Chicago Cubs Spring Training 2026 Schedule, Tickets & Stadium
Spring training represents baseball at its purest—a time when every player starts with equal hope, rosters take shape under the Arizona sun, and fans can get closer to the game than any regular season allows. For Chicago Cubs faithful, the 2026 Cactus League season brings that familiar anticipation back to Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona, starting February 20th with a full slate of exhibitions, prospect showcases, and those relaxed ballpark moments that make spring baseball special.
Whether you’re a longtime season ticket holder planning your annual pilgrimage or a first-timer wondering how to experience Cubs spring training, this guide walks you through everything: the complete schedule with key dates, ticket-buying strategies that save money, what makes Sloan Park one of baseball’s best spring venues, and practical game-day tips from parking to batting practice access.
Quick Takeaways
- Opening day arrives Feb. 20, 2026, when the Cubs face the White Sox—weekend games sell fastest, so plan early
- Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona (2330 W. Rio Salado Pkwy) seats 15,000 with fan-first sightlines and modern amenities
- Tickets available now through the Cubs’ official portal for single-game, season, and group options; secondary markets carry premium dates
- Special events include Team Italy exhibition (March 3) and MLB Spring Breakout prospects showcase (March 21)
- Game-day essentials: arrive early for batting practice, explore GA berm seating for budget access, pack sunscreen and water
- Travel packages available through Mesa hotels and Cubs partners—book 60+ days ahead for best spring training bundles
When Does Spring Training Start for the Cubs?
The Cubs’ 2026 spring training campaign officially launches Friday, February 20, 2026, with a Crosstown Classic exhibition against the Chicago White Sox at Sloan Park. This opener kicks off a six-week stretch of Cactus League action running through late March, with workouts, split-squad games, and off-days strategically placed to balance player development and fan entertainment.
While pitchers and catchers typically report in mid-February and position players follow shortly after, the public schedule begins with that Feb. 20 White Sox matchup. Game times for individual contests usually get announced closer to each date, so checking the Cubs’ official spring training schedule page regularly ensures you catch any time changes or special start times—particularly for weekend and marquee matchups that may shift for broadcast windows.
The Complete Cubs Spring Training 2026 Schedule
The Cubs play a balanced mix of home games at Sloan Park and road contests across the Valley, with notable dates including exhibitions against Team Italy and back-to-back games versus the Yankees. Here’s the full February and March slate:
February 2026
- Friday, Feb. 20: vs. White Sox at Sloan Park (Season Opener)
- Saturday, Feb. 21: vs. Rangers at Sloan Park
- Sunday, Feb. 22: vs. Giants at Scottsdale
- Monday, Feb. 23: vs. Royals at Surprise
- Tuesday, Feb. 24: vs. Padres at Sloan Park
- Wednesday, Feb. 25: vs. Rockies at Sloan Park
- Thursday, Feb. 26: vs. Angels at Tempe
- Friday, Feb. 27: vs. Guardians at Sloan Park
- Saturday, Feb. 28: vs. Dodgers at Glendale (Split Squad)
March 2026 Highlights
- Sunday, March 1: vs. White Sox at Sloan Park
- Monday, March 2: vs. Reds (split squad) at Goodyear
- Tuesday, March 3: vs. Team Italy at Sloan Park (WBC Exhibition)
- Wednesday, March 4: vs. Brewers at Phoenix
- Sunday, March 8: vs. Giants at Sloan Park (Daylight Saving Time Begins)
- Monday, March 9: OFF DAY
- Friday, March 20: Split-squad doubleheader—vs. Reds (Sloan) / vs. Athletics (Mesa)
- Saturday, March 21: MLB Spring Breakout—Padres Prospects vs. Cubs Prospects at Sloan Park
- Monday–Tuesday, March 23-24: vs. Yankees at Sloan Park
The schedule balances traditional Cactus League rivalries with unique events like the Team Italy exhibition—part of baseball’s growing international presence—and the Spring Breakout prospect showcase that gives fans early looks at future major leaguers. Split-squad games allow roster-bubble players extra at-bats while starters get controlled work, making these dual-game days valuable for deep-roster evaluation.
