Spring Training in Scottsdale
Welcome to Your Ultimate Guide to MLB Spring Training!
Batter up! Spring Training in Scottsdale is the perfect blend of America’s favorite pastime and the vibrant energy of the desert. The Cactus League Spring Training season, a tradition dating back to 1947, begins every February. For 30 days, 15 Major League Baseball teams come to the Valley to compete, thrill their fans, and gear up for the regular season. This guide covers everything you need to make the most of the season in Scottsdale – stadium highlights, family tips, insider advice, and more. Whether you’re here for the love of the game or just the fun atmosphere, we’ve got you covered. Let’s play ball!
2025 Scottsdale
Spring Training Schedules
Scottsdale’s Spring Training Stadiums
Scottsdale is home to two exceptional Spring Training facilities: Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Each offers unique experiences to baseball fans.
Scottsdale Stadium: This historic stadium, home to the San Francisco Giants, first opened in 1956 and has also been home to teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Oakland A’s. With seating for up to 12,000 fans, it has become a premier destination for Spring Training Baseball. Each year, over 200,000 fans flock to Scottsdale Stadium, making it a vital economic driver for Old Town Scottsdale.
The exclusive Charro Lodge offers a luxurious way to enjoy the games, with complimentary food and beverages, plus unique spaces like the Outpost Suites and the Saloon Party Deck. Visit their website to learn more about this one-of-a-kind experience.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick: This award-winning facility, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, opened in 2011 as the first Major League Baseball Spring Training complex built on Native American land. With a seating capacity of 11,000, the stadium also features 12 practice fields, Major and Minor League clubhouses, and state-of-the-art training facilities.
Unique fan experiences at Salt River Fields include the Pepsi Patio, a rooftop hospitality area with stunning 360-degree views, and the Blue Moon Landing and Cremily Party Decks, perfect for groups along the baselines. Families will love the Cold Stone Kids Fun Field, a free whiffle ball area for young fans. Salt River Fields beautifully showcases the culture and heritage of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The season kicks off here on February 21st with the Diamondbacks taking on the Rockies.
Family-Friendly Tips for Spring Training
Spring Training is a great event for families! Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
- Kid Zones: Many stadiums have family-friendly areas with activities to keep younger fans entertained.
- Up-Close Spring Training Experiences – Spring Training offers fans unique opportunities to see their favorite players up close. Practices, typically held between 9 a.m. and noon, are open to the public and allow visitors to watch players refine their skills. This is also the best time to score autographs and interact with players and coaches. Most stadiums open their gates 1–2 hours before game time, giving fans ample time to soak in the atmosphere.
- Comfortable Seating: Look for shaded areas or bring hats and sunscreen to keep the family cool and comfortable.
- Buy Tickets Early: Single-game tickets go on sale in mid-December and can be purchased through each team’s website on MLB.com. VIP tickets for Scottsdale Stadium games are available through the Scottsdale Charros website, and Salt River Fields VIP tickets can be purchased directly from the stadium.
Looking for more fun things to do with kids in Scottsdale?
Check out our Scottsdale Family Fun Guide!
Getting Around Scottsdale
Attending Spring Training games in Scottsdale is made easy with convenient transportation options. The Scottsdale Trolley offers a free route connecting Old Town to Scottsdale Stadium, ensuring hassle-free travel. For those heading to Salt River Fields, a complimentary shuttle service runs between the stadium and Talking Stick Resort and Casino. Additional transportation tips, including rideshare recommendations and parking options, are available in our Scottsdale Transportation Guide.
Other Cactus League Cities and Teams
Spring Training in Arizona extends far beyond Scottsdale! Here’s a quick look at other cities, stadiums, and teams participating in the Cactus League:
- Mesa: Sloan Park (Chicago Cubs) and Hohokam Stadium (Oakland Athletics)
- Tempe: Tempe Diablo Stadium (Los Angeles Angels)
- Peoria: Peoria Sports Complex (San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners)
- Glendale: Camelback Ranch (Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Goodyear: Goodyear Ballpark (Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians)
- Surprise: Surprise Stadium (Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers)
Calling All Cubs Fans:
Cubs fans, rejoice! The Chicago Cubs play and practice at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. Opened in 2014, this facility is the newest and largest in the Cactus League, seating up to 15,000 fans. The Cubs’ first game is scheduled for February 21st against the LA Dodgers. With its modern amenities and electric atmosphere, Sloan Park is a must-visit destination.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, Spring Training in Scottsdale is an unforgettable experience. Get ready to soak up the excitement, cheer on your favorite team, and enjoy everything Scottsdale has to offer this season! For more information about schedules, tickets, and experiences, check out these resources:
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