Chicago Cubs Spring Training 2026 Tickets Release Dates, Price & How to Buy
Spring training represents baseball’s most accessible and intimate experience—where fans can watch their favorite players prepare for the season just feet away from the action. For Chicago Cubs enthusiasts, Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona, stands as one of the crown jewels of the Cactus League, offering an unparalleled baseball atmosphere under the desert sun. If you’re planning ahead for the 2026 season and wondering about Chicago Cubs spring training tickets release dates, pricing, and purchasing strategies, this comprehensive guide provides the insider knowledge you need to secure the best seats at reasonable prices.
The anticipation for Cubs spring training never wanes, and smart fans know that preparation makes the difference between scoring premium seats at face value versus paying inflated resale prices. Understanding the ticket release timeline, pricing patterns, and purchasing channels can save you hundreds of dollars while ensuring you don’t miss out on this unique baseball experience.
Quick Takeaways
- 2026 spring schedule expected in Fall 2025, with tickets typically on sale by early December
- Historic single-game releases occur in early December for the following season’s spring games
- Entry-level tickets start around $24 with average resale prices ranging $60-$65 at Sloan Park
- Presale opportunities through cubs.com and season-ticket holder early access provide the best chances
- Weekend and rivalry games cost significantly more than weekday matchups against smaller-market teams
- Book Mesa accommodations early, as hotels fill quickly during peak March training periods
Chicago Cubs Spring Training Tickets Price: Understanding the Market
Ticket pricing for Cubs spring games at Sloan Park operates on multiple tiers, with significant variation based on opponent quality, game timing, and seat location. The primary market—direct sales through MLB and team channels—typically offers structured pricing from bleacher seats to premium club levels. However, the secondary market reveals what fans actually pay, providing crucial insights for budget planning.
Current resale data shows Cubs spring training tickets starting as low as $24 for basic admission, with average secondary market prices settling between $60-$65. This pricing reflects strong demand for Cubs games, as Chicago maintains one of baseball’s most passionate fan bases who travel extensively to Arizona each spring.
Factors Affecting Ticket Costs:
- Day of week: Weekend games command 30-50% premiums over weekday contests
- Opponent popularity: Games against teams like the Giants, Angels, or crosstown rivals cost more
- Game timing: Afternoon games typically cost more than morning starts
- Seat location: Field-level seats behind home plate can cost 3-4 times the bleacher admission price
Smart Pricing Strategy: Set price alerts on platforms like SeatGeek or Vivid Seats, targeting $40-$70 per ticket. Prices often drop the week before weekday games as sellers become motivated, while weekend matchups and rivalry games see prices increase as game day approaches.
When Do Chicago Cubs Spring Training Tickets Go on Sale: Timeline and Release Patterns
Understanding the Cubs’ ticket release patterns gives you a significant advantage in securing preferred seats and dates. Historically, the organization has followed a consistent timing that allows fans to plan effectively.
Expected 2026 Timeline:
- Fall 2025: MLB releases spring training schedules, typically September-October
- Early December 2025: Cubs historically open single-game ticket sales (based on December 6, 2025, release for the 2025 season)
- Ongoing through January: Additional inventory releases and promotional packages
The Cubs direct fans to monitor cubs.com and official MLB channels for 2026-specific dates, as exact timing depends on schedule finalization and organizational logistics. What remains consistent is the early December window for general public sales.
Presale Opportunities: Season ticket holders, cubs.com newsletter subscribers, and Cubs Insider members typically receive presale codes 24-48 hours before public sales. These presales often feature better seat selection and occasionally offer slight discounts on premium locations.
Read more: New York Mets Spring Training 2026 Tickets Release Date, Cost & How to Buy
Chicago Cubs Spring Training Tickets Sale: Maximizing Your Purchase Success
Successfully securing Cubs spring training tickets requires a multi-channel approach combining official sources, timing strategy, and backup planning through verified resale platforms.
Primary Purchase Channels
Cubs.com/Sloan Park Official Pages: The safest and often cheapest option for face-value tickets. Official sales guarantee authenticity and provide customer service support for any issues. Watch for presale announcements and sign up for email alerts.
MLB.com and MLB Ballpark App: Integrated ticketing often provides mobile-friendly purchasing with instant digital wallet delivery. The app sometimes features interactive seat maps showing actual field views.
Sloan Park Box Office: Ideal for group sales, suite bookings, or special accommodations. Phone sales can sometimes access inventory not available online.
Strategic Purchasing Approach
Presale Preparation: Register for Cubs communications in fall 2025 and maintain active newsletter subscriptions. Presale codes typically arrive via email 24-48 hours before public sales.
Day-One Public Sales: Have multiple browsers ready and consider enlisting family members to increase your chances during high-demand periods. Popular games can sell out within hours.
Secondary Market Timing: If primary sales don’t work out, monitor verified platforms like SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster Resale. Prices often fluctuate based on weather forecasts, team performance expectations, and proximity to game dates.
