Sloan Park Spring Training Guide — Chicago Cubs in Mesa

Why Sloan Park Is the Crown Jewel of Cactus League

If you only catch one spring training game in metro Phoenix, make it a Chicago Cubs game at Sloan Park in Mesa. It's the largest-capacity ballpark in the entire Cactus League, and it routinely draws some of the biggest crowds of the spring. Cubs fans travel exceptionally well — many snowbirds winter in Arizona specifically to follow their team — so the atmosphere here feels less like a sleepy exhibition and more like a slice of Wrigleyville transplanted to the desert. Spring training typically runs from mid-February through late March (in 2026 it ran roughly February 20 to March 24), so plan a winter or early-spring trip and always confirm the schedule on the official Cubs site before you book.

Getting Tickets

Because the Cubs are one of the league's marquee draws, buy early — popular weekend games and matchups against rivals like the Dodgers or White Sox sell out well in advance. Cactus League tickets use dynamic pricing, so the same seat can cost more as game day approaches and demand climbs. The cheapest tickets are almost always the lawn/berm seats beyond the outfield, where you can spread out a blanket, soak up the sun, and let kids roam. For shade and a better view of the action, look at the lower bowl behind the plate. Buy through the official team site to avoid markups.

Parking and Getting There

Sloan Park sits just off Loop 202 in Mesa, putting it within about an hour of all ten Cactus League ballparks. On-site parking is available for a fee and fills up fast for big games, so arrive early — at least 60 to 90 minutes before first pitch for marquee matchups. Rideshare is a stress-free alternative that lets you skip the post-game lot crawl. If you're staying in Scottsdale or Tempe, the drive is short and easy thanks to the valley's freeway grid.

What to Do Around the Park

Sloan Park anchors a growing entertainment district sometimes nicknamed "Wrigleyville West," with restaurants and bars built to capture the pre- and post-game crowd. Beyond the ballpark, Mesa rewards exploring: downtown Mesa has a walkable strip of breweries, coffee shops, and local eateries, plus easy access to the rest of the East Valley. Browse our best of Mesa picks to line up a meal before the game, and check the events calendar for what else is happening around your trip dates.

Make a Cactus League Road Trip of It

One of the joys of spring training in Arizona is how close everything is. After a Cubs game, you can easily catch the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium just up the road in Mesa, the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium, or the Arizona Diamondbacks and Rockies at Salt River Fields near Scottsdale. Many fans build a multi-day itinerary hopping between parks. For the full lineup of teams, venues, and tips, see our complete Cactus League guide and the Cactus League hub.

Whether you're a lifelong Cubs fan chasing the dream of a Wrigley-style afternoon in the sunshine or a first-timer just looking for cheap lawn seats and cold beer, Sloan Park delivers the most electric spring training experience in the valley. Pack sunscreen, arrive early, and enjoy the show.

Frequently asked questions

When is Cubs spring training at Sloan Park?

Cactus League spring training typically runs from mid-February through late March each year. Check the official Cubs site for the current season's home schedule and exact dates.

Where is Sloan Park located?

Sloan Park is in Mesa, Arizona, and is the largest park in the Cactus League by capacity. It serves as the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs and sits within about an hour of all ten Cactus League parks.

What are the cheapest seats at Sloan Park?

Lawn seats on the outfield berm are typically the cheapest option at Sloan Park. Cactus League games use dynamic pricing, so costs shift by opponent and demand. Check the official team site for current pricing.

How far is Sloan Park from other Cactus League stadiums?

All ten Cactus League parks sit within roughly an hour of each other, so from Sloan Park you can reach nearby venues like Hohokam Stadium and Salt River Fields fairly easily for a multi-game trip.