Cactus League Spring Training Travel Guide
If you’re a baseball fan you’re probably familiar with spring training, if not that’s ok too! Spring training is basically like what it sounds like, training for baseball players in the spring time. Before opening day and the real season begins two camps get set up - one in Arizona (Cactus League) and one in Florida (Grapefruit League) - for players to practice and play against one another. For fans this is the perfect opportunity to see your favorite teams play, meet players in a whole new way and enjoy beautiful weather (depending on where your from in the US this can be a huge relief to snow, rain or chillier temps).
Since I’m in Arizona I get the benefit of having this amazing sporting situation take place in my back yard I get to take in the events, the food and the crowds (a plus and minus).
This guide will offer tips on where to stay, transportation in Arizona, info on the stadiums and of course - food!
First things first when you’re coming to take on the Cactus league try to figure out which teams you care most to see and base things off that - from where you fly in to where you book your stay! If you’re local, familiarize yourself with the drive and general area and of course where the stadiums are you want to visit!
I’ve been to most of the stadiums for both games and other off-season events and all are pretty standard though some are better than others.
Located at 15930 N Bullard Ave, Surprise, AZ 85374, Surprise Stadium is homed to both the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers. Parking is available on site for $5.
Home to both the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, this park is a little farther from the Central Valley located at 16101 N 83rd Ave Peoria, AZ 85382. Parking is available on site for $5.
Located at 10710 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85037, the Camelback Ranch is home to both the LA Dodgers as well as the Chicago White Sox. Parking is FREE here!
Home to the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds, I am especially familiar with this stadium! Located at 1933 S Ballpark Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338, you can find parking here for $5 per car. While this stadium IS a lot further from the Central Valley it houses my favorite team!
Home to the Milwaukee Brewers, American Family Fields is located at 3805 N 53rd Ave Phoenix, AZ 85031 making it a great destination if you’re staying in the Downtown Area! Parking is available on site BUT does change in price depending on if its a weekday or weekend AND if you purchase in advance or on the day of the game you’re seeing! My best tip is to purchase parking in advance to save on money!
Home to the Colorado Rockies AND the Arizona Diamondbacks, Salt River is a pretty newer and larger facility than others. Located at 7555 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85258 this is a park you can reach whether you stay in Tempe, Phoenix or Scottsdale. Parking is $5 with multiple lots to choose from!
Located at 7408 E Osborn Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 and home to the San Francisco Giants, this ball park is perfect if you’re staying in the Tempe, Scottsdale or Phoenix areas. Parking is available near and around the stadium at scottsdale parking structures with varying prices. I especially recommend getting here early to ensure you can get a parking spot if you plan on driving!
Home to the Los Angeles Angels, Tempe Diablo Stadium is located at 2200 W. Alameda Drive Tempe, AZ 85282.
Home to the Chicago Cubs, Sloan Park is located at 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201. $5 General Parking is available!
Home of the Oakland Athletics, this stadium is located at 1235 N. Center Street Mesa, AZ 85201. Parking is $5.00 with both paved and unpaved overflow options.
Where to Stay
If you’re not local, you’re probably trying to find somewhere to stay! If you don’t know someone local - which, if you do, I recommend staying there because holy cow it gets expensive here for lodging during spring training! If you don’t know someone living around here you can stay with, I highly recommend checking our Airbnb THEN Hotels. I personally prefer Airbnb just because of the flexibility and typically the price difference - especially this time of year in Arizona. To start your search for airbnb or hotels be sure to figure out your home base for games. If you’re here for the Reds (my team) it’s probably smart to stay somewhere out near Surprise/Goodyear whereas if you’re here for the Chicago Cubs you should look into the Tempe/Mesa area. My biggest tip? Book as far in advance as possible and monitor the rates. This time of year they inevitably will climb because Arizona is flooded not only with Baseball fans but Snow Birds escaping their weather back home.
What to Wear
While I typically don’t add wardrobe into travel guides, I’ve created an entire post with my favorite graphic tees perfect for spring training & baseball season! Check it out here!
Beyond inspiration, be sure to dress in layers and check with the weather! Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat if you like them! Your head will appreciate it!
