We’ve got insider tips on everything from the best hotels and bars to the best stadiums to visit as 15 MLB teams descend upon cities like Scottsdale and Phoenix for Spring Training 2023.
There ’s no salutary sign of the zodiac that the end of winter is near than the kickoff of Major League Baseball Spring Training in Arizona . Beginning February 24 and live on through March 28 , you may love an other summertime experience in the warm desert sunshine .
Sit back in the stands to soak in the smell of pertly mow forage and barbeque simmering on the grill with a cold beer in hand as you hear to the whirl of the bat and the cheer of the crowd as your favorite midwestern and west coast baseball game teams take the field .
Arizona ’s preseason Cactus League hosts 15 teams play games in 10 stadiums across the Phoenix metro area . Spring Training game tickets are cheaper than the regular season and the vibration is more relaxed . Even fans of last class ’s “ cellar dweller ” team are full of optimism with young young players to see and an even 0 - 0 record .
Photo by Bill Fink for Thrillist
The Phoenix orbit provides a riches of non - baseball activities to enjoy , too , making Arizona Spring Training a worthwhile trip even for non die - hard baseball fan . We ’ll go down some of the best ways to savor the Arizona Spring Training experience .
Spring Training Overview: The Cactus League Experience
With 15 squad playing at 10 ballparks in 8 unlike cities , trying to manage a spring training trip might seem restrain . But given the huge option of hotels and restaurants , and the fact that the stadiums are all within an hour ’s thrust from each other , it ’s hard to go wrong . buff typically will reserve a hotel close to their favorite team ’s park , whether it be in Phoenix , Scottsdale , Tempe , or elsewhere . But I ’ve obtain it fun to take a “ hub and spoke ” coming : Find somewhere nice to rest in a hub ( my best-loved area is downtown Scottsdale ) , then drive to see games at the spokes of different park ( in my case , wherever the Cubs are play that day ) .
While ticket are ordinarily easy to bribe mean solar day - of - plot , popular squad like the Cubs , Dodgers , and Giants may sell out at their home fields , so purchase those ticket early on to guarantee right hindquarters . A pro - tip for fan of popular teams is to take in your team at “ aside ” plot at other stadiums for in force ( and flash ) ass selection .
Another summit for those new to Spring Training is to realize most mavin role player will see modified playing prison term , especially at the former part of the spring season . A vainglorious part of spring preparation is collapse cub and draw a bead on underage leaguers a hazard to try out . So do n’t spend top dollar for an Angels plot , for example , expecting to see Trout or Ohtani for a full nine innings .
Photo by Bill Fink for Thrillist
The roll of team in the Cactus League are the Arizona Diamondbacks , Chicago Cubs , Chicago White Sox , Cincinnati Reds , Cleveland Guardians , Colorado Rockies , Kansas City Royals , Anaheim Angels , LA Dodgers , Milwaukee Brewers , Oakland A ’s , San Diego Padres , San Francisco Giants , Seattle Mariners , and Texas Rangers . claver theCactus League websitefor schedule , maps and activity guide , and theMLB.comspring training site for tickets and team information .
The Ballparks: How and Where to Best Catch a Spring Training Game
Cactus League ballparks have undergo a Renascence in recent long time , with new fancy full - serve stadiums build to replace sleepy minor league car park of yesteryear . So expect ballparks with prosperous seats , concession remain firm stockpile with fun treats , and diversions like kids ’ play areas and autograph Booth , as well as talkative souvenir shops .
While I ’m obviously biased as a Cubs fan , I do think their nursing home field atSloan Parkin Mesa is one of the salutary places to catch a outflow grooming plot . It ’s the newest and the largest common with a capacity of 15,000 , with a lively atmosphere . An outfield lawn domain is arrant for mob — or if you ’re lick on your topaz — as you could bring blanket , towels and bowl - style seats to loosen up on the sess . Stop by neighboring Riverview Park to cool off off in their splash pad , or hang out at the unfastened - to - the - public practice subject area where you could learn your favorites work out .
