Cactus League Spring Training in Arizona – Schedule, Cities, and Where to Stay
Why Arizona Becomes the Center of Baseball Each Spring?
Every spring, Arizona turns into a hub for baseball fans as MLB teams arrive for spring training across the state. The Cactus League brings together warm weather, walkable stadiums, and a compact layout that makes it easy to catch multiple games in one trip. Unlike regular-season travel, spring training is as much about the atmosphere as the action on the field.
From late February through March, games are spread across several cities in the Phoenix metro area, each offering a different pace and vibe. Choosing the right place to stay can shape the entire experience, from how easily you get to games to how relaxed your evenings feel. Understanding the schedule, locations, and lodging options helps make the most of a Cactus League getaway without overplanning or unnecessary travel.
What Is the Cactus League and Why Does It Matter?
Each spring, Major League Baseball teams head to Arizona for preseason preparation, creating what is known as the Cactus League. This spring training format brings multiple teams together across the Phoenix metro area, allowing players to prepare for the regular season while giving fans a closer, more relaxed viewing experience than regular MLB games.
What sets Arizona apart from other spring training locations? Stadiums are spread across nearby cities, making it easy to attend games on back-to-back days without long drives. Fans often watch morning practices, explore different ballparks, and still have time to enjoy the desert lifestyle in between games.
Travelers plan trips around the Cactus League because it combines baseball with ideal spring weather, manageable crowds, and flexible scheduling. Games feel accessible, seating is closer to the field, and the overall atmosphere is casual and social. For many fans, it is the most enjoyable way to experience professional baseball while exploring Arizona at its best.
Cactus League Spring Training Schedule Overview
Arizona’s spring training season kicks off in and runs through , giving fans nearly six weeks of preseason baseball to enjoy in the desert sunshine. The 2026 Cactus League schedule officially begins on , with multiple games scheduled that day at stadiums such as Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Peoria Sports Complex, and Surprise Stadium.
late February
late March
February 27
Games continue regularly through March, with matchups running into March 24, when teams wrap up their spring training contests before heading home for the regular MLB season.
Best Weeks to Visit Based on Crowds & Availability
Late February: Early portion of the schedule tends to have lighter crowds and more flexible ticket options, ideal for visitors wanting a relaxed start to spring training.
Early to Mid-March: This is peak Cactus League season, with more games and energetic fan environments, but also higher demand for lodging and tickets.
Late March: As the season winds down, games still take place, but crowds often diminish, making it easier to find tickets and accommodations.
This timeline helps you plan around the busiest periods and make smart travel arrangements for stadium visits and accommodations during the Cactus League season.
Best Cities to Stay for Cactus League Games
Choosing where to base yourself during spring training can shape your travel experience, from how many games you can catch in a day to how easily you can enjoy local dining and downtime between matchups. Below are cities that offer great access to Cactus League ballparks, each with its own vibe, conveniences, and travel perks.
1. Scottsdale
Scottsdale is one of the most popular bases for spring training travelers thanks to its proximity to multiple stadiums, upscale dining, and resort-style neighborhoods. Fans catching nearby games often round out their stay with experiences like playing on some of the best golf courses in Scottsdale or enjoying dinner at rooftop restaurants in Scottsdale with desert sunset views. The city also suits longer stays, making it easy to combine spring training games with shopping, spas, and seasonal outdoor activities during Arizona’s mild spring weather.
Nearby stadiums: Scottsdale Stadium, Salt River Fields Best for: Couples, golf travelers, luxury-focused stays Drive time: 5–15 minutes to most Scottsdale-area fields
2. Phoenix
Phoenix works well for travelers who want flexibility and central access to multiple teams across the Valley. Staying here places visitors close to several stadiums while opening up options beyond baseball, including exploring Phoenix museums that highlight art, culture, and history, or starting the day on hiking trails in Phoenix suited for every skill level. With its blend of urban attractions and desert landscapes, Phoenix appeals to travelers combining spring training with sightseeing and outdoor adventure.
Nearby stadiums: American Family Fields of Phoenix Best for: First-time visitors, culture-focused travelers Drive time: 10–25 minutes, depending on the stadium
3. Mesa
Mesa is ideal for fans who prefer a quieter base while staying close to spring training action. Home to Sloan Park, the city draws Cubs fans each season and offers easy access to relaxed outdoor spaces. On non-game days, travelers often unwind at parks in Tempe and Mesa that are great for picnics and family time, making Mesa a smart option for visitors balancing baseball with laid-back desert experiences.
