Cactus League 2024: Ultimate guide to every Arizona spring training ballpark
Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this article gave incorrect information about food availability and seating at Sloan Park.
‘Tis the season before the season as spring training 2024 is just around the corner. Arizona’s Cactus League is about to be in full swing at the 10 stadiums throughout metro Phoenix that serve as second homes to 15 Major League Baseball teams.
Spring training 2024 runs Feb. 22-March 26.
In 2023, the annual prelude of America’s national pastime drew nearly 1.6 million fans to the Cactus League’s 216 games, according to the Cactus League Association. And the 2024 season will likely achieve numbers in the same ballpark.
This year, fans can see the hometown heroes and reigning National League Champion Arizona Diamondbacks strut their early stuff. And the World Series Champion Texas Rangers are also working out the kinks in the desert. If you’re inclined to see a World Series rematch of sorts, these teams play each other Feb. 27, March 7 and March 16.
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How many MLB teams play in the Cactus League?
There are 15 MLB teams that play in the Cactus League: Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.
How many stadiums are in the Cactus League?
There are 10 Cactus League stadiums in Arizona: American Family Fields of Phoenix, Camelback Ranch-Glendale, Goodyear Ballpark, Hohokam Park, Peoria Sports Complex, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Sloan Park, Scottsdale Stadium, Surprise Stadium and Tempe Diablo Stadium.
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What to know about Cactus League 2024 in Arizona
Specific information on every venue follows. Here are a few general guidelines that apply to all:
All Cactus League stadiums are cashless, from concessions to parking and even 50/50 charity raffles, so keep that debit card or digital wallet handy. Many stadiums have reverse ATMs that allow you to convert cash to plastic; double-check your destination before you go.
Most stadiums allow sealed bottled water and some allow you to bring your own snacks in a plastic bag. Also, each stadium has bag policies that limit sizes and what you can and cannot bring. Check your ballpark for specifics.
Plan accordingly for security screening at the entrance.
Bring sunscreen. If you forget, team shops usually sell it.
Check your ballpark’s website often for special promotions or events, as they update those throughout the season.
Without further ado, here's everything fans should know about all 10 Cactus League ballparks in metro Phoenix, including which teams play where, how to get autographs, where the best seats are, kid-friendly amenities, and food and drink offerings. The list is arranged geographically from west to east.
Arizona spring training stadiums 2024
Goodyear Ballpark
Who plays here: Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds.
Insider tips:
Walk up to Home Plate Plaza and admire a baseball-themed sculpture called "The Ziz." It's 60 feet, 6 inches tall, which is the distance from the pitcher's mound to home plate. The Ziz is named for a giant water bird from Hebrew mythology that rules over and protects smaller birds.
This spring training season marks the ballpark’s 15th anniversary, and it’s celebrating with cool giveaways for the first 1,500 fans every time the Guardians and Reds play each other, so mark your calendar: Feb. 24, camouflage hat; March 10, drawstring bag; March 17, St. Paddy’s Day pint glass; and March 24, cooling towel.
Food and drink: There’s no shortage of Buckeye State staples with Skyline Chili dogs and lots of Bertman Original Ball Park Mustard to slather on burgers or pair with soft pretzels. Track down specialty food carts flaunting tacos, cheesesteaks and ?-pound patty burgers with Hatch green chile or tons of cheese. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir helmet filled with popcorn chicken to share.
New this year is an Arizona Craft Beer Corner on the third base side that will feature flights composed of four, 4-ounce beers from local breweries.
Where to sit: Find shade with club seating in sections 106A, 106B and 107A. The Right Field Pavilion is partly shaded, as are the upper rows of sections behind home plate. Find a change of scenery while getting your steps in on the 360-degree concourse with a constant field view. If you’ve got energetic kiddos, the berm is a popular choice.
Family time: Making their debut on the grass on the third base concourse this season are corn hole boards and three new inflatables - T-ball, double land Skeeball and a free-throw challenge - for kids of all ages. The Kids Zone awaits behind the Right Field Pavilion with baseball-themed inflatables and a just-their-size kids Wiffle ball field on the first base concourse grass.
