Cactus League · Arizona Spring Training Guide
The only Spring Training guideyou'll ever need.
15 MLB teams. 10 stadiums. One month of the best baseball weather on earth. Here's everything a local Arizona expert wants you to know — from which seats to grab to which neighborhoods are worth buying in.
15
MLB Teams
10
Stadiums
~320K
Fans annually
Feb–Mar
Season window
Why Arizona Spring Training matters
Baseball season starts early
in the Valley of the Sun
Every February, the Phoenix metro transforms into the center of the baseball world. Fifteen Major League teams descend on the Valley for six weeks of workouts, games, and the kind of up-close access to players that simply doesn't exist during the regular season. You can stand five feet from a future Hall of Famer during batting practice. You can watch a game from lawn seats with a cold beer and 75-degree sunshine. You can do all of it for under $30.
For Arizona residents — and those thinking about becoming one — Spring Training season is one of the great quality-of-life perks that people from colder states don't fully appreciate until they experience it firsthand. It's also a meaningful real estate signal: neighborhoods near Cactus League venues hold their value exceptionally well, draw consistent vacation rental demand during the season, and continue to appreciate as the West Valley continues its explosive growth. Several communities near stadiums are also seeing strong new construction activity — meaning you can buy brand new, capture builder incentives, and position yourself in a high-demand rental market from day one.
Cactus League season timeline
How the season
unfolds
Feb 14
Pitchers & Catchers
The first players report. Informal workouts begin. The die-hards show up. This is when you start planning your schedule.
Feb 18
Full Squad Workouts
Position players arrive. Full team workouts are open to fans at most facilities. Best free access of the entire spring.
Feb 22
First Games
Cactus League play begins. Games are 9 innings, stadium capacity is limited, and tickets are far easier to get than regular season.
Mar 25
Regular Season Opens
Teams break camp and head north. Final Spring Training games are emotional — fans and players both know the dream is about to meet reality.
All 10 Cactus League stadiums
Know before you go —
every venue, ranked by experience
Not all stadiums are created equal. Here's what locals know about each one, including the insider tips that make the difference between a good day and a great one.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Scottsdale, AZ · Est. 2011
Colorado Rockies
Arizona Diamondbacks
Consistently rated the #1 Cactus League facility. Two-team complex with gorgeous mountain views, exceptional concessions, and the best lawn seating in the league. The berm beyond right field fills with families and blankets every game day.
Arrive 90 minutes early for batting practice — players sign autographs freely along the first base line at this venue more than any other.
Camelback Ranch – Glendale
Glendale, AZ · Est. 2009
LA Dodgers
Chicago White Sox
One of the most architecturally striking venues in Spring Training. The Dodgers draw enormous crowds — get here early or you'll be watching from the lawn. The complex has 11 practice fields visible to the public, making it one of the best facilities for watching full workouts.
Dodger games sell out fastest of any Cactus League team. Buy at least 2 weeks ahead. White Sox games are easier to get into and often better for a relaxed experience.
Peoria Sports Complex
Peoria, AZ · Est. 1994
San Diego Padres
Seattle Mariners
The original two-team Spring Training complex and still one of the best. Great family atmosphere, affordable concessions, and the Mariners' dedicated fan base makes this one of the loudest venues in the league. Large practice facility with 12 additional fields.
The right field berm is first-come, first-served and free for ticket holders. Grab a blanket and claim your spot an hour before first pitch for the best casual experience in the Cactus League.
American Family Fields of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ · Est. 1998
Milwaukee Brewers
Intimate, single-team facility with one of the most passionate fan bases in the Cactus League. The Brewers draw strong Wisconsin transplant crowds. Excellent sightlines from every seat and a relaxed, community atmosphere that feels different from the larger complexes.
This is the easiest Cactus League stadium to get into day-of. Great option for a last-minute spring day at the ballpark without the planning stress.
Goodyear Ballpark
Goodyear, AZ · Est. 2009
Cleveland Guardians
Cincinnati Reds
One of the newer facilities, with excellent infrastructure and a wide open feel. The West Valley location makes it convenient for residents of Goodyear, Litchfield Park, and Avondale. Strong sight lines throughout, good shade on the first base side.
Guardians games attract large Cleveland expat crowds — this is one of the more festive atmospheres in the West Valley. Parking is plentiful and easy here compared to East Valley venues.
Surprise Stadium
Surprise, AZ · Est. 2003
Kansas City Royals
Texas Rangers
Surprisingly underrated venue with a great layout and loyal fan bases from both organizations. The Rangers and Royals share a well-maintained facility in the growing Northwest Valley. Strong neighborhood energy from nearby Surprise and Waddell communities.
