Cactus League Spring Training … How to Plan the Ultimate Baseball Fan’s Trip

Planning a trip to Cactus League Spring Training in Arizona? Here’s everything you need to know for an awesome trip!

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My husband and I just returned from baseball spring training in Phoenix, Arizona, and it was such a fun trip.

This is the second time we’ve been to Cactus League spring training (we went last year, too, during our El Paso to Phoenix road trip), and I’m already thinking about visiting again next year!

A spring training trip is the perfect excuse to watch your favorite baseball team play a few no-stress games … while escaping somewhere warm and sunny while you’re at it. Sounds pretty awesome, right?

This relaxed vacation is any baseball lovers dream, and my detailed travel guide will help you plan your getaway to sunny Arizona without a hitch. Keep reading for lots of spring training travel tips, and as always, scroll to the end of the post for all my tips in one spot if you’re in a hurry.

Cactus League Spring Training in Arizona

Are you familiar with the Cactus League? Watch my video below for a quick overview (turn on the sound), then keep reading for more info!

During spring training, Major League Baseball teams hold a series of practices and exhibition games, which allows them to try out new players and practice existing players before the regular season starts.

The Cactus League is one of two spring training leagues (the other is the Grapefruit League in Florida) that are home to the MLB during the baseball spring training season.

Phoenix, and the cities that form the metropolitan area (Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, etc.), are home to the Cactus League. Within a 50-mile radius, you’ll find 10 facilities that host 15 major league baseball teams during spring training (which typically runs mid-February through March). It’s the greatest concentration of professional baseball facilities found anywhere in the United States!

And because the teams play so close together, you can visit multiple stadiums on one trip.

Which baseball teams have spring training in Arizona?

Cactus League spring training is home to 15 MLB teams:

As you can see, a number of the teams share stadiums. And they all play each other, so you have lots of chances to see great match ups.

What is the best Cactus League stadium?

We are Brewers fans, and their home base is Maryvale Baseball Park.

When it comes to determining the best Cactus League stadium, that’s a tough call … although most would probably agree that it’s not Maryvale. Ha ha!

My husband tells me that a lot of fans complain about this stadium. It is a bit bare bones, but I think it’s really nice once you get inside. There isn’t a lot around the Maryvale Baseball Park though, so if you’re looking for somewhere to eat or drink near the stadium you’ll need to travel a few blocks or more to get there (and then the options are pretty basic).

So which stadium is the best? Each stadium has its pros and cons, and the stadiums you hit will probably depend on where your fave teams are playing. On the Road Arizona has a good recap of the best Cactus League stadiums, but Salt River Fields, Scottsdale Stadium, and Sloan Park are all very popular with fans.

How much does it cost to go to a spring training game?

Spring training ticket prices vary a lot depending on how popular a team is, who they’re playing, and what day of the week the game falls on. Expect to spend anywhere from a few bucks (walk-up on game day) to $60+ (marquee games on the weekend) … most tickets fall in the $10 to $20 range though.

We saw the Brewers during the week and sat behind home plate. My husband paid $24 a ticket ahead of time. The stadium was fairly empty when we got there though, and they were selling tickets for $3 on game day.

The last time we saw the Brewers during baseball spring training it was a weekend game, and the stadium was almost full. So you never know.

Of course, if you want to see a popular team (like the Cubs), you may pay a premium … and you’ll definitely want to buy your tickets ahead of time! TickPick has a helpful overview of average MLB spring training ticket prices to give you an idea of what you might spend.

If you live in the Phoenix area or spend a lot of time there, you can also buy spring training season tickets.

Why You’ll Love Cactus League Spring Training in Arizona

Okay, now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s talk about the fun stuff … all the reasons you’re going to love MLB spring training!

Phoenix Weather

I have to start with the obvious: the weather. With average highs hitting the mid-seventies in February and March, you’re almost guaranteed beautiful, sunny weather in the Phoenix area.

The weather was quite a bit cooler this year (60’s) than it was when we went to spring training last year (90’s). It was definitely better than the cold, rainy weather we had in Dallas when we left though, and if you’re from the northern U.S. there really is no comparison!

We sat in the shade, and I was pretty bundled up. I had to laugh though, because many of those Wisconsin Brewers fans were wearing tank tops and shorts. I guess it’s all a matter of perspective.

Fun Ballpark Atmosphere

There’s also a great relaxed atmosphere at baseball spring training in Arizona.

Game results don’t really matter (except for fan/team pride), the fans are a little older (all those snow birds), and if you go on a weekday, the crowds are a little thinner.

The Chance to See Your Favorite Players … Up Close!

MLB spring training is also a great way to get up close and personal with your favorite players. And of course, it’s fun to check out the new players, too. And maybe place a bet on who will make the team roster!

