Cactus League Spring Training in Arizona … Tips for Planning Your Visit!

Find out everything you need to know to attend Cactus League Spring Training in Arizona … then start planning your trip!

This post contains affiliate links.

My husband and I just returned from 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 games, and to escape 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?

The Brewers’ home base is Maryvale Baseball Park.

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).

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

Each stadium has its pros and cons. The stadiums you hit will probably depend on where your fave teams are playing, but On the Road Arizona has a good recap of the best Cactus League stadiums.

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.

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 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!

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 a little 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.

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

The results of the games don’t really matter (except for pride, I’m sure), the fans are a little older (all those snow birds), and if you go on a weekday, the crowds are a little thinner.

MLB spring training is also a great way to get up close and personal with your favorite players.

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.

And if you hang around the fence, you may even be able to snag a few autographs as your fave players leave the stadium.

Of course, it’s fun to check out the new players, too, and maybe place a bet on who will make the team roster.

Since the teams in the Cactus League 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.

Cactus League spring training also has a great family atmosphere.

If you’re a family of baseball lovers who like 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!

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!

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!”

Cactus League Spring Training in Arizona

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. Check StubHub, if you don’t find what you’re looking for at the MLB.

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 lots of options in and around Phoenix.

Weather: You can probably expect highs in the low to mid-70’s during Cactus League 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, 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. And you’ll be spending lots of time in the sun, so make sure to bring a hat 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 info on hotels, flights, restaurants, and more!

What is your favorite MLB team?