Night games at Surprise Stadium are rare but spectacular — the stadium lighting, cool evening air, and relaxed atmosphere make for some of the best Spring Training memories in the league.
Sloan Park
Mesa, AZ · Est. 2014
Chicago Cubs
The largest single-team Spring Training venue in baseball, capacity 15,000. Cubs fans are extraordinarily dedicated — this place sells out nearly every game. The facility is stunning, with a brick facade inspired by Wrigley, excellent food and drink options, and an electric atmosphere on weekends.
Don't attempt a walk-up Cubs game. Buy 3–4 weeks ahead. If you can't get tickets, the standing-room lawn tickets often still available day-of give a great view of a party atmosphere even without a seat.
Hohokam Stadium
Mesa, AZ · Est. 1997 (renovated 2015)
Oakland Athletics
A classic old-school ballpark with a loyal fanbase. The A's have been building through a rebuild cycle but their Spring Training crowds remain enthusiastic. Affordable tickets, easy parking, and a laid-back Mesa neighborhood give this venue a different feel than the newer complexes.
Best value ticket in the Cactus League. You can often walk up day-of and get great seats for under $15. Bring cash for the parking lot vendors.
Tempe Diablo Stadium
Tempe, AZ · Est. 1969 (renovated 2006)
Los Angeles Angels
The oldest active Cactus League venue with real charm. The red rock buttes beyond the outfield make this one of the most photogenic ballparks in Spring Training. The Angels draw strong Southern California transplant crowds. Tight concourses but great character.
The Diablo Stadium setting is unlike anything else in Spring Training. Go at least once purely for the view. Get seats on the first base side to catch the best angle of the buttes at sunset.
Scottsdale Stadium
Downtown Scottsdale, AZ · Est. 1992
San Francisco Giants
The only Cactus League stadium in a true downtown setting. Walk to bars, restaurants, and shops before and after the game. Giants fans travel in massive numbers from the Bay Area. The combination of Old Town Scottsdale energy and baseball makes this a unique full-day experience.
Skip the stadium parking and Uber or Lyft in — parking in Old Town on game days is a nightmare. Walk Old Town Scottsdale before the game and Scottsdale Quarter or Fashion Square after. It's the best pre/post-game scene in the Cactus League.
Stadium map
All 10 venues
across the Valley
The Cactus League spreads across the Phoenix metro from Goodyear in the west to Mesa and Scottsdale in the east — roughly 50 miles apart. Most fans use this as an excuse to explore different parts of the Valley.
Arizona Spring Training weather
What to expect —
week by week
Spring Training weather is one of Arizona's greatest selling points. While most of the country is still buried in late winter, the Phoenix metro runs 65–80°F in February and March with near-constant sunshine. But there's more nuance than "it's warm" — here's exactly what to expect each week of the season.
🌅 Morning games (before noon)
Light jacket or zip-up, jeans or chinos are fine. Temperatures are 55–65°F at first pitch. You'll warm up fast once the sun rises — layer you can stuff in a bag.
☀️ Afternoon games (noon–4pm)
T-shirt and shorts weather. Sunscreen mandatory. Baseball cap essential. Sunglasses non-negotiable. The sun between 11am–3pm in Arizona will surprise visitors from cold climates.
🌙 Evening games (after 5pm)
Evenings cool quickly in the desert — 55–60°F by 7–8pm in February and March. Bring a light layer for the final innings. One of the best Spring Training experiences — cooler air, stadium lights, electric atmosphere.
🌂
About rain: Phoenix averages less than 8 inches of rain per year — and almost none of it falls in February or March. Rain delays and cancellations are exceedingly rare during Spring Training. If you do encounter a rare rainy day, games are often delayed rather than cancelled, and Arizona rain showers are typically brief. You'll almost certainly never need an umbrella.
Insider knowledge
10 things locals know
that visitors don't
01
Weekday games are dramatically better
Weekend games are packed, loud, and expensive. Tuesday and Wednesday games have half the crowd, the same baseball, and players who linger longer at the fence. If you can go midweek, do it.
02
Batting practice is the real show
Gates open 90–120 minutes before first pitch. The hour before the game — watching BP, warming up near the field, chatting with players — is often better than the game itself. Arrive early, every time.
03
Bring cash for the lot vendors
The unofficial food vendors in stadium parking lots around Peoria and Glendale have better food than half the concession stands inside. Elotes, carne asada, and agua fresca from a tent beats a $14 stadium burger every time.
04
Lawn seats are the move for families
Most stadiums have a lawn or berm area beyond the outfield included in general admission. Kids can run, roll, and generally be kids without bothering anyone. Pack a blanket, sunscreen, and snacks from outside (most venues allow them).