Discounts: Active duty, retired military and National Guard/Reserve personnel with ID receive a free game ticket in outfield box, outfield reserved or berm seating and may buy up to four additional tickets in those areas at child pricing. Fans age 55 and older can get $5 off an infield box ticket for select games, subject to availability.
Parking: Free.
Details: 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. 623-882-3120, goodyearbp.com.
Surprise Stadium
Who plays here: Kansas City Royals and reigning World Series Champion Texas Rangers.
Insider tips: The Surprise Stadium Concourse Hall of Fame waxes nostalgic with quotes from Babe Ruth, George Will, Bobo Lemon, Bryant Gumbel, Red Smith and even Humphrey Bogart. The lower deck concourse features plaques that commemorate the Rangers’ and Royals’ greatest players and managers, along with local community heroes.
Food and drink: The signature Cactus Corn Dog, a beer-battered smoked sausage corn dog with a sweet kick from a drizzle of jalape?o honey mustard, is a must.
At the Hometown Dog stand, find ?-pound gourmet dogs flaunting a variety of toppings that pay homage to Texas (queso blanco and Texas chili), Kansas City (pulled pork, slaw and homemade pickles), California (tomatoes, cucumbers and tzatziki sour cream) and of course Arizona (homemade cactus pico de gallo and homemade spicy mustard).
Pair these with a KC-based Boulevard Beer lineup, or head to the Huss Container bar — a classic rooftop deck where the local brewery’s wares flow from taps. The desert cactus margarita made with reposado tequila, agave organic nectar, pear and sweet and sour and served in a souvenir cactus mug promises to quench thirsts.
Where to sit: Bring a blanket and lounge on the grass berm overlooking the outfield. Or snag a seat on the Michelob Ultra Legends Deck and score a game day package of an all-inclusive catered meal, drink voucher, private bar and flat-screen TVs. Tickets start at $50 and include a club-level premium seat with access to the Legends lounge and additional entertainment.
Family time: The Dental Depot Family Four Pack (available Feb. 25, March 3 and March 17) makes it easy to partake in the game and snacks. For $50, get four lawn tickets, four drinks, four hot dogs and four popcorn servings. Stick around to the end and kids get to run the bases and receive a prize from Uptown Alley for their efforts. Bring your four-legged family member to Pup Nights on March 5 and 20 and sprawl out on the lawn with other pooches and their humans.
Discounts and promotions: Military personnel and first responders get half-price tickets in baseline, lower outfield and outfield reserved seating for select games with military ID or proof of eligibility at the box office or with the online promo code MILITARY. College students who show their I.D. at the box office will get an outfield reserved ticket for $7 for games March 11-15. If you live in Surprise, Sun City, El Mirage or Waddell, get $20 baseline tickets for any Classic or Standard game Feb. 23-March 15. Proof of residency is required.
Autographs: The best sections in the stadium to try to get autographs are the ones along the baselines or in the outfield.
Parking: Free.
Details: 15850 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. 623-222-2222, surprisestadium.com.
Camelback Ranch-Glendale
Who plays here: Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Insider tips: The grounds feature picturesque walking trails and citrus groves as well as a 1,300-foot, 5-acre lake that utilizes reclaimed water and is home to fish and various species of waterfowl, including cranes and geese. A specially designed system with a river serves the dual purpose of irrigation for the fields and beautiful landscaping.
Along the river separating each side of the facility, see placards honoring Dodgers and White Sox all-stars at every position throughout the respective team’s histories. Pose for a pic with life-size bobbleheads of Tommy Lasorda and Frank Thomas, and 6-foot tall team logos.
Food and drink: Chowing down on an iconic Dodger Dog or Vienna Beef Chicago Hot Dog is a must. Stroll with a Walking Taco or tackle an 18-inch pizza slice. Pair your bites with a frosty beer from the Four Peaks Patio or margarita at the Three Amigos Tequila Bar. Above the Dodgers bullpen, or the visiting team’s bullpen for White Sox home games, the All-You-Can-Eat Bullpen Patio offers unlimited hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, ballpark nachos, soft drinks and bottled water.
