’s Premier Baseball Destination
The Chicago Cubs’ spring training location for 2026 remains Mesa, Arizona, where Sloan Park has served as the team’s spring home since 2014. This stability provides Cubs fans with the confidence to make long-term travel plans while enjoying the benefits of an increasingly sophisticated facility and surrounding community.
Sloan Park’s popularity among Cubs fans is reflected in its consistent Cactus League attendance leadership. The 2024 season saw the Cubs achieve an average attendance of 13,401 per game, significantly outpacing other spring training venues. A Cubs-Texas Rangers game in 2024 attracted 16,142 fans, falling just 10 short of the Cactus League record and demonstrating the incredible drawing power of Cubs baseball in Arizona.
Mesa’s location within the greater Phoenix metropolitan area provides strategic advantages for traveling fans. The city’s proximity to Sky Harbor International Airport simplifies travel logistics, while its central position relative to other Cactus League venues creates opportunities for fans to experience multiple teams and facilities during extended Arizona visits. The concentration of spring training facilities within driving distance allows for day-night doubleheaders at different parks, maximizing the baseball experience for dedicated fans.
The broader Mesa community has embraced its role as a spring training destination, with local businesses and attractions catering specifically to baseball tourists. From specialized Cubs-themed restaurants and bars to hotels offering spring training packages, the city has created an ecosystem designed to enhance the overall fan experience beyond the confines of Sloan Park itself.
Chicago Cubs Spring Training Roster 2026: Future Stars and Veteran Leadership
While the official Chicago Cubs spring training roster 2026 won’t be finalized until closer to the season, several organizational developments and prospect evaluations provide insight into what fans can expect. The Cubs’ consistently highly-ranked farm system features multiple players positioned for potential 2026 breakthroughs, creating compelling storylines for spring training observers.
Emerging Offensive Talent
Moises Ballesteros, currently the organization’s fourth-ranked prospect, represents the future behind the plate for the Cubs. The Venezuelan catcher combines plus power potential with developing contact skills, with scouts projecting him as a potential 25-30 home run-hitting catcher. His defensive abilities continue improving, though his advanced offensive skills may earn him designated hitter opportunities during his development process.
Owen Caissie brings raw power to all fields and has registered some of the highest exit velocities within the Cubs’ minor league system. His athletic profile extends beyond hitting ability, as he possesses the speed to contribute on the basepaths and the arm strength to provide above-average defense in corner outfield positions. His continued development could position him as a significant contributor by the 2026 season.
Kevin Alcántara offers another exciting outfield option with developing power potential. While he continues working to reduce his chase rate on breaking pitches, his contact rate improvements and natural athleticism make him a valuable organizational asset. His ability to play center field while excelling in corner positions provides roster flexibility that modern teams prize.
Pitching Development Pipeline
The Cubs’ pitching development program features several arms that could make meaningful contributions by 2026. Cade Horton, the organization’s second-ranked prospect and former University of Oklahoma star, represents perhaps the most important piece as the major league roster seeks young pitching talent. Despite recovering from a lat injury, Horton’s pedigree as the seventh overall selection and early professional performances suggest significant upside.
The new performance lab with motion capture technology will prove particularly beneficial for developing pitchers throughout the organization. This technology enables detailed biomechanical analysis, helping pitchers optimize their delivery mechanics while reducing injury risk and maximizing effectiveness. For prospects like Horton, Jaxon Wiggins, and other organizational arms, this represents access to technology previously available only at elite private facilities.
Read more: Red Sox Spring Training 2026 Schedule Release Date
Strategic Planning for Your 2026 Cubs Spring Training Experience
With the schedule release anticipated in Fall 2025, Cubs fans should begin preparation for their 2026 spring training adventure. Success in securing tickets and accommodations requires strategic planning and understanding of the unique dynamics surrounding Cubs spring training demand.