05
The games end early — plan your day
Most Spring Training games are done by 2–3pm. Build a full afternoon around it: pre-game lunch nearby, the game, then explore the surrounding neighborhood. The West Valley has exploded with dining — this is a great way to discover new areas.
06
Not all players play full games
Spring Training is player evaluation time. Your favorite player may play 3 innings and get subbed out. Don't go expecting to see a specific player for 9 innings — go for the experience, the access, and the weather.
07
Sunscreen is not optional
February and March sun in Arizona is deceptively intense. Sitting in the sun for 3 hours at 11am feels mild — until 9pm when your forearms are crimson. Apply before you leave home, reapply at your seats. First base side is shadier in afternoon games.
08
Buy a multi-game flex pack
Most Cactus League teams offer multi-game packages at a significant discount to single-game pricing. If you're planning more than two games, a flex pack saves money and often comes with better seat access.
09
Minor league games on back fields are free
Every Spring Training complex has multiple practice fields where minor league games and instructional workouts happen daily. They're open to the public, completely free, and you'll watch tomorrow's stars from 10 feet away. The most underrated Spring Training experience.
10
This is the easiest month to be an Arizona resident
Perfect weather. Baseball every day. Patio dining everywhere. Snowbirds who have spent the winter here are at peak happiness in March. If you're on the fence about moving to Arizona, visit during Spring Training. It's the Valley at its absolute best.
Real estate near the stadiums
The best neighborhoods
to live near the action
Living near a Cactus League stadium isn't just convenient for baseball season — it means being in some of the fastest-growing, most amenity-rich communities in the Phoenix metro. Here's where Eric focuses for clients who want proximity to Spring Training combined with strong real estate fundamentals.
West Valley
Glendale / Peoria
Near Camelback Ranch & Peoria Sports Complex
$350K–$750K
Median home price range
- 10–15 min to two top Cactus League venues
- Strong STR rental demand during spring season
- Lake Pleasant Regional Park nearby
- Rapid appreciation over past 5 years
- Excellent new construction options
West Valley
Surprise / Waddell
Near Surprise Stadium
$320K–$650K
Median home price range
- Surprise Stadium walkable from several neighborhoods
- Marley Park — master-planned community with resort amenities
- Sterling Grove — luxury living near stadium
- Strong 55+ community options nearby
- One of the most affordable West Valley markets
West Valley
Goodyear / Avondale
Near Goodyear Ballpark
$330K–$700K
Median home price range
- Fastest-growing community in the West Valley
- Estrella Mountain Regional Park access
- Palm Valley — lakefront community 10 min to stadium
- Consistently strong appreciation
- New Intel and other corporate employers nearby
East Valley
Scottsdale
Near Salt River Fields & Scottsdale Stadium
$550K–$2M+
Median home price range
- Two Cactus League venues within 15 minutes
- Old Town walkable to Scottsdale Stadium
- World-class dining, golf, and luxury amenities
- Strong luxury and STR market
- Top school districts in Maricopa County
East Valley
Mesa / Chandler
Near Sloan Park & Hohokam Stadium
$380K–$850K
Median home price range
- 2 Cactus League stadiums within 15 minutes
- Eastmark — award-winning master-planned community
- Fulton Ranch — lakefront Chandler community
- Strong tech employer base (Intel, Apple, Google nearby)
- Excellent freeway access across the Valley
Central Valley
Tempe / Phoenix West
Near Tempe Diablo & American Family Fields
$340K–$700K
Median home price range
- Central location — accessible to all Cactus League venues
- ASU influence brings strong rental demand year-round
- Tempe Town Lake and arts district
- Light rail access across the metro
- Strong appreciation as urban infill market
Vacation rental opportunity
Spring Training creates
serious rental demand
Every February and March, tens of thousands of baseball fans fly into Phoenix from cold-weather cities and need somewhere to stay for 3–10 nights. They want a real home — not a hotel — close to their team's stadium. That demand is predictable, annual, and largely unmet by traditional lodging. Properties within 15–20 minutes of a stadium consistently command 40–80% nightly rate premiums during peak season — often enough to cover 2–3 months of mortgage payments from the 6-week Spring Training window alone.
Beyond Spring Training, vacation rental demand near Cactus League venues stacks across snowbird season, the Phoenix Open, corporate relocation, golf tourism, and spring events — creating a genuinely multi-season income profile. Eric specializes in structuring these acquisitions from day one, combining STR income with tax-efficient bonus depreciation strategy for maximum return.