What to Bring
Spring Training seems simple - bring yourself, your favorite gear and your ticket - you’ll be fine! But Arizona’s weather this time of year makes this kinda untrue. While of course you DO need those things make sure to also not forget:
a sealed water bottle (or two) - check your stadiums guidelines online to be sure how big and how many bottles you can carry in!
sunscreen - seriously you NEED it here!
a blanket - especially if you’re getting lawn seats! Many parks do not allow chairs of any kind!
cash and card - though typically every location takes both, in case you need to buy your water off a kid selling on the corner for a buck, you better bring cash!
patience - some days, especially weekends, parks are incredibly busy with all the fans! You will have to wait in long lines and possibly have to ask someone to scootch their bootch out of your seats. Try to be kind and patient! We all just want to enjoy our national pastime!
Medications/First Aid - I love love love baseball food but it can sometimes make me get awful heartburn! Be sure to bring tums, medications or any first-aid type things you may need to ensure you have a good (and comfortable) time!
Bites & Brews
Each stadium is a bit different in their food offerings but, most have the same staple fare including local bites, brews and more! I’ve listed all the information I can find on the items available below by stadium! Do note, if you go during a weekday, not everything will likely be open depending on crowds. If you go on the weekends, things may sell out!
Seaside Market
Board & Brew
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
Phil's BBQ
Lucha Libre
Gaglione Brothers
Hodad's
Buona Forchetta
Budweiser Ballpark Eats
Dippin' Dots
Mercado
Pizza Port
Vegetarian and GF Options Available!
Baseballism
Ike’s Sandwhiches
101
Sonoran BBQ
Home Plate Hot Dogs
Maui Wowi
Absolut
Chic-Fil-A
The Show
Streets of New York
Salty Senorita
Cold Stone
Hop Valley
Dutch Bros
Verde Grill
Beers, Wines & Cocktails
Smoke Ring
Bamboo Bowl
Big A Burger
Chronic Tacos
La Rotisserie
Ballast Point
Casa Modelo
Spuds
Crafty Dawgs
Melissa’s Fresh Harvest Stand
Budweiser Patio
Change Up Kitchen
Classic Hits
Coors Light Cold Zone
Corner Market
Oke Poke
Saint Archer Brewing Co
Sweet Shoppes
Wine Cellar
Yogurtland
Vienna Beef Chicago Dogs
Chicago Style Pizza
Portillo’s
Hot Doug’s
Windy City Dog
Rendezvous Park Grill,
Food Trucks
Beer & Pepsi Products
Burgers (including the Impossible Burger!)
BBQ - Ribs & Thighs
Chicken Strips & Fries, Chicken Sandwich - Tenders Love and Chicken
Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Philly Cheese Steaks
Helmet Nachos
Specialty Sausages
Fish and Chips - Dock Street
Veggie Dog
Crickets
Pizza - Round Table Pizza
Healthy Bowls and Salads - Nourish
Alcoholic Beverages - Sip
Popcorn, Pretzels, Milkshakes, Ice Cream
General Tips
on your return flight, get to the airport at least a few hours early and plan on being earlier than your usual whatever that is. This time of year PHX is incredibly crowded no matter the day or time and that means longer lines everywhere in the airport. Don’t forget this too when driving to the airport as well accounting for extra drive time due to increased traffic.
Bring your own water bottle! At most stadiums you’re allowed one sealed bottle of water per person so snag a huge one on your way over - if not, they’re $5.00 per bottle at the games.
Be polite to the players. Whether you’re a kid or an adult there’s a pretty good chance you’d love to meet if not at least get an autograph from some of your favorite players. There is literally no better time than Spring Training to do this! Most stadiums have an autograph alley or something similar, but, if you plan on approaching a player please be respectful and polite. I have seen grown humans who certainly know better demand autographs, photos and more while being complete dicks. Don’t be that person.
It WILL get hot. Unless you visit on a rainy and incredibly windy/chilly day there is a pretty good chance it will get hot despite it being early spring. Be prepared with layers, sunscreen and water!
Plan for traffic! This time of year traffic is nuts especially due to spring training. Plus, depending at which time your game is you will likely be catching rush hour. Give your self plenty of time to drive, park and make your way into the park!