Spring Training Arizona 2026: Schedule, Locations, Teams, and Stadium Guide
Spring Training in Arizona—the legendary Cactus League—transforms the Phoenix Valley into baseball’s winter paradise every year. Kicking off on February 20, the Cactus League will once again bring 15 Major League Baseball teams to 10 premier stadiums across the Phoenix metro area, offering fans an unparalleled opportunity to witness their favorite players fine-tuning their skills under the Arizona sun. Whether you’re a lifelong baseball devotee or a casual fan seeking an authentic American sports experience, the 2026 season promises unforgettable memories, intimate ballpark atmospheres, and the chance to see tomorrow’s superstars before they become household names.
Quick Takeaways
- Experience 15 MLB teams playing across 10 world-class stadiums
- Navigate easily between venues with all ballparks located within a 47-mile radius of Phoenix
- Secure authentic tickets directly through official MLB sources starting late 2025 for the best pricing
- Maximize your visit with day-night doubleheaders and strategic ballpark hopping opportunities
- Enjoy college baseball preview at Surprise Stadium’s NCAA tournament February 13-15, 2026
- Plan accommodations wisely in central hubs like Scottsdale, Mesa, or Peoria for optimal access
The 2026 Spring Training Arizona Schedule: What You Need to Know
As of September 2025, the official Cactus League and MLB spring training schedule has not been released; the 2026 schedule is set to be released in Fall 2025. The Cactus League teams typically play 25-30 games each during this intensive preparation period.
The beauty of spring training Arizona locations lies in their geographic clustering. Where can you go to see half of the Major Leagues’ 30 teams play without having to drive more than 47 miles – and oftentimes much shorter distances? That would be the Cactus League, where 15 teams prepare for the season in a relatively tight radius surrounding the beautiful Valley of the Sun – Phoenix, Arizona.
Key scheduling highlights for the 2026 season include:
- Official Schedule Release: The complete 2026 Spring Training schedule, including all game dates, times, and matchups for individual teams, is expected to be released by Major League Baseball and the Cactus League in fall 2025.
- Season Duration: Spring Training typically runs for approximately six weeks. While exact start and end dates for the 2026 preseason will be confirmed with the official schedule, teams usually play between 25-30 games during this period.
- Regular Season Start: The Major League Baseball regular season is officially scheduled to begin on March 25, 2026. This means Spring Training games will conclude on or before this date as teams transition to the regular season.
- Impact of the World Baseball Classic: The 2026 World Baseball Classic will take place during Spring Training. Fans should be aware that many prominent players may depart their MLB camps to represent their countries in this international tournament, which can affect team rosters for certain spring training games.
Individual team schedules will be released through official MLB channels in late 2025, allowing fans to plan multi-team visits and coordinate travel arrangements well in advance.
Spring Training Arizona Teams and Their Stadium Homes
The Cactus League’s 15 participating teams are strategically distributed across 10 state-of-the-art facilities, each offering unique amenities and experiences. Here’s your complete guide to spring training Arizona stadiums and the teams that call them home:
Cactus League Teams 2026
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Colorado Rockies
- Chicago Cubs
- Chicago White Sox
- Cincinnati Reds
- Cleveland Guardians
- Oakland Athletics
- Los Angeles Angels
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Kansas City Royals
- Milwaukee Brewers
- San Diego Padres
- San Francisco Giants
- Seattle Mariners
- Texas Rangers
Premier Ballpark Destinations
- Sloan Park (Mesa) – Chicago Cubs: Opened in 2014, Sloan Park is the newest stadium in the Cactus League. With a total capacity of 15,000, including fixed seats and a massive outfield lawn, it is the largest venue in the league. The stadium’s architecture and features, such as the brick backstop, are designed to evoke the feel of Wrigley Field.
- Camelback Ranch-Glendale – Chicago White Sox & Los Angeles Dodgers: This innovative shared facility accommodates two major market teams with separate practice areas but shared amenities. The unique design allows fans to experience both organizations’ cultures in one location.
- Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Scottsdale) – Arizona Diamondbacks & Colorado Rockies: This facility, built on tribal land, showcases Native American art installations and offers spectacular desert mountain views. The venue’s thoughtful design blends with the surrounding desert landscape.
- Scottsdale Stadium – San Francisco Giants: Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this ballpark offers unparalleled walkability to restaurants, bars, and shopping. The venue’s proximity to craft breweries and nightlife makes it perfect for combining baseball with local culture.
Additional Notable Venues
- Tempe Diablo Stadium (Tempe) – Los Angeles Angels: Tempe Diablo Stadium, which opened in 1968, is one of the oldest and most historic venues in the Cactus League. It has been modernized through recent renovations, preserving its classic ballpark charm while providing updated fan amenities and desert skyline views.