Read more: 2026 Spring Training Complete Schedule Announced: Your Ultimate Guide
Sloan Park: The Cubs’ Spring Training Home
Located at 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa, Arizona, Sloan Park opened in 2014 and quickly established itself among the Cactus League’s premier facilities. The ballpark seats approximately 15,000 fans across chairback seating, berm areas, and party zones, with design elements that prioritize fan experience over maximum capacity.
What sets Sloan Park apart? The facility mirrors Wrigley Field’s intimate feel with a left-field berm reminiscent of the bleachers, wide concourses that never feel cramped, and sightlines that keep you close to the action, whether you’re behind home plate or down the lines. Multiple practice fields adjacent to the main stadium let fans watch pitchers throwing bullpens, position players running drills, and prospects working with coaching staff—access you’d never get during the regular season.
The complex includes spacious clubhouses, state-of-the-art training facilities, and ample parking, which makes arriving for batting practice straightforward. Mesa’s investment in spring training infrastructure shows in details like shaded seating areas that matter during late-February heat, modern concessions with diverse options beyond standard ballpark fare, and kid-friendly zones that make spring games genuine family outings.
Cubs Spring Training Tickets: Where to Buy & How to Save
Official Ticket Sources
Start with the Cubs’ official Sloan Park ticket portal for guaranteed authentic tickets and access to all seating categories. The team offers several ticket packages:
- Single-game tickets for 2026 were posted after the official schedule release (Nov. 5, 2025); for the most reliable purchase options, use the Cubs’ official Sloan Park ticket portal (MLB/Cubs pages), which lists single-game, season, and group options for spring training.
- Spring training season tickets that cover most or all home games at discounted per-game rates
- Group packages (10+ people) with potential amenities like reserved seating areas or pregame field access
- Theme day tickets are tied to special events like the Italy exhibition or Spring Breakout
Secondary Market Options
Sites like SeatGeek and VividSeats list resale tickets, particularly useful for sold-out games or specific seating locations. Prices fluctuate based on matchup and timing—expect premium prices for opening weekend, Yankees games, and the prospect showcase. Check multiple platforms and compare fees before purchasing.
Money-Saving Strategies
General admission berm tickets offer the best value, usually priced $10-15 below reserved seating while providing perfectly good sightlines and a relaxed lawn-chair atmosphere. Weekday games (Monday-Thursday) consistently cost less than weekend dates and draw smaller crowds, meaning better parking and shorter concession lines. If you’re planning multiple games, season or mini-plan packages reduce per-game costs significantly—often by 20-30% compared to single-game pricing.
Timing matters: popular dates like opening day, the Feb. 28 Dodgers split-squad game, and both Yankees contests sell quickly once tickets drop. Sign up for Cubs email alerts to catch ticket releases early, or target weekday games that remain available longer and sometimes see last-minute discounts.
What to Expect: Game-Day Atmosphere & Amenities
Spring training at Sloan Park delivers a distinctly different vibe than Wrigley Field’s regular-season intensity. Crowds are more relaxed, players are more accessible for autographs near the practice fields, and the pace feels unhurried—even during competitive games. Expect to see established veterans taking controlled at-bats alongside prospects fighting for roster spots, with lineup cards that change inning-by-inning as managers evaluate depth.
The ballpark experience includes fest-style concessions beyond typical hot dogs and beer—local Arizona vendors, craft options, and family-friendly choices. Merchandise stands stock spring training-specific gear, with Cubs spring training hats and caps among the most popular souvenirs featuring Cactus League patches unique to these games.
Marquee games, particularly high-profile matchups or special events, often receive broadcast coverage on Marquee Sports Network or national outlets. Even without attending, these games provide your first substantive look at roster construction, pitching rotations, and players returning from injury—information that shapes season expectations and fantasy baseball drafts.
Travel Planning: Getting There, Where to Stay & Game-Day Tips
Accommodation & Travel Packages
Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale all market spring training hotel packages designed for baseball fans, often bundling lodging with game tickets or spring training facility tours. Visit Mesa’s tourism site aggregates these packages and highlights hotels near the Loop 101 freeway that minimize drive times to Sloan Park and other Cactus League venues.
Booking 60+ days in advance typically yields better rates and room selection, particularly for opening weekend and prime March dates when spring training crowds peak. Consider staying near Mesa’s downtown core for walkable restaurants and entertainment beyond ballpark days, or choose Scottsdale for upscale dining and nightlife options.
