*Arizona is a favorite of MLB fans nationwide
*Cubs, Giants, Dodgers, D-Backs are big draws
*Cubs fans tend to dominate the Cactus League
*Plenty of activities for kids & adults
Baseball is one of America’s greatest pastimes, and venturing to MLB’s Spring Training is one of her most cherished time-honored traditions. It’s just the excuse most citizens still suffering the indignity of freezing temperatures need to take a vacation to the warmer parts of the country. And seeing as these vacations are nestled in the warmth of Florida (Grapefruit League) & Arizona (Cactus League), for many, they serve almost as an adult Spring Break. For others, it’s a family vacation; one to make new memories for kids that will last a lifetime.
With so many options, a guide is needed to help one traverse all the adult fun, action, and entertainment available near Cactus League destinations. The stadium experience alone is a reason why Spring Training has always been a fan-favorite for baseball’s supporters, but the entertainment outside the ballparks is what keeps them coming back.
So, in honor of this pastime, Bleacher Brothers & I will be getting you prepped for the Spring Training season ahead. In case you are on the fence about attending, let me, Ranger Ric, act as your guide, helping you get familiar with the stadiums, the cities, and the amenities & entertainment each stadium experience offers.
Today, we’ll journey to the Southwest & Arizona’s Cactus League…
MLB’s Cactus League Makes Memories For Kids & Fans Of All Ages
MLB Teams (alphabetical order)
Arizona Diamondbacks:
Nestled in Scottsdale, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is a must-visit for Spring Training enthusiasts, not just for its distinctive architecture and varied culinary offerings but also for its sun-drenched grassy areas for MLB fans looking to get some sun. A unique feature is the proximity to players on the practice fields behind left field, with pathways allowing fans to mingle with players and a special autograph zone designated for the kids.
Chicago Cubs:
Sloan Park is the gem of all Spring Training nationwide. Located in Mesa, Sloan Park stands out for its proximity to the Cubs’ complex, enabling fans to watch team workouts before the game starts. Tailgating for MLB fans is also popular, but inside the park, food trucks behind right field add to the culinary experience. Echoes of Wrigley Field decorate the Cactus League favorite, only enhancing the atmosphere. Along with ample shaded seating, it still offers the fan-favorite lawn seats. Nearby Riverview Park offers plenty of activities for kids & adults, depending on your ID. As the Cactus League’s largest stadium by capacity, Sloan Park has been a sellout juggernaut since its opening in 2014.
Chicago White Sox:
Opened in 2009, Camelback Ranch in Glendale features outfield berm seating that’s a fan favorite for game viewing, while first-base line seats offer autograph opportunities with White Sox players. The view of South Mountain adds to the ambiance, and Spring Training fans can catch a glimpse of morning workouts or “B” games featuring top prospects. Don’t miss the hidden gem – a barbecue cart near home plate on the concourse.
Cincinnati Reds:
Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear is a family-friendly venue offering a mini field and inflatables for kids behind the first-base seats and a party pavilion behind right field for shaded dining and drinks. Autograph chances are higher near the Reds dugout along the third-base side, with trivia and sumo wrestling adding entertainment between innings.
Cleveland Indians:
Designed for clear views and great player access, Goodyear Ballpark enhances the baseball experience beyond just the game. With the Indians’ and Reds’ facilities nearby, MLB fans & Cactus League enthusiasts enjoy morning workouts before heading to an afternoon game. A highlight for children is a miniature field along the right-field line, set against the scenic backdrop of the Estrella and White Tank mountains.
Colorado Rockies:
Cactus League fans rush to secure a spot near the bullpen patio in the right-field corner at Salt River Fields, home to the Salty Senorita for adult beverages & Mexican cuisine. The area, open to all Spring Training ticket holders, offers an intimate view of the bullpen. Joe Latino, a dedicated usher, ensures young fans get a chance to meet their favorite Rockies players.
Kansas City Royals:
Surprise Stadium in Surprise offers Royals fans easy access, close parking, and a welcoming atmosphere. Shared with the Rangers, the adjacent practice fields provide autograph opportunities for MLB fans, while the stadium itself boasts open-air concourses & spacious outfield berms for sun-soaked viewing.
Los Angeles Angels:
Since 1993, Tempe Diablo Stadium has been the Angels’ Spring Training home; it is truly the OG of Cactus League baseball stadiums. Despite its age, 2005 renovations have kept it modern, with the main field offering a picturesque setting against a hillside butte. Concession highlights include loaded nachos in an Angels helmet & the Tempe Tap Room for craft beer enthusiasts.
Los Angeles Dodgers:
At Camelback Ranch in Glendale, the Dodgers’ Legends Walk features tributes to iconic players along a lake dividing the Dodgers & White Sox facilities. The walk includes All-Star panels & MVP baseballs honoring legendary figures, creating a historical journey for MLB fans.
Milwaukee Brewers:
The Brewers’ Phoenix home underwent a significant renovation in 2019, ensuring the team’s presence in the Cactus League through at least 2042. The updated facility features a new entry plaza, scoreboard, and enhanced player amenities, drawing inspiration from other top facilities in the area.
Oakland Athletics:
Hohokam Stadium in Mesa offers a delightful Spring Training experience, thanks to recent upgrades. Once the home of the Chicago Cubs (before moving to Sloan Park), MLB fans used to enjoy Bay Area food favorites, outfield berm seating close to the action, and picturesque mountain views. But with the recent move of the Athletics from Oakland to Las Vegas, it will be interesting to see how the Cactus League accommodates the new fan base.
San Diego Padres:
Another Cactus League OG, the Peoria Sports Complex, entering its 26th season, remains a premier destination for Padres & Mariners fans. The left-field pavilion, overlooking the bullpen, offers lounge seating, games, and a bar, providing a unique game-day experience. In the spring, the PSC is one of the Cactus League destinations that has action darn-near everyday. It’s great for a history lesson, or two, for kids discovering baseball for the first time.
San Francisco Giants:
Scottsdale Stadium (not to be confused with Salt River Fields) is near the top of the list. The stadium is cherished for its lawn seating, close field seats, and, let’s be honest, Scottsdale. Scottsdale is a non-AARP snowbirds playground, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and pretty much any type of entertainment one could want outside of the Cactus League. A unique feature is the easy access to Giants players for autographs, creating memorable interactions for kids & MLB fans alike.
Seattle Mariners:
Since 1994, Peoria Stadium has offered Mariners fans a blend of game-day action & practice field access. The venue’s recent renovations include a variety of food options and a new kids’ area enhances the overall experience. Peoria won’t have the jumping trappings of a Scottsdale or Sloan Park, but MLB fans are still treated to a great show.
Texas Rangers:
Surprise Stadium & Recreation Campus boasts an open-air design & compact layout, providing easy access to practice fields & autograph opportunities. The facility’s design allows fans to enjoy baseball in an intimate setting with convenient amenities. Surprise is not one of the “destination cities” of the Cactus League, so this ballpark is more for the fans of the Rangers & the team they are playing that day. It’s a bit of a drive from Scottsdale, and even further from Mesa. SSRC tends to have the diehard fans of specific teams & people playing hooky who were given tickets to the game last minute.
