The Ultimate Guide to 2026 Spring Training in Arizona: History, Stadiums, and Everything You Need to Know

From the Buckhorn Baths to the World Baseball Classic — your complete guide to the 2026 Cactus League season, including all 10 stadiums, 15 teams, key dates, local dining deals, and tips for first-time visitors.

Arizona's Cactus League is one of the most beloved traditions in American sports. Every February, fifteen Major League Baseball teams descend on the Valley of the Sun to shake off the winter rust, and nearly two million fans follow them for sun-splashed afternoons of baseball, cold beer, and the unmistakable optimism that comes with a fresh season. The 2026 Cactus League season kicks off on February 20 — and this year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the league's eight-decade history, with the World Baseball Classic returning to Arizona's spring training stadiums.

Whether you are a lifelong spring training pilgrim or planning your first trip to the desert, this guide covers everything you need to know: the colorful history of how the Cactus League came to be, a complete breakdown of all ten stadiums and fifteen teams, key dates and schedule highlights, local dining deals, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.

Spring training baseball in Arizona — fans enjoy a game at a Cactus League stadium with desert mountains and saguaro cacti in the background

A Brief History of the Cactus League

The story of spring training in Arizona begins not with a grand business plan, but with a bubbling hot spring in the middle of the desert and a baseball owner who refused to send his players to the Jim Crow South.

The Buckhorn Baths and the Birth of Arizona Baseball

In 1936, Ted and Alice Sliger purchased a plot of land on East Main Street in Mesa, Arizona. It was a gas station, a gift shop, and a showcase for Ted's enormous taxidermy collection — a roadside curiosity for travelers along federal highways 60 and 70. Three years later, while digging a well so they would not have to haul barrels of fresh water from downtown Mesa, the Sligers struck something unexpected: a natural hot spring, 300 feet below the surface, pumping water at 113 degrees and loaded with minerals. They could not drink it, but the discovery would change the course of baseball history.

The Sligers built a motel and spa around the spring and named it the Buckhorn Baths. Word of the healing mineral water spread through military bases during World War II, and eventually reached the ears of New York Giants owner Horace Stoneham. Stoneham already had reasons to look west — he owned a winter home in Arizona, and Cleveland Indians owner Bill Veeck had been pleading with him to bring the Giants out so the Indians would have someone to play against.

Veeck had moved the Indians to Arizona in 1946 for two reasons: it was closer to his Tucson ranch, and after signing Larry Doby as the American League's first Black player, he refused to subject the slugger to the harsher cruelties of segregated Florida. But one team does not make a league, and Veeck needed company.

What ultimately convinced Stoneham was the Buckhorn's therapeutic springs. After experiencing the baths himself, he decided to bring his Giants to Arizona in 1947, sending players to the Buckhorn a week or two early to soak in the mineral water and get into shape. The Arizona Cactus League Association was founded that same year.

The Chicago Cubs, who had spent thirty years training on Catalina Island off the California coast, followed in 1951. The Baltimore Orioles moved to Yuma in 1954, and the Cactus League was officially born — with the Buckhorn serving as its central hub.

A Place Where Everyone Was Welcome

The Buckhorn was more than a training facility. In an era of segregation, when Black players were often forced to stay in separate housing, the Buckhorn was an exception. Willie Mays and other African-American players stayed alongside their white teammates — no questions asked. The Sligers held massive barbecues for players and their families, with one reportedly drawing more than 4,000 attendees in a town of about 4,000 people. Large welcome signs greeted teams upon arrival. It was, as Mesa historian Jay Mark has described it, "a home away from home."

Over the decades, the Buckhorn hosted a parade of legends: Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Gaylord Perry, who became a close friend of Alice Sliger. President Truman's daughter stayed for three months to address health issues. JFK reportedly used the springs to heal injuries from World War II. Elvis may have stopped in for a night.

The Giants credited their stays at the Buckhorn with helping them win the 1954 World Series. Willie Mays sent a signed photo thanking Ted and Alice for the "Good baths."

Ted Sliger died in 1984. The baths ceased operations in the late 1990s, and the motel finally closed in the late 2000s. Alice Sliger, who managed the property herself after her husband's passing, died in 2010 at the remarkable age of 103 — a testament, perhaps, to those wellness springs. The Buckhorn is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and efforts are underway to restore the property with plans for a microbrewery and restaurants.

The 2026 Cactus League: Key Dates

The 2026 spring training season follows a familiar rhythm, but with a significant twist — the World Baseball Classic returns, bringing international exhibition games to Arizona's stadiums in early March.

Date	Event
Feb. 10–13	Pitchers and catchers report; first workouts
Feb. 14–17	First full-squad workouts
Feb. 20	First Cactus League games (D-backs vs. Rockies at Salt River Fields; Padres vs. Mariners at Peoria)
March 3	WBC exhibition: Team USA vs. Giants at Scottsdale Stadium; Mexico vs. D-backs at Salt River Fields
March 4	WBC exhibition: Team USA vs. Rockies at Salt River Fields
March 4–17	World Baseball Classic pool play and rounds
March 19–22	Spring Breakout games
March 25	2026 MLB Regular Season begins (Giants host Yankees in San Francisco)

The first game of the 2026 Cactus League season is scheduled for Friday, February 20, with the Arizona Diamondbacks facing the Colorado Rockies at 1:10 p.m. MST at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. On the same afternoon, the San Diego Padres host the Seattle Mariners at the Peoria Sports Complex.