Getting to Sloan Park
The ballpark sits just off the Loop 101 at Rio Salado Parkway, with clear signage and dedicated spring training traffic management. Parking opens several hours before first pitch—arriving early serves dual purposes: securing convenient parking spots and catching batting practice, when players are accessible along the rails and photo opportunities abound.
Public transit options exist but are limited compared to northeastern cities; rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate extensively throughout Mesa and typically cost $15-25 from central Scottsdale or Tempe hotels.
Game-Day Packing Essentials
Arizona’s late-February and March weather means warm afternoons with cool mornings and evenings. Pack sunscreen (reapply regularly—desert sun is deceiving), a hat (that Cubs spring training cap you buy makes a functional souvenir), comfortable walking shoes for navigating multiple practice fields, and a refillable water bottle (hydration stations are available throughout Sloan Park).
If choosing GA berm seating, consider bringing a blanket or low-back chair for comfort—many fans treat these areas as picnic spots. Bags are subject to security screening but are permitted; check the Cubs’ website for current bag policy details.
Accessibility Services
Sloan Park provides ADA-compliant seating, accessible restrooms, and assistive services throughout the facility. Contact the ballpark’s guest services in advance if you need specific accommodations or have questions about accessible parking and seating locations.
Why Spring Training Matters: The Expert Perspective
Spring training isn’t merely practice—it’s product development with stakes. Managers use these six weeks to evaluate roster-bubble players, test pitchers in new roles, and identify the sixth starter or eighth reliever who might save the season in August. For fans, spring games offer unmatched access: watching a top prospect take his first major league at-bats, seeing how an offseason acquisition fits the clubhouse culture, or gauging whether last year’s injury-plagued starter has regained his fastball velocity.
The 2026 schedule’s special events amplify these opportunities. The Team Italy exhibition on March 3rd showcases international baseball talent ahead of global competitions, while the March 21st MLB Spring Breakout prospect game provides a curated look at both organizations’ top minor leaguers—players who could debut by summer or headline future playoff runs. These games accelerate prospect visibility and often influence roster decisions, making them must-see events for serious Cubs followers.
Use spring training strategically: attend early-schedule games to see full rosters before cuts, catch split-squad games for deeper roster access, or target late-March contests when opening-day lineups solidify and games more closely resemble regular-season competition. Every game reveals something—new defensive alignments, bullpen usage patterns, or that unknown minor leaguer who suddenly looks major-league ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Cubs spring training start in 2026?
A: The Cubs open their 2026 spring training schedule on Friday, February 20, 2026, hosting the Chicago White Sox at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona.
Q: Where is Cubs spring training held?
A: The Cubs conduct spring training at Sloan Park, located at 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa, Arizona, approximately 20 minutes east of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Q: How do I buy Cubs spring training tickets?
A: Purchase tickets directly through the Cubs’ official Sloan Park ticket portal for single-game, season, and group options. Secondary marketplaces like SeatGeek and VividSeats also list resale tickets, particularly for sold-out or premium dates.
Q: Are there special events during 2026 spring training?
A: Yes—notable 2026 events include a World Baseball Classic exhibition game versus Team Italy on March 3rd and the MLB Spring Breakout prospects showcase featuring Padres and Cubs minor leaguers on March 21st.
Q: What should I bring to Sloan Park?
A: Essential items include sunscreen, a hat (consider buying a Cubs spring training cap as a functional souvenir), comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, and a blanket or low chair if sitting in general admission berm areas. Arrive early to catch batting practice and secure convenient parking.
The Chicago Cubs’ 2026 spring training at Sloan Park delivers six weeks of baseball at its most accessible and hopeful—starting February 20th with a schedule packed with exhibitions, prospect showcases, and those sun-soaked afternoons that make spring baseball addictive. Secure tickets early for marquee dates like opening weekend and the Yankees series, leverage official channels for best availability and pricing, and build your Mesa trip around the spring training ecosystem that makes the Cactus League more than just baseball.
Whether you’re evaluating September’s playoff roster or simply enjoying February sunshine and $8 berm seats, Sloan Park remains the Cactus League’s gold standard. Bookmark the official Cubs spring training schedule page, set alerts for ticket releases and time updates, and start planning your desert baseball escape. See you at the ballpark—hat and sunscreen mandatory.
