Cactus League Spring Training Guide (2026)

Every February and March, half of Major League Baseball decamps to the Arizona desert. The Cactus League is one of two spring-training circuits in the country, and it is the more compact one: 15 teams playing at 10 ballparks, all within an easy drive of central Phoenix. For baseball fans, it is hard to beat. You can catch two games in a day, sit close to the field, and bounce between stadiums without ever leaving the metro. Here is how spring training works and how to plan a Cactus League trip for 2026.

The basics: 15 teams, 10 ballparks

The Cactus League features 15 MLB teams sharing 10 stadiums. Several ballparks are shared by two clubs, which is part of what keeps everything so close together. Games run from mid-February (when pitchers and catchers report and the first exhibition games begin in late February) through the end of March, just before the regular season opens.

Because the parks are clustered across metro Phoenix, the Cactus League is famous for being walkable, drivable, and fan-friendly. Many of the stadiums seat between 8,000 and 15,000, so even "cheap" seats put you remarkably close to the action. The intimacy is the whole appeal: foul balls land near regular fans, players sign autographs along the rails, and the gap between the stands and the field feels a world away from a 40,000-seat regular-season stadium.

Spring training in Arizona dates back to the late 1940s, and the league takes its name from the saguaro-studded desert that surrounds the ballparks. Over the decades it grew from a handful of teams into the modern circuit, and the Valley invested heavily in modern, fan-focused stadiums to keep clubs from drifting to Florida's competing Grapefruit League. The payoff is a baseball experience that doubles as a desert vacation.

Which cities host spring training

Cactus League ballparks are spread across the Valley, with a strong concentration in the East Valley and a major hub in the West Valley. Here is roughly where the action is:

• Peoria (West Valley): The Peoria Sports Complex hosts two clubs and is a longtime fan favorite. See Peoria events.
• Surprise (West Valley): Surprise Stadium hosts two teams on a large recreation campus.
• Glendale (West Valley): A shared ballpark in the Glendale area hosts two clubs near the city's sports district.
• Scottsdale: Scottsdale Stadium sits right in walkable Old Town, one of the most popular spring-training settings anywhere. See Scottsdale events.
• Mesa: Two ballparks in Mesa host two clubs, including one of the best-attended spring sites in baseball.
• Tempe: Tempe Diablo Stadium, tucked against the buttes, hosts a single club.
• Phoenix: A ballpark in central Phoenix rounds out the circuit.

For the broader western half of the metro and how to build a trip around it, the West Valley hub is a good starting point.

Tickets and what they cost

Spring-training tickets are generally far cheaper than regular-season seats, and lawn seating at many parks is the best value in baseball. Prices and exact 2026 schedules vary by team and opponent, so the move is to check the team's site for tickets and the official Cactus League schedule once it is released. Marquee matchups and weekend games sell fastest, so book those early.

How to plan a Cactus League trip

A few tips that regulars swear by:

• Pick a home base by geography. If you want to focus on West Valley parks, stay near Peoria, Surprise, or Glendale. If you lean toward the East Valley and Old Town atmosphere, base yourself near Scottsdale, Mesa, or Tempe.
• Stack a doubleheader of your own. Because parks are close together, you can catch an afternoon game at one stadium and an evening game at another. Build in driving and parking time.
• Bring sun protection. Late-February and March afternoons are usually gorgeous, but the Arizona sun is strong even at 75 degrees. Hats, sunscreen, and water are essential, especially on the lawn.
• Arrive early for autographs. Spring training is the most accessible time of year for player interactions, and the early innings and pregame are your best window.

What to eat and drink at the parks

Cactus League ballparks have leaned into local flavor over the years. Beyond the standard hot dogs and peanuts, expect Sonoran-style food, regional craft beer, and concession stands run by Valley restaurants. Many parks have grassy berms and shaded concourses that make a lazy afternoon of grazing and people-watching as much a part of the day as the baseball itself. If you are park-hopping, it is worth saving room and sampling something different at each stop.

Beyond the ballpark

Spring training pairs naturally with everything else the Valley does well in late winter: hiking in near-perfect weather, Old Town nightlife in Scottsdale, lake days near Peoria, and a packed festival season across the metro. February and March are also the heart of the Valley's broader event season, so it is easy to build a trip that mixes a couple of games with festivals, concerts, and a day in the desert. It is genuinely one of the best times of year to visit Arizona, which is exactly why lodging books up early.

To see games alongside concerts, festivals, and everything else on during your dates, browse the full Arizona events calendar. Spring-training season is when the Valley is at its busiest and its best.