Where to sit: The Sonoran Desert-inspired Camelback Ranch covers 141 acres and includes seating for 3,000 on the lawn and 7,000 seats throughout the structure. Because it was built facing southeast — the opposite of every other Arizona ballpark’s orientation — the sun is pretty much a straight-down presence, especially in the afternoon. Although shade is scarce, seats beneath the press box and upper level party deck as well as the ones beneath the suites get at least some shade.
Discounts: Active and retired military and seniors may purchase discounted tickets for Sunday-Thursday games, based on availability, on the day of the game at the box office only.
Autographs: Grab a spot along the outfield lines, outer edge of the dugouts or end of the grandstand. Early arrivals can be rewarded at the practice fields a few hours before the first pitch.
Parking: Free.
Details: 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 623-302-5000, mlb.com/camelback-ranch.
Peoria Sports Complex
Who plays here: Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.
Insider tips: Peoria Sports Complex was the first two-team spring training facility in baseball. At the First Base Concourse area, a large-scale mural by local artist BacPac incorporates signature elements of baseball and both teams’ home cities and their second home of Peoria.
Food and drink: An expanded dining lineup features wood-fired pizza, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Dickey’s BBQ, Jimmy John’s and Totally Rolled Ice Cream. Get satiated with a cup of Ivar’s Clam Chowder or bring your appetite to the third base food court and wrap your hands around the foot-long Ruthian Hot Dog, which is appropriately named after the Sultan of Swat, who was known for his larger-than-life personality and affinity for hot dogs. Buy a 32-ounce souvenir cup at regular price and enjoy $2 refills throughout spring training.
Family time: Young fans can join the city’s Junior Rangers kids club. Kids ages 5-12 can head to Peoria Cove and its Shipyard, a ship-themed play area with a splash pad, slides and climbing apparatus, plus a mini-baseball field for kids to play out their big game dreams. Bring your four-legged family member to any of the five Bark at the Park days and sit on the lawn. Bring a ball, glove and like-new children’s book to donate to Peoria’s public libraries at Book it to the Ballpark on March 9, and play catch on the field after the game.
Where to sit: Shaded seating is in Club sections 305-319 and Upper Box sections 200-215. Shade also can be found in sections 217 and 219, but is limited to rows HH and above.
Meet-and-greets: Head to Autograph Alley on the right field concourse for your best shot at getting your favorite player’s John Hancock.
Discounts and promotions: Every Tuesday, uniformed service veterans and active duty service members get 25% off their ticket when purchasing at the box office. Peoria residents can buy up to four tickets per game at up to a 25% discount with proof of residency.
Parking: Free.
Details: 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. 623-773-8700, peoriasportscomplex.com.
American Family Fields of Phoenix
Who plays here: Milwaukee Brewers.
Insider tips: The former Maryvale Ballpark underwent a massive renovation before debuting as American Family Fields of Phoenix in 2019. With 7,000 seats plus a picturesque outfield berm, the ballpark has a recessed playing field and shaded concourse that provides an unobstructed view of the action. The legendary sausage race takes place in the middle of the sixth inning.
Food and drink: Lots of Wisconsin-esque fare awaits. The most famous is The Bratcho — kettle chips topped with bratwurst and nacho toppings. Keep an eye out for cheese curds and barbecue sandwiches, too. For a change, seek out noodles with teriyaki chicken, beef or vegetables.
Where to sit: The lush outfield lawn is a perennial favorite, especially for families. Shaded seats can be found along the right field line and sections 100-104 beneath the press box.
Parking: $10; $20 for oversize vehicles occupying two spaces. Enter the stadium parking lot on 51st Avenue, between Osborn and Indian School roads.
Details: 3805 N. 53rd Ave., Phoenix. 623-245-5500, mlb.com/brewers/spring-training/ballpark.
