Spring Training in Mesa — Sloan Park & Hohokam Guide

Why Mesa Is the Heart of Cactus League Spring Training

If you only have one home base for Cactus League spring training, Mesa makes a strong case. It's the only city in the Valley with two ballparks, and they sit just a few miles apart. Sloan Park hosts the Chicago Cubs, and Hohokam Stadium hosts the Athletics. With all 10 Cactus League ballparks within about an hour of one another, Mesa puts you in easy reach of every team while keeping two games right in your backyard. Spring training typically runs mid-February through late March (2026 ran roughly Feb 20 to Mar 24) — always check the official team site for the current schedule.

Sloan Park — The Cubs' Crown Jewel

Sloan Park is the largest-capacity ballpark in the Cactus League, and it shows. Cubs fans travel south in huge numbers every spring, turning the stands into a sea of blue that feels like a slice of Wrigleyville in the desert. Because demand is so high, the Cubs are one of the marquee draws of the entire league.

• Buy early. Cubs games sell fast — secure seats well ahead of your trip rather than hoping for walk-up availability.
• Watch dynamic pricing. Like the rest of the league, ticket prices shift with demand, so earlier purchases usually mean better value.
• Go for the lawn. Berm and lawn seats are the cheapest tickets and a relaxed, family-friendly way to take in a Cubs game.

Hohokam Stadium — The Athletics' Home

A short drive from Sloan Park, Hohokam Stadium is the spring home of the Athletics. It tends to be the calmer, easier-ticket counterpart to the Cubs frenzy — a great choice when you want a laid-back day at the park without battling for marquee-team seats. That contrast is exactly what makes Mesa such a smart base: a big-energy Cubs game one day, a mellow A's afternoon the next.

Ballpark-Hopping From Mesa

Mesa's location in the East Valley makes day trips to other parks simple. A few easy hops:

• Tempe Diablo Stadium (Los Angeles Angels) is just west in nearby Tempe — one of the shortest drives from Mesa.
• Scottsdale Stadium (San Francisco Giants) sits in downtown Scottsdale, walkable to Old Town for post-game dining and drinks.
• Salt River Fields at Talking Stick hosts the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies at one shared modern complex in the Scottsdale area — two teams, one trip.

Plan an aggressive schedule and you can catch a morning split-squad game at one park and an afternoon game at another. Just remember that traffic around the most popular parks (Cubs and Dodgers especially) thickens near first pitch, so build in cushion.

Where to Eat, Stay, and Explore

Mesa works well for a multi-day stay because you're central without paying peak Scottsdale prices. Downtown Mesa has grown into a walkable stretch of restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops perfect for a pre- or post-game meal — browse our best of Mesa picks to plan your reservations. For lodging, staying in Mesa keeps you minutes from both Sloan Park and Hohokam while leaving the rest of the valley within reach.

Beyond baseball, the Mesa neighborhood offers museums, riverside trails, and easy access to the Superstition Mountains for a hiking break between games. Check our events calendar for what's happening around town during your visit.

For the full league overview, see our Cactus League spring training guide. Then grab your tickets, pack sunscreen, and make Mesa your spring training headquarters.

Frequently asked questions

Which spring training teams play in Mesa?

Mesa hosts two Cactus League teams: the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park, the largest spring training stadium in Arizona, and the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium just a few miles away.

When is spring training in Mesa?

Cactus League games typically run from mid-February through late March, with exhibition games most days. Check the official Cubs and Athletics team sites each year for the exact schedule and times.

What are the cheapest seats at Sloan Park and Hohokam?

Lawn (berm) seats are usually the most affordable option at both Mesa parks. Tickets use dynamic pricing, so costs vary by opponent and demand. Buy early for popular matchups.

Can I see other teams play besides Mesa's?

Yes. All 10 Cactus League stadiums sit within about an hour of each other, so from Mesa you can easily catch games at Tempe Diablo, Scottsdale Stadium, Salt River Fields, or Maryvale on the same trip.