Chicago Cubs Spring Training Tickets, How to Buy: Step-by-Step Purchase Guide
Official Channel Strategy
Begin your ticket search with official sources, which offer several advantages: guaranteed authenticity, face-value pricing, and customer service support. Create accounts on cubs.com and MLB.com before sale dates to streamline the purchasing process.
Pre-Sale Process:
- Subscribe to Cubs email lists by October 2025
- Follow the Cubs’ social media for sale announcements
- Set calendar reminders for expected December sale dates
- Prepare payment information and preferred seating sections
Purchase Day Execution:
- Log in 15 minutes before the sale start time
- Have backup payment methods ready
- Consider multiple game dates for flexibility
- Complete purchases quickly—popular games sell fast
Secondary Market Navigation
When official channels sell out or don’t offer your preferred dates, verified resale platforms provide legitimate alternatives with buyer protection guarantees.
Recommended Platforms:
- SeatGeek: Excellent mobile app with deal scoring and price prediction
- Vivid Seats: Strong inventory and buyer guarantee program
- Ticketmaster Resale: Seamless transfer system and official partnership benefits
Timing Strategy: Monitor prices 7-10 days before games, when individual sellers become motivated. Avoid panic buying immediately after sellouts—prices often normalize within 24-48 hours.
Chicago Cubs Spring Training Tickets Cost: Total Budget Planning
Smart budgeting extends beyond ticket face value to encompass the full spring training experience. Hidden costs can quickly double your initial ticket investment without proper planning.
Complete Cost Breakdown:
- Base Tickets: $25-$150 depending on seats and opponent
- Service Fees: 10-25% additional on most platforms
- Parking: $10-$25 per game at Sloan Park
- Concessions: $30-$50 per person for food and beverages
- Travel Costs: Flights, hotels, and car rentals for out-of-state fans
Money-Saving Strategies:
- Multi-Game Packages: Often provide per-game savings and better seat locations
- Weekday Games: Significantly cheaper than weekend contests
- Early Season: Late February/early March games cost less than peak March dates
- Group Sales: 10+ tickets often qualify for discounts and preferred seating
Hotel Booking Strategy: Reserve refundable accommodations in Mesa immediately after schedule release. Spring training creates high demand for nearby hotels, with weekend rates doubling during peak periods. Book early with flexible cancellation terms, then finalize after securing tickets.
Advanced Tips for Spring Training Success
Experienced spring training attendees develop strategies that go beyond basic ticket purchasing, focusing on maximizing the overall experience while minimizing costs.
Weather Considerations: Arizona weather can be unpredictable in February and early March. Games with poor weather forecasts often see ticket price drops on resale markets 24-48 hours before first pitch.
Player Appearance Strategy: Star players often have reduced appearances in early spring games. If seeing specific players matters most, target mid-to-late March games when rotations are more established.
Transportation Planning: Mesa traffic increases significantly during Cubs games. Consider ride-sharing, hotel shuttles, or early arrival to avoid parking premium charges and traffic delays.
Conclusion
Securing Chicago Cubs spring training tickets for 2026 requires preparation, timing, and strategic thinking—but the reward of watching your favorite team in Arizona’s perfect spring weather makes the effort worthwhile. Start monitoring cubs.com and official MLB channels in fall 2025 for schedule releases, sign up for presale opportunities, and set realistic budget expectations that account for total trip costs, not just ticket face value.
Remember that spring training offers something regular-season games cannot: intimate access to players, relaxed atmospheres, and the excitement of baseball’s fresh start. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long Arizona baseball tour, following these proven strategies will help you secure tickets at reasonable prices while avoiding the stress and inflated costs of last-minute purchases.
The key to spring training success lies in treating ticket purchasing like any major travel planning: start early, use official channels first, maintain flexibility with dates and seating, and always have backup plans through verified resale platforms.
FAQ
When do Chicago Cubs Spring Training tickets go on sale for 2026?
Based on historical patterns, expect the 2026 spring schedule release in fall 2025, with single-game tickets typically going on sale in early December. The Cubs released 2025 tickets on December 6, 2024, providing a reliable timeline reference.
How much do Cubs spring training tickets cost?
Current market data shows entry-level tickets starting around $24, with average resale prices between $60-$65. Weekend games and popular opponents command premium pricing, while weekday games offer the most affordable options.
What’s the best way to secure good seats?
Combine multiple strategies: sign up for presales through cubs.com, participate in day-one public sales, and monitor verified resale platforms like SeatGeek and Vivid Seats for sold-out games. Having flexible date preferences significantly increases your success chances.
Are there package deals for Cubs spring training?
Yes, the Cubs typically offer multi-game packages that provide per-game savings and better seat locations. Some travel companies also bundle tickets with hotels and flights, though individual booking often offers more flexibility and cost control.
Should I buy tickets immediately when they go on sale?
For weekend games and popular opponents, immediate purchase is recommended as these sell out quickly. For weekday games against smaller-market teams, you can often wait and monitor price fluctuations on secondary markets for potential savings.