Scottsdale Stadiumin the city ’s business district is a great parking area to see the Giants trifle bollock from your opinion from tree diagram - lined outfield lawn and the awning - shaded upper deck — or box seats if you ’ve packed your sunscreen . For a perceptiveness of place , the stadium serves SF ’s Anchor Steam beer , garlic fries and squawk brisket . Free parking and free city shuttle nearby avail thin out your monetary value .
Photo by Bill Fink for Thrillist
For a one - stop resort experience , you may ground yourself at a desert oasis bySalt River Fields at Talking Stick . Home to the Diamondbacks and Rockies , the sports stadium is built on aboriginal tribal land . If you ’re athirst at the game , try the stadium ’s key signature Sonoran Dog : a stern - pounding hotdog with hickory - smoked Viscount St. Albans , pico de gallo topping , pinto cattle farm bean and a mayo drizzle . you may stay at nearbyTalking Stick Resort , play at the adjacent Great Wolf Lodge Water Park , shop in the Pavilions Center , gamble at the resort gambling casino , and dally golf on the resort hotel track .
Where to stay around Arizona
There ’s no dearth of lodging options in the greater Phoenix area , from five - adept hangout to budget motel and AirBnb - flair rental .
While rest at a hotel airless to your favorite squad ’s ballpark is commodious for managing game day commutes , if you want to plunge yourself in the local experience , then there ’s no right place to stay during your Spring Training trip than in Scottsdale ’s Old Town district . Its walkable neighborhood street sport a diverse collection of restaurants , bars , shop , galleries , and more than a XII hotels .
TheHotel Valley Hoon the outskirts of Scottsdale ’s Old Town is a stylish upscale mid - century modern hideaway with bang-up intellectual nourishment , and a fun pool scene where you’re able to sit in a cabana sip a Sunsetter cocktail . ( Imagine bumping into some of the moving-picture show stars and ballplayers who stayed here in the recent 1950s . ) The hotel is offer aPlay Ball Packagethrough March 31 , with 20 % off way rates , a souvenir baseball , a free burger or sandwich and $ 50 daily poolside food and drink credit , plus half - off daybeds and cabanas Monday through Thursday .
Photo by Bill Fink for Thrillist
For more of a Wild West resort experience , stay at the edge of the desert in Peoria northwest of Phoenix at theCibola Vista Resort . The villa - elan complex with swimming pools and a resort hotel is a ready commute to Peoria Sports Complex for Brewers and Padres games , and also host Cowboy Cookouts and horseback track rides .
Where to eat and drink around Arizona (besides stadium hotdogs)
Food and crapulence at Arizona Spring Training has come a foresighted way from the old day of stale weenie and flat beer in dusty quondam stadium . The modern parks offer gourmet menus and microbrews on rap ( with upscale cost to match ) .
muckle of neat nutrient and drinkable alternative are located near the bowl . If you ’re looking for an old - school baseball vibration , confabulate an frontier settlement of Chicago’sPortillos’near Sloan Park in Tempe , as well as fix in Scottsdale , Glendale , and Avondale for a hotdog with all the fixin ’s .
Many Giants fans assemble near Scottsdale Stadium for meals at theRnR Gastropub . bulge your pregame party with Keep ‘ em number mimosa and flaming Madonna brunch drink specials , and douse up the alcoholic beverage with breakfast burritos or pull pork sandwiches .
Photo by Bill Fink for Thrillist
After the game , get some grandstand seating for awing Arizona sunsets with cocktails at Scottsdale ’s 7th floorOutrider Rooftop Loungeat the Canopy . Firepits ( and prickly pear margaritas ) warm up you up on parky desert nights as you recount the day ’s plot action and plan for tomorrow ’s ballpark sojourn . Those looking to extend the Nox can party late with drinks and resilient music at the recollective - time Scottsdale institution , theRusty Spur Saloon .