- Peoria Sports Complex – San Diego Padres & Seattle Mariners: The first two-team Spring Training facility in Arizona, this complex offers unique waterfront picnic areas and team museums celebrating both franchises’ histories.
- Surprise Stadium – Kansas City Royals & Texas Rangers: This venue features modern amenities, including party decks and VIP suites, making it an ideal destination for special events and group outings.
- Goodyear Ballpark – Cincinnati Reds & Cleveland Guardians: Family-focused features include extensive playground areas and interactive zones designed for young fans, while the lakefront setting provides a scenic atmosphere.
- American Family Fields of Phoenix – Milwaukee Brewers: This intimate venue has a seating capacity of 7,000, plus outfield berm space. While not the smallest capacity, it offers an intimate atmosphere perfect for autograph seekers.
- Hohokam Stadium (Mesa) – Oakland Athletics: This historic venue has served as the Spring Training home for the Oakland A’s since 2015. It offers a classic ballpark feel and is known for its excellent bullpen access for fan interactions.
Read more: 2026 Arizona Spring Training Schedule Release Date
Planning Your Ultimate Spring Training Arizona Experience
Ticketing Strategy and Best Practices
For the best experience, be sure to purchase your tickets directly from official sources. Tickets bought from third-party sellers are not affiliated with the Cactus League, its teams, or facilities. This official guidance ensures authentic tickets and supports the teams and facilities directly.
Ticket prices typically range from $15-45 for upper-level seating, with premium lower-bowl seats commanding $30-75. Season packages often provide 20-30% savings for fans planning multiple games. Group discounts become available for parties of 15 or more at most venues.
Pro Ticketing Tips:
- Subscribe to team newsletters for early access alerts
- Consider weekday games for lower prices and smaller crowds
- Monday and Tuesday games often offer the best value
- Opening weekend and weekend games command premium pricing
Transportation and Logistics
The compact nature of spring training Arizona locations makes multi-park visits highly feasible. Free or low-cost parking is available at most stadiums, though arriving early on weekends is advisable. Valley Metro provides public transportation to select venues, particularly Tempe Diablo Stadium and Sloan Park.
Getting Around the Valley:
- Ride-sharing services operate efficiently between major ballparks
- Designated shuttle services run during peak weekend periods
- Avoid Interstate 10 during evening rush hours when departing western venues
- Many hotels offer ballpark shuttle packages for guests
Accommodation Recommendations
Strategic hotel selection can significantly enhance your spring training experience. Consider these location-based approaches:
Scottsdale Old Town: Walking distance to nightlife and restaurants, 10-minute drive to Salt River Fields and Scottsdale Stadium. Perfect for fans who want to combine baseball with evening entertainment.
Mesa Central: Budget-friendly options with quick access to both Sloan Park and Hohokam Stadium. Ideal for Cubs and Athletics fans or budget-conscious travelers.
Peoria/Surprise Corridor: Family-friendly resorts near multiple stadiums. Great for visitors planning to attend games at Peoria Sports Complex and Surprise Stadium.
Insider Tips for Maximum Spring Training Enjoyment
Best Autograph Opportunities
Experienced spring training fans know that certain locations and timing dramatically improve autograph chances:
- Bullpen front rows at Camelback Ranch offer shared access to both White Sox and Dodgers players
- Home dugout areas at Tempe Diablo Stadium provide high-five opportunities during player entrances
- Early arrival (90 minutes before first pitch) maximizes player accessibility during warm-ups
Culinary Highlights and Local Flavors
Each ballpark offers unique concession experiences that reflect both baseball tradition and Arizona culture:
- Chicago-style hot dogs at Sloan Park bring authentic Windy City flavor to the desert
- Sonoran hot dogs at multiple venues feature bacon-wrapped franks with local toppings
- Craft beer flights at Scottsdale Stadium showcase rotating selections from Arizona breweries
- Local Mexican cuisine appears throughout the Cactus League, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage
Strategic Game Planning
Maximize your spring training investment with these planning strategies:
Day-Night Doubleheaders: The geographic proximity allows creative scheduling. Consider morning games in Mesa followed by evening contests in Scottsdale or Surprise.
Weekday Value: Tuesday and Wednesday games typically offer the best combination of lower prices, smaller crowds, and increased player accessibility.
College Baseball Integration: The College Baseball Series is set for Surprise Stadium on February 13-15 2026, with four leading NCAA teams scheduled to arrive at the start of MLB training camp, providing additional baseball entertainment before full MLB action begins.