Optimal Ticket Purchasing Strategies
The Cubs offer a Spring Training Season Ticket Holder Waiting List for fans seeking guaranteed access to all home games. When season tickets become available, they’re offered first to waiting list members, providing the most reliable path to premium seating for the entire spring schedule. This approach proves particularly valuable given the Cubs’ consistent sellout potential and limited ticket availability for individual games.
For individual game purchases, fans should prioritize official sources over third-party sellers. The Cubs organization and Cactus League explicitly warn against unauthorized ticket sellers, as these tickets may not be honored at venues and often carry inflated prices. Official sources ensure authenticity while providing customer service support for any issues that may arise.
Timing proves crucial for ticket purchasing success. Historical patterns suggest tickets go on sale in late 2025 or early 2026, with premium games and weekend series selling out rapidly. Fans should establish account relationships with official ticket sources before the sales launch, ensuring streamlined purchasing when tickets become available.
Accommodation and Travel Logistics
Mesa’s popularity during spring training creates intense competition for accommodations, particularly during peak periods like Opening Weekend and weekend series featuring marquee opponents. Early planning, ideally beginning when the schedule is released in Fall 2025, provides the best selection of hotels, vacation rentals, and alternative lodging options.
The Phoenix area’s extensive airport system, anchored by Sky Harbor International Airport, offers numerous flight options for traveling Cubs fans. Many visitors combine their spring training experience with exploration of Arizona’s other attractions, from Scottsdale’s entertainment districts to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. This broader tourism approach often justifies extended stays and can provide more accommodation flexibility during peak baseball periods.
Local transportation options include rental cars, ride-sharing services, and specialized spring training shuttle services. Given the distances between various Cactus League venues and the potential for attending multiple games, transportation planning proves essential for maximizing the overall Arizona baseball experience.
The Economic and Cultural Impact of Cubs Spring Training
The Chicago Cubs’ spring training presence generates substantial economic impact extending far beyond ticket sales and concession revenue. Sloan Park’s consistent attendance leadership creates significant revenue streams for Mesa hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail establishments. Local economic studies consistently demonstrate spring training’s outsized impact on regional tourism and business activity.
The facility serves multiple purposes throughout the year, hosting youth tournaments, minor league games during the Arizona Fall League, and player rehabilitation programs. The upgraded performance lab will expand these year-round capabilities, potentially attracting additional events and training programs that generate revenue beyond the traditional spring training season.
The Cubs’ presence also provides intangible benefits to the Mesa community, from increased national media exposure to enhanced civic pride. The partnership between the organization and city government exemplifies successful public-private collaboration, creating mutual benefits that extend far beyond baseball operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Chicago Cubs 2026 spring training schedule be released?
The 2026 Cactus League schedule, including all Cubs home and away games, will be released in Fall 2025, likely in late August or early September. This timeline follows MLB’s established pattern of late-summer schedule announcements and provides fans with approximately six months for travel planning.
Where do the Chicago Cubs train for spring training in 2026?
The Cubs will continue training at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona, for the 2026 season. The facility is currently undergoing $16 million in upgrades that will be completed before the 2026 season, including a state-of-the-art performance lab with motion capture technology.
How can I secure tickets for Cubs spring training 2026?
Tickets are expected to go on sale in late 2025 or early 2026. Fans can join the Spring Training Season Ticket Holder Waiting List for priority access to season tickets, or purchase individual game tickets directly from official Cubs sources when they become available. Avoid third-party sellers to ensure ticket authenticity.
What distinguishes Sloan Park from other spring training facilities?
Sloan Park leads the Cactus League in both attendance and capacity, accommodating 15,000 fans per game. The upcoming $16 million upgrade will add an 18,000-square-foot performance lab with motion capture technology, a women’s locker room, and other cutting-edge amenities that establish it as baseball’s premier spring training venue.
What should fans expect from the Cubs’ 2026 spring training roster?
While the official roster won’t be determined until closer to the season, expect to see top prospects like catcher Moises Ballesteros, outfielders Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara, and pitcher Cade Horton competing for roles. The new performance lab will provide enhanced development opportunities for both prospects and established players, potentially accelerating their readiness for major league contributions.
