Spring Training in Tempe — Angels at Tempe Diablo

Why Tempe Is a Great Spring Training Base

Of all the Cactus League towns, Tempe might be the easiest to visit without a car. The Los Angeles Angels train at Tempe Diablo Stadium, tucked beneath the Twin Buttes just off Interstate 10, and the city around it is packed with restaurants, bars, lakeside trails, and a light rail line that connects you to half the Valley. If you want a spring training trip that blends baseball with a walkable, college-town energy, Tempe delivers.

Spring training runs typically mid-February through late March (the 2026 season ran roughly February 20 to March 24). Always confirm the schedule and single-game on-sale dates on the official Angels and Cactus League sites before you book.

Tempe Diablo Stadium and the Angels

Tempe Diablo is one of the more scenic parks in the league, with the rocky buttes rising right behind the outfield. It's an intimate ballpark, so sightlines are good almost everywhere. As at every Cactus League venue, the cheapest tickets are the lawn/berm seats — bring a blanket, grab some shade, and watch the game on the grass for a fraction of the price of fixed seats.

Pricing is dynamic, so it rises as game day approaches and spikes for marquee opponents. If the Angels are hosting a big draw like the Cubs or Dodgers, buy early. For the full breakdown of all ten parks and which teams play where, see our complete Cactus League spring training guide and the Cactus League hub.

Getting Around: Light Rail and the Car-Free Option

Tempe's secret weapon is the Valley Metro light rail, which runs straight down Apache Boulevard and Mill Avenue. From a Tempe hotel you can reach downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor Airport, and Mesa without ever starting a car. The stadium itself is a short rideshare from the rail line. If you're flying in, Sky Harbor is only a few minutes away — Tempe is the closest Cactus League town to the airport.

The light rail also makes it easy to pair an Angels game with another team. East Valley parks in Mesa — Sloan Park (Cubs) and Hohokam Stadium (Athletics) — are a quick drive away, so you can catch two games in a day. Browse nearby options in the East Valley region guide.

Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake, and ASU

After the game, head to Mill Avenue, the heart of downtown Tempe and the spine of the Arizona State University district. It's a dense, lively stretch of breweries, taco joints, pizza, sports bars, and patios that fill up fast during spring training. Because ASU is right here, the energy stays young and the happy hours are generous.

For daytime activity, Tempe Town Lake offers paved walking and biking paths, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and pedestrian bridges with skyline views — a perfect way to burn off a few innings of stadium food. The surrounding parks are flat and easy, great for families.

For our picks on where to eat and drink, see the best of Tempe and dig into the Tempe neighborhood guide.

Where to Stay and What Else to Do

Staying in or near downtown Tempe keeps you walking distance to Mill Avenue and one rail stop from the action. Book lodging early — March is peak season for both baseball and ASU events. If Tempe sells out, neighboring Scottsdale and Phoenix are short rides away.

While you're in town, the Arizona Diamondbacks share Salt River Fields with the Rockies a short drive northeast, giving you another easy doubleheader option. Check our events calendar for concerts, festivals, and game-day specials happening across the Valley during your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Which spring training team plays in Tempe?

The Los Angeles Angels hold spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium. It is the Angels' Cactus League home, with games typically running mid-February to late March each year.

How do I get cheap Angels spring training tickets in Tempe?

Lawn or berm seating is usually the cheapest option at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Cactus League prices are dynamic and rise for popular matchups, so buying early and checking the official team site can help.

When is spring training in Tempe?

Cactus League spring training typically runs from mid-February through late March. Tempe Diablo Stadium hosts Angels home games during that window; check the official team site for the season's schedule.

Are other spring training parks close to Tempe?

Yes. All ten Cactus League ballparks sit within about an hour of each other across metro Phoenix, so Tempe is a convenient base for catching multiple teams in one trip.