Spring Training Arizona Map: Navigate the Cactus League Like a Pro
Interactive Spring Training Arizona Map Guide
Understanding the layout of Cactus League spring training locations is essential for making the most of your Arizona baseball trip. All 15 teams play in 10 ballparks across the Phoenix metropolitan area, generally within an hour’s drive of each other. The furthest stadiums (Mesa’s Hohokam and Surprise Stadium) are about 40 miles apart, meaning it’s realistic to catch multiple games in one day if you plan carefully.
Geographic Clusters for Easy Navigation
East Valley Cluster (Mesa / Tempe)
- Sloan Park (Mesa) – Chicago Cubs – Capacity: 15,000
- Hohokam Stadium (Mesa) – Oakland Athletics – Capacity: 10,500
- Tempe Diablo Stadium (Tempe) – Los Angeles Angels – Capacity: 9,558
➡️ Distances between these venues are just 3–8 miles, making afternoon/evening doubleheaders very doable.
North Valley Cluster (Scottsdale)
- Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Scottsdale) – Arizona Diamondbacks & Colorado Rockies – Capacity: 11,000
- Scottsdale Stadium (Scottsdale) – San Francisco Giants – Capacity: 12,000
➡️ Located about 12 miles apart, both accessible via Scottsdale Road.
West Valley Cluster (Glendale / Peoria / Surprise)
- Camelback Ranch (Glendale) – Chicago White Sox & Los Angeles Dodgers – Capacity: 13,000
- Peoria Sports Complex (Peoria) – San Diego Padres & Seattle Mariners – Capacity: 12,339
- Surprise Stadium (Surprise) – Kansas City Royals & Texas Rangers – Capacity: 10,500
➡️ Travel between these ballparks ranges 8–15 miles, with Surprise the furthest west.
Southwest Valley (Goodyear / Phoenix)
- Goodyear Ballpark (Goodyear) – Cincinnati Reds & Cleveland Guardians – Capacity: 10,311
- American Family Fields of Phoenix (Maryvale / Phoenix) – Milwaukee Brewers – Capacity: 10,000
➡️ These are about 22 miles apart, requiring a bit more planning for same-day visits.
Strategic Map-Based Planning Tips
- Central Base Strategy
Stay in Scottsdale or central Phoenix for balanced access. From here, no ballpark is more than 45–60 minutes away in normal traffic. - Cluster Hopping
Plan back-to-back games within the same cluster. The East Valley cluster is especially convenient for seeing multiple ballparks in one day. - Traffic-Aware Routing
Use Loop 101 and Loop 202 for faster cross-Valley travel. Avoid Interstate 10 during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM). - Parking & Shuttles
Several parks (like Sloan Park and Salt River Fields) offer remote or overflow parking with shuttle service on high-attendance days — especially weekends. Check each ballpark’s official site for the latest details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams participate in the Arizona Cactus League?
The Cactus League features 15 Major League Baseball teams training across 10 ballparks in the greater Phoenix area. This represents exactly half of MLB’s 30 teams, making Arizona a true baseball destination.
Where can I buy authentic tickets for the 2026 games?
Purchase tickets directly through MLB.com’s Spring Training section or individual team websites. Official sources ensure authenticity and often provide the best prices without third-party markups.
Which stadiums offer the best family experiences?
Goodyear Ballpark excels in family amenities with extensive playground areas. Salt River Fields features the unique kids’ mining sluice area. American Family Fields of Phoenix offers intimate seating that keeps children engaged throughout games.
Can I visit multiple ballparks in one day?
Absolutely. 15 teams prepare for the season in a relatively tight radius surrounding the beautiful Valley of the Sun – Phoenix, Arizona, with all venues within 47 miles of each other. Many fans successfully attend afternoon and evening games at different locations.
Making the Most of Your Arizona Spring Training Adventure
Spring Training Arizona 2026 represents more than just preseason baseball—it’s an opportunity to experience America’s pastime in its purest form. The combination of perfect weather, intimate ballpark settings, and unprecedented player accessibility creates memories that last a lifetime.
The Cactus League’s unique geographic concentration allows visitors to customize their experience based on personal preferences. Whether you’re chasing autographs, sampling ballpark cuisine, or simply enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of preseason baseball, Arizona’s spring training locations deliver on every front.
Start planning now by bookmarking official team websites for ticket release announcements, typically occurring in late 2025. Consider purchasing season packages if you’re planning multiple games, and don’t overlook weekday contests for the best combination of value and experience quality.
As you prepare for Spring Training Arizona 2026, remember that this annual tradition represents baseball at its most accessible and authentic. From rookie hopefuls fighting for roster spots to seasoned veterans fine-tuning their skills, every game offers glimpses of the dedication and talent that define Major League Baseball.
The desert sun, world-class facilities, and unmatched fan access combine to create the ultimate baseball experience. Pack your glove, bring your camera, and prepare to witness the magic that makes Spring Training in Arizona an essential pilgrimage for baseball fans nationwide.