Note: Revenue estimates reflect typical STR market performance near Cactus League venues. Actual results vary by property, management, and market conditions. Use Eric's free STR Income Estimator to model your specific scenario.
Browse STR properties →
Client wins · Real transactions
What it actually looks like
when the strategy works
These aren't projections. These are real acquisitions Eric structured for real clients — each combining Spring Training market positioning, STR income, and tax-efficient bonus depreciation strategy. Every number is from an actual transaction.
Note: Revenue, negotiation, and tax outcomes vary by property, client situation, and market conditions. All figures reflect actual transactions. Tax strategy should be confirmed with a licensed CPA before acquisition.
Your city-by-city guide
Beyond the ballpark —
what to do in each city
Spring Training is a reason to visit. The cities around each stadium are reasons to stay. Each Cactus League community has its own character, dining scene, outdoor options, and real estate market. Here's what Eric knows from living and working in the Valley for 15+ years.
Logistics made simple
Plan your trip —
everything you need to know
First-timers and repeat visitors alike have questions about the practical side of Spring Training. Here's everything that makes the difference between a stressful day and a great one.
✈️ Getting to Phoenix
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) — main airport, 20–40 min to most stadiums. Direct flights from nearly every major US city in February/March.
- Phoenix Mesa Gateway (AZA) — smaller, less congested; ideal for East Valley stadiums. Southwest, Allegiant, and Frontier fly here.
- Book flights early — Spring Training week flights sell out. February and early March are peak; book 6–8 weeks ahead for best fares.
- Rental cars book out fast during Spring Training. Book the same day you book your flight.
🚗 Getting Around
- Car is king — the Valley is spread across 500 square miles. A rental car is essential for visiting multiple stadiums.
- Rideshare — Uber and Lyft work well for single-stadium days. Request your ride during the 8th inning to beat post-game surge pricing.
- Free shuttles: Salt River Fields ↔ Talking Stick Resort; Tempe Marketplace ↔ Sloan Park. Use them.
- East Valley and West Valley are 40–50 min apart. Plan your day around one side of the Valley.
🏨 Where to Stay
- East Valley base: Old Town Scottsdale — walkable to Scottsdale Stadium, 15 min to Salt River Fields. Premium pricing but unbeatable experience.
- West Valley base: Glendale/Peoria corridor — central to Camelback Ranch, Peoria Sports Complex, Goodyear, and Surprise. Better value.
- Best value: Short-term rental homes near stadiums — more space, full kitchens, and no hotel bar tabs. Book via Airbnb or VRBO 6–8 weeks ahead.
- Hotels near stadiums book out by January. Vacation rentals stay available longer and sleep groups far cheaper than hotel rooms.
📅 Best Times to Visit
- Feb 18–21 (pre-games): Full-squad workouts open to the public. Best player access of the entire spring. No ticket required at most facilities.
- Weekdays in early March: Perfect balance — games are underway, crowds are manageable, weather is ideal (72–78°F).
- Weekend afternoons mid-March: Peak atmosphere and peak crowds. Best for experiencing the full Spring Training vibe — buy tickets 2 weeks ahead.
- Final week (Mar 19–25): Rosters are nearly set, players are motivated. Games feel closest to regular season quality.
🎒 What to Bring
- Sunscreen — non-negotiable. Arizona March sun is deceptively intense. Apply before leaving, reapply at your seats.
- Layers — mornings 55–60°F, afternoons 75–80°F. A light jacket you can stuff in a bag is ideal.
- Snacks and sealed water bottles — most venues allow outside food. Saves $30+ per person vs. stadium concessions.
- Sharpie and a baseball — you will see a player. Be ready. Batting practice is the best window for autographs.
- Cash — for parking lot food vendors. Carne asada from the Peoria lot is worth every dollar.
🏠 If You're Thinking About Buying
- Spring Training is genuinely the best time of year to evaluate Arizona communities — perfect weather and neighborhoods at their best.
- Many of Eric's clients schedule a 30-min call during their Spring Training trip. Zero pressure, zero cost. Just an honest look at whether buying makes sense.
- New construction builder incentives peak in February and March — rate buydowns and closing cost credits are most aggressive this window.
- Vacation rental homes near stadiums generate enough Spring Training income to offset 2–3 months of mortgage payments annually.
- Book a call with Eric →
What people are saying
Spring Training brought them here.
Eric helped them stay.
“
We came to Arizona every March for the Mariners and kept telling ourselves we should just buy something. This year we finally called Eric on day three of our trip. By the time we flew home we had an accepted offer on a 3-bedroom near Peoria Sports Complex. It's been cash-flowing as a vacation rental every Spring Training season since. Best phone call we ever made.