Tempe Diablo Stadium
Who plays here: Los Angeles Angels.
Insider tips: Home to a loyal and traveling fan base, Angels Nation East sits in the shadow of Twin Buttes, which makes for picturesque environs. With a commitment to host the team through at least 2035, a planned renovation will feature a new, three-level building on the third-base side of the stadium to house a new home team locker room, more suites, Angels offices and a team store. A second phase will bring a new concourse with a 360-degree experience and improvements, including new shade structures and modernized restrooms.
Food and drink: Nachos in a souvenir Angels helmet is required snacking. Keep an eye out for changing selections spanning wood-fired pizzas, wraps, burritos and vegetarian options. Look for a rotating selection of food trucks in the left-field pavilion. Feel free to bring your own munchies in a clear 1-gallon bag. No knives allowed — do your slicing at home.
Where to sit: This roofless venue offers little shade. If you’re lucky to snag something in the upper rows on the first-base side, you’ll find respite from the trellised roof over the concourse. If you’ve got a lawn seat, there are tables and chairs on the east patio where you can chow down your lunch in the shade.
Autographs: Hang out along the railing between the dugout and the foul pole on both sides of the field up to 45 minutes prior to game time to ask your favorite player or coach for an autograph. Just be sure to return to your designated seat at the 45-minute mark as a courtesy to fans with tickets in this area. Post-game, Angels fans may have luck toward the right field line next to the tunnel that leads to the clubhouse, where players and coaches may sign as they head in.
Parking: $10. An additional $30 for vehicles longer than 20 feet.
Details: 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe. 480-350-5205, mlb.com/angels/spring-training/ballpark.
Scottsdale Stadium
Who plays here: San Francisco Giants.
Insider tip: The ballpark is in the heart of downtown Scottsdale. Past the gate, it feels like its own world with a manicured landscape that boasts an expansive green lawn and more than 200 trees.
Food and drink: Come with an appetite to savor popular offerings such as garlic fries and brisket, pulled pork and barbecue chicken sandwiches. And while it may seem out of place, there is a cheesesteak cart offering Philly and chicken versions. Wash them down with a beer or two, like the home team's own Anchor Steam.
Where to sit: The grassy lawn is the place to be. Secure your spot early in left field to score shade under a collection of mature trees. As far as actual seating, Rows 3 and higher in sections 300-306, 309 and 310 get awning coverage.
Parking: Free garages are nearby, off Second Street at Drinkwater Boulevard, Second Street and Brown Avenue, and Third Street and Craftsman Court. There are more if you don’t mind walking. Be aware that some enforce a time limit. The city offers free shuttle service to and from games that start 90 minutes before first pitch and 30 minutes after the final out. For updated schedule and locations, visit scottsdaletrolley.com.
Details: 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale. 480-312-2173, scottsdaleaz.gov/scottsdale-stadium.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Who plays here: Colorado Rockies and reigning National League Champions Arizona Diamondbacks.
Insider tips: The first American sports facility built on tribal land, Salt River Fields is also the first LEED Gold-certified sports venue of its kind in the nation. Tributes to its roots include the history of the Salt River Pima and Maricopa tribes throughout, restroom signs in Maricopa, Pima and English and the park’s signature feature: a roof modeled after a traditional Native American ramada that’s composed of two overlapping decks behind home plate positioned so that nearly all fans in the grandstand sit in shade all afternoon. It also features cacti and other native desert plants. The 11,000-seat stadium opened in 2011. There are 13 fields split between the two teams. Fans not carrying any type of bag can use the Express Lanes at each entry gate and get to their seats - or their favorite concession stands - that much faster.