Cactus League stadiums are much smaller than those you’ll visit for regular reason games. You’ll only be a few rows back from the field, even if you purchase the cheap seats.

You may even be able to snag a few autographs! Here’s how to do it:

• Attend an open public practice. Check out the schedule for your team here.
• Find out where players exit the stadium after games. You may be able to get an autograph after the game ends (or toward the end of the game).
• Come to a game extra early and hang out near the section of field where the team is warming up.
• Be polite! A please and thank you is definitely appreciated by the players.

Catch Lots of Games / Visit Many Stadiums

Since all Cactus League teams play at stadiums within a 50-mile radius, going to spring training gives you the opportunity to see lots of games and teams.

Why not follow your fave team from stadium to stadium? If you spend a week (or even just a weekend) at spring training, you’ll have the opportunity to see many of games in a short amount of time.

One thing to keep in mind? The Phoenix are is huge, spread out, and traffic is heavy. Give yourself plenty of time to get to games.

Fun Family Atmosphere

Cactus League spring training also has a great family atmosphere.

If you’re a family of baseball lovers who likes warm weather, then this is the vacation for you! Tickets are affordable, and the older crowds are filled with true baseball fans who aren’t that rowdy (not that you can’t enjoy buy a beer, or three, if you want to!).

You can buy lawn seats so your kids can run around a bit if they get bored, too. If they’re lucky, they might even catch a home run!

Indulge in Ballpark Food

And then there’s the food! Last year, I had a pretzel that had the texture and taste of cardboard. So this year, I explored my options a little more carefully.

You can’t go to a Brewer’s game without getting cheese curds, right? They’re hard to come by here in Texas, and they came in a cute mini souvenir helmet.

My husband enjoyed a giant bowl of Bratchos, which is basically potato chips covered in cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, onions, and sliced up brats. Only in Wisconsin … or Phoenix, I guess!

I also tried some noodles that were delish. I’d definitely get those again next year.

The best part is that you don’t have to wait in long lines to order food and drinks. Just walk right up!

Fan Favorites

And last but not least, if you’re a Brewer’s fan, you’ll probably see a sausage race or two. You can’t go to a Brewers game without one of those.

As my husband would say, “Go Bratwurst!”

Of course, if you’re not a Brewers fan, you’ll be able to catch your team’s favorite traditions. All in a more intimate atmosphere than you’d experience during regular season.

Cactus League Spring Training … How to Plan a Spring Training Trip

I hope you enjoyed reading about MLB spring training in Arizona! Here are some tips to help plan your visit:

Learn more about the Cactus League: Visit the Cactus League website for more info about Cactus League teams, spring training schedules, and to get a stadium map.

Buying Tickets: You can buy Cactus League tickets from the MLB, but the Cactus League website has links to all the teams and is a great place to start. Expect to spend anywhere from a few bucks to $60+, depending on the popularity of your team and location of your seats. For big games, check StubHub, if you don’t find what you’re looking for at the MLB. And of course, you can purchase tickets at the stadium on game day, too.

Getting Around: With Cactus League stadiums spread out over a 50-mile radius, you’ll need a car to get around. If you’re planning to drink, Uber is a great option for getting to and from the game safely. Make sure to check each stadium for parking info and for local transportation to the game, as well.

Where to Stay: The Phoenix metropolitan area is huge and sprawling. Try to stay close to your team’s stadium or as centrally located as possible to cut down on driving time. We usually stay at an IHG Hotel (gotta collect those points!), and they have tons of great options in and around Phoenix.

Weather: You can probably expect highs in the low to mid-70’s during baseball spring training in February and March. However, make sure to check weather reports before you go! The first time we went to spring training in Arizona, temps were in the mid-90’s. For this trip, they were in the mid-60’s.

What to Wear: You don’t need to dress up for a Cactus League spring training game (a tee shirt and jeans/shorts is where it’s at), but double check the weather before you pack your bag. Even if it’s warm during the day, it will probably be cold at night … bring a jacket. And you’ll be spending lots of time in the sun, so make sure to wear a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunblock.

Other Things to Do in the Phoenix Area: If you love the outdoors, you are in luck! Phoenix and its environs are full of opportunities for exploring the great outdoors. We loved visiting South Mountain Park (so many beautiful, towering saguaro cacti + amazing panoramic views of the valley) on our  El Paso to Phoenix road trip last year. This year, we stopped in downtown Phoenix to view dozens of colorful murals (hopefully, I’ll have a post about that soon). Check out Trip Advisor for more things to do (the traveler reviews are so helpful), plus find info on hotels, flights, restaurants, and more!

What is your favorite MLB team?