Mark & Diane L.
Seattle, WA · Investment property in Peoria
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“
We'd been talking about a second home in Arizona for years. A Cubs game at Sloan Park in March finally pushed us over the edge — the weather, the energy, the community. Eric walked us through the East Mesa market during our trip and we closed on our second home two months later. We're there every February and March and rent it the rest of the year. Eric understood exactly what we were looking for.
Tom & Lisa R.
Chicago, IL · Second home in Mesa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“
I'm a Royals fan and come to Surprise every spring. I'd been watching Airbnb prices spike every February and thought — I should own one of these. Eric ran the investment numbers on a few properties near the stadium. The STR income during Spring Training alone made the deal pencil. I bought, hired a property manager, and the property pays for itself.
Kevin B.
Kansas City, MO · STR investment in Surprise
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“
After twenty years flying in for Dodgers spring games we finally decided to make the move. We wanted to be near Camelback Ranch but have a real neighborhood. Eric showed us Arrowhead Ranch in Glendale — we had no idea it existed. We moved from California six months later. Eric knew what we needed before we even knew how to ask for it.
Carol & Jim F.
Los Angeles, CA · Relocated to Glendale
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Go deeper on each city
Eric's full city guides —
read before you visit
🏜️
Scottsdale Spring Training Guide
Salt River Fields · Old Town · Best dining & things to do
⚾
Mesa Spring Training Guide
Sloan Park · Hohokam · Arts District · Downtown dining
🏡
Goodyear Spring Training Guide
Goodyear Ballpark · Estrella · Real estate & STR investment
⛰️
Surprise Spring Training Guide
Surprise Stadium · White Tank Mountains · Marley Park
Common questions
Things visitors and
future residents ask
When does Arizona Spring Training start each year?
Pitchers and catchers typically report in mid-February, with full squad workouts beginning shortly after. Cactus League games usually start in the final week of February and run through late March, when teams break camp for Opening Day. The exact schedule is released by MLB each October/November.
How much do Spring Training tickets cost?
Single-game tickets range from $10–15 for standing room or lawn access to $35–75 for reserved field-level seats, depending on the team and opponent. Cubs and Dodgers games command premium pricing due to huge fan followings. Weekday games at smaller venues like Hohokam Stadium can often be attended for under $20. Most venues allow outside food and drinks, which makes the day significantly more affordable.
Which Spring Training stadium should I visit first?
If you've never been, start with Salt River Fields in Scottsdale — it's universally considered the best overall facility and offers the full Cactus League experience in one venue. If you're in the West Valley, Camelback Ranch (Dodgers/White Sox) or Peoria Sports Complex (Padres/Mariners) are excellent alternatives with great neighborhood dining around them. Scottsdale Stadium for Giants fans gives you the unique bonus of Old Town Scottsdale before and after the game.
Is Spring Training good for families with kids?
It's one of the best family baseball experiences in the country. The atmosphere is relaxed, tickets are affordable, games end by early afternoon, kids can usually run on the grass in the outfield berm areas, and the access to players is remarkable compared to the regular season. Most stadiums have dedicated family sections and kid-friendly food options. The law seating at venues like Peoria and Salt River Fields is particularly good for young children.
I'm visiting for Spring Training — should I look at buying in Arizona while I'm here?
Many of Eric's clients first came to Arizona for Spring Training and realized they wanted more of it. Spring is genuinely one of the best times to evaluate Arizona real estate — the weather is perfect, the communities are active, and you can see exactly what daily life in each neighborhood looks like. If you're curious, a 30-minute conversation with Eric during your visit costs nothing and could tell you whether buying here makes sense for your situation.
Your Arizona real estate expert
Whether you're visiting
or planning to stay
Eric lives in the Phoenix metro, attends Spring Training every year, and has helped dozens of out-of-state baseball fans turn their annual spring visit into a permanent move. If you're curious about what it would look like to own in Arizona — near a stadium or anywhere in the Valley — he's the person to talk to.
Eric Ravenscroft
Realtor · The Ravenscroft Group · Arizona
"I've had clients who booked a Spring Training trip, called me on day two, and ended up buying a home before they flew home. Arizona does that to people. If you're curious, let's just have the conversation."
Book a free call →
Or call 480-269-5858
15+
Years in AZ
$150M+
Closed volume
200+
Clients served
Spring Training + Arizona living
Ready to make this your
home team?
If you're coming to Arizona for Spring Training and wondering what it would look like to live here year-round, Eric will give you an honest answer. No pitch. Just the real picture of what your life and finances could look like in the Valley.
Schedule a free conversation →Free · No obligation · Or call 480-269-5858