Nearby stadiums: Sloan Park, Hohokam Stadium Best for: Families, longer stays, value-focused travelers Drive time: 5–10 minutes to Mesa stadiums
4. Tempe
Tempe offers a lively, walkable atmosphere with quick access to Tempe Diablo Stadium and nearby Scottsdale venues. Travelers staying here enjoy local dining, waterfront paths, and family-friendly parks in Tempe, ideal for relaxed afternoons outdoors. Its central east Valley location also makes Tempe a convenient base for fans planning to attend games across multiple cities without committing to long daily drives.
Nearby stadiums: Tempe Diablo Stadium Best for: Younger travelers, casual groups, short stays Drive time: 10-20 minutes to nearby fields
5. Glendale
Glendale appeals to travelers following West Valley teams or those seeking a less crowded home base during the spring training season. Between games, visitors often plan evening outings focused on nighttime desert sky watching and stargazing near Arizona or take short scenic drives through surrounding desert landscapes. Glendale works well for fans prioritizing easy stadium access paired with quieter evenings.
Nearby stadiums: Camelback Ranch Best for: West Valley fans, relaxed itineraries Drive time: 5–15 minutes locally, 30+ minutes to east Valley
6. Peoria
Peoria is a strong choice for travelers attending games at Peoria Sports Complex, especially families or groups booking multi-night stays. Beyond baseball, visitors often explore parks in Peoria, designed for family-friendly outdoor fun, which adds variety to their spring training itinerary. Its northwest Valley location suits Padres and Mariners fans while offering more space and flexibility compared to central cities.
Nearby stadiums: Peoria Sports Complex Best for: Families, group travel, longer stays Drive time: 5–10 minutes to Peoria fields
Travel Tips: Staying closer to a specific stadium reduces drive times and lets you catch more games during a single trip. Choosing a centrally located city like Phoenix or Scottsdale helps if you plan to see multiple teams in a few days. You can even make two bases (east and west valley) if you’re excited to hit every park with minimal driving.
How to Choose the Right City for Your Trip
Choosing where to stay during spring training comes down to how you plan to experience the games and the destination. Travelers focused on catching multiple matchups often prioritize flexibility, while others prefer staying close to a single stadium and building their itinerary around it.
1. Proximity vs flexibility
If seeing one specific team is the goal, staying near that team’s home stadium keeps travel simple and maximizes downtime. For fans planning to attend games across different venues, centrally located cities like Phoenix or Tempe offer easier access to multiple stadiums without committing to long daily drives.
2. Access to multiple stadiums
Cities in the central Valley make it easier to attend back-to-back games in different locations. Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe are especially convenient for visitors hoping to mix morning games, afternoon activities, and evening dining without feeling rushed.
3. Dining, nightlife, and downtime activities
Beyond the ballparks, consider how you want to spend off-game hours. Scottsdale suits travelers drawn to upscale dining, golf, and nightlife, while Mesa and Peoria offer a quieter pace with more residential comfort. Balancing game schedules with relaxation helps create a smoother and more enjoyable spring training trip.
Where to Stay During Cactus League Season
Choosing the right place to stay can make spring training travel far more comfortable, especially during the busy Cactus League season. Many visitors prefer a vacation rental in Arizona over traditional hotels for the added space, privacy, and flexibility. Having room to spread out makes longer stays more relaxing, particularly for groups or families following multiple teams.
Vacation rentals are also well-suited for spring training logistics. On-site parking is convenient for driving between stadiums, and full kitchens make it easy to plan meals around game schedules. These features are especially helpful when staying for several days or moving between different Cactus League cities.
Good Life Vacations offers vacation rentals across key areas of the Phoenix metro, placing guests near stadiums while still providing a comfortable, residential setting. Staying in a well-located vacation rental allows travelers to balance game days with downtime, dining, and exploring nearby attractions without feeling limited by hotel layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Cactus League?
A. The Cactus League is Major League Baseball’s spring training season held across Arizona each year. Fifteen MLB teams play preseason games at stadiums throughout the Phoenix metro area before the regular season begins.
Q. When does Cactus League spring training usually start?
A. Games typically begin in late February and run through the last week of March. The exact dates vary each year based on the MLB schedule.
Q. Which cities are best for staying during Cactus League games?
A. Popular cities include Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, and Peoria. Each offers easy access to nearby stadiums along with dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Q. How many teams play in the Cactus League?
A. Fifteen MLB teams participate in Arizona’s spring training, making it one of the largest preseason baseball hubs in the country.
Q. Is it easy to attend games at multiple stadiums in one trip?
A. Yes. Most Cactus League stadiums are within a 30-45 minute drive of each other, allowing fans to watch different teams on consecutive days without changing accommodations.
Q. Do I need to book accommodations early for the Cactus League season?
A. Yes. Spring training is one of Arizona’s busiest travel periods, and lodging tends to fill quickly. Booking early offers better location options and availability.