Food and drink: Several new additions make their debuts this season. The 101 Cattle Stand features four signature burgers, including a grand-slam-worthy double-patty smash burger. If you’re around section 206, hit the pizza stand for gourmet mac ‘n cheese or a supremo pizza mac. At the Home Plate Hot Dog stand, the bacon mac dog is a must for hot dog aficionados. Find libations at The Malibu Rum Bar, Michelob Ultra Terrace and the center-field Casino Arizona Bar, which will be serving a six-item restaurant style menu. There’s also Mustache Pretzels and the iconic Sonoran Dog, a quarter-pound hot dog wrapped in hickory-smoked bacon, grilled and served on a freshly baked bun and topped with pico de gallo, pinto ranch beans and a mayo drizzle.
Family fun: Bring the kiddos to the main concourse in right field to test out the newly upgraded turf at the Cold Stone Fun Field, where they can take Wiffle ball batting practice and run the bases. Afterward, they can cool off at the Cold Stone Creamery Cart with their favorite frosty concoctions. Wonder how fast your pitching game is? Find out at the Fast Pitch Inflatable, which is open to all ages.
Where to sit: There isn’t a bad seat in the house. Families may opt for the grassy area that’s economical and allows open space. The 100 Level Baseline seats have just 12 rows and offer the best views of either baseline. Stay alert as you are in active foul ball territory.
Autographs: Head to the backfields of each team from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to catch players in front of the team buildings down each foul line.
Parking: $10-$20; $40 for valet parking at the home plate lot
Details: 7555 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Reservation near Scottsdale. 480-270-5000, saltriverfields.com.
Sloan Park
Who plays here: Chicago Cubs.
Insider tips: When Sloan Park opened in 2014, it felt like Wrigleyville West, with a pair of light towers that replicate those at Wrigley Field, an outfield berm fashioned to match the original iconic bleachers, the brick backstop and famous replica of the Wrigley Field sign — perfect for selfies. With a 15,000-person capacity, it’s the largest venue built for spring training. Oh, and if you don’t already know the words to “Go Cubs Go,” get ready to pull it up on your phone — fans break into song after every Cubbies victory.
Food and drink: Peruse a mix of Midwest and Southwest eats. Grab a Vienna Beef Chicago dog or Italian beef sandwich. Or wander around and find Chicago-style pizza, pulled pork or beef brisket sandwiches and Polish sausages.
Where to sit: Sections 107-112 get shade. Those who wish to stretch their legs have lots of space to do that on the concourse that spans the grandstand from foul pole to foul pole. Get lots of sun at the back of the berm in right and left fields.
Family time: Adventure awaits at neighboring Riverview Park. Stroll the path that connects the parks and find 300 feet of rock-climbing walls, a 50-foot climbing tower, splash pad and more play equipment.
Parking: $10.
Details: 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa. 480-668-0500, mlb.com/cubs/sloan-park.
Hohokam Stadium
Who plays here: Oakland Athletics.
Insider tips: This is one of the more intimate Cactus League settings, so A’s fans are likelier to get an up close and personal view of players. The bullpens are in right field with the A’s pitchers camped out in the pen closest to the playing field. For fans of visiting teams, only a chain link fence stands between you and the visitor’s bullpen.
Food and drink: Ike’s Love & Sandwiches offers hot and cold options and even a vegan sammie with meatless turkey and cranberry. There’s no shortage of traditional fare spanning street tacos, nachos, burgers and hot dogs.
Family time: The Stomper Kid Zone in center field entertains fans 12 and younger with T-ball, baseball Skeeball and an honorary Stomper's Teammate certificate for their efforts. Sometimes, Stomper will make an appearance for autographs and photos.
Where to sit: Over half of the seating bowl is shaded for the entire game. Seek out covered patios for an even more laid-back vibe. Crave some rays? The berm is your spot.
Autographs: It can be tricky, but those who camp out behind the dugout may be able to score one before game time. After the game, fans of the visiting team can try their luck by the right field fence, where the team buses are parked. For home team fans, head to the concourse outside of the clubhouse door and wait for the players to exit.
Parking: $5.
Details: 1235 N. Center St., Mesa. 480-644-4451 mlb.com/athletics/spring-training/ballpark.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Spring training 2024: All the Cactus League stadiums in Arizona