Each year in late February, a dozen major league teams convene in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area to get in shape for the coming season. Fans flock to these practice games, where they can watch their favorite teams formulate strategies and hone their playing skills as they play against other major teams. As an added bonus, spring training games are only a fraction of the price of in-season baseball games.
Each team has a "home base" during their spring training, and Scottsdale Stadium plays host to the San Francisco Giants. Scottsdale Stadium is a new stadium and one of the nicer such venues in the area. The Giants face off here each year against teams such as the Chicago Cubs, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers. Games start in early March and run through the end of the month.
Below is some helpful information for visitors and fans interested in attending a spring training game.
Cactus League
For decades, Arizona has hosted Major League Baseball spring training due to its warmth and sunshine, scenic beauty and warm hospitality, made even better when paired with America's favorite pastime. It’s the fans that make spring training come alive each March, so come to Arizona and cheer on your favorite team!
Today, the Cactus League is regarded as one of the most important tourism events in Arizona. Last year alone more than 1.47 million fans attended games in March. So get out there and enjoy Major League Baseball in the desert!
Play Ball!
Cactus League Teams
Stadiums
Camelback Ranch10710 W Camelback RdPhoenix, AZ |
Goodyear Ballpark1933 South Ballpark WayGoodyear, AZ |
Hohokam Park1235 North Center StreetMesa, AZ (480) 644-4451 |
Maryvale Stadium3600 North 51st AvenuePhoenix, AZ |
Peoria Sports Complex16101 N 83rd AvePeoria, AZ |
Phoenix Municipal Stadium5999 E Van Buren StPhoenix, AZ 85008 |
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick7555 N Pima RdScottsdale, AZ |
Scottsdale Stadium7408 E Osborn RdScottsdale, AZ |
Surprise Stadium15960 N Bullard AveSurprise, AZ |
Tempe Diablo Stadium2200 West Alameda Dr # 105Tempe, AZ (480) 350-5205 |
History
Spring training is almost as old as baseball itself. By 1900, spring training was firmly established as a baseball ritual, with most American and National League teams heading out of town so players could train and fans could leave the snow and the cold behind and enjoy a day at the ballpark. Small Florida and Arizona communities were suddenly known across the nation because of the allure provided by major-league baseball.