All 10 Stadiums and 15 Teams

One of the Cactus League's greatest advantages over its Florida counterpart, the Grapefruit League, is geography. All ten stadiums are located within the Phoenix metropolitan area, making it entirely feasible to attend two games in a single day. The farthest distance between any two venues — Surprise Stadium and Hohokam Stadium — is only about 40 miles.

Here is a complete guide to every Cactus League stadium for 2026:

East Valley Stadiums

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick — Arizona Diamondbacks & Colorado Rockies Located at 7555 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale, Salt River Fields is one of the newest and most impressive spring training complexes in the country. Opened in 2011, it sits on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and features stunning desert landscaping. With a capacity of approximately 11,000, it offers an intimate yet modern game-day experience. This is where the 2026 season opens on February 20, and it will also host World Baseball Classic exhibition games in early March.

Scottsdale Stadium — San Francisco Giants Situated at 7408 E. Osborn Road in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, this is the only Cactus League venue within walking distance of a vibrant restaurant and nightlife district. The Giants have called Scottsdale home since 1984, continuing the franchise's deep Arizona roots that stretch back to the Buckhorn Baths era. The stadium's urban setting makes it ideal for combining a game with dinner and drinks in Old Town Scottsdale.

Sloan Park — Chicago Cubs At 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa, Sloan Park is the largest spring training stadium in Arizona with a capacity of 15,000. Opened in 2015, it replaced the Cubs' longtime home at Hohokam Stadium and features a design inspired by Wrigley Field, complete with a rooftop deck and a manual scoreboard. Cubs fans are among the most passionate in spring training, and tickets here sell fast — plan ahead.

Hohokam Stadium — Oakland Athletics Located at 1235 N. Center Street in Mesa, Hohokam was promptly renovated after the Cubs moved to Sloan Park and became the A's spring home. The stadium has a classic, no-frills charm and is one of the more affordable venues in the Cactus League.

Tempe Diablo Stadium — Los Angeles Angels At 2200 W. Alameda Drive in Tempe, this stadium is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Papago Buttes. The Angels have trained here since 1993, and the intimate 9,500-seat venue offers excellent sightlines from nearly every seat. The surrounding Tempe area provides easy access to Arizona State University's Mill Avenue District for postgame dining.

West Valley Stadiums

Camelback Ranch — Los Angeles Dodgers & Chicago White Sox Located at 10710 W. Camelback Road in Glendale, Camelback Ranch opened in 2009 and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful spring training facilities in the country. The 141-acre complex features man-made lakes, desert landscaping, and a 12-field practice area. Dodger Dogs are available at the concession stands, naturally.

Peoria Sports Complex — San Diego Padres & Seattle Mariners At 16101 N. 83rd Avenue in Peoria, this complex has hosted two teams since 1994. The facility underwent major renovations and offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Its location in the West Valley makes it a good pairing with a game at Surprise Stadium, just a short drive north.

Surprise Stadium — Texas Rangers & Kansas City Royals Located at 15930 N. Bullard Avenue in Surprise, this stadium offers Kansas City and Texas barbecue at the concession stands — a nod to both teams' home cities. The venue has a loyal following among fans of both franchises and provides a laid-back, small-town spring training feel.

Goodyear Ballpark — Cleveland Guardians & Cincinnati Reds At 1933 S. Ballpark Way in Goodyear, this is the only spring training facility that hosts two teams from the same state (Ohio). Opened in 2009, it features Skyline Chili at the concessions — a must-try for anyone who has never experienced Cincinnati's signature dish. The ballpark is the westernmost venue in the Cactus League.

Phoenix Proper

American Family Fields of Phoenix — Milwaukee Brewers Located at 3600 N. 51st Street in the Maryvale section of Phoenix, this is the only team that trains within Phoenix city limits. The Brewers unveiled a major renovation in 2019, and the complex now features modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. Look for fried cheese curds at the concession stands.

The World Baseball Classic Comes to Arizona

The 2026 Cactus League season carries an added layer of excitement with the return of the World Baseball Classic. Before pool play begins at venues across the globe on March 6, several exhibition games between WBC national teams and MLB clubs will take place at Arizona's spring training stadiums.

On March 3, Team USA faces the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium, while Team Mexico takes on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields. The following day, March 4, Team USA plays the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields. These exhibition matchups offer fans a rare chance to see international stars compete alongside MLB players in an intimate spring training setting — at a fraction of the cost of WBC pool play tickets.

For fans already planning a spring training trip, scheduling your visit around these early-March dates could make for an unforgettable experience.

The Economic Powerhouse

Cactus League games may not count in the standings, but the money they generate is very real. According to a 2025 study by Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business, the spring training industry's impact on Arizona is staggering:

Metric	2025 Figure
Total economic impact	$764 million
Contribution to Arizona GDP	$450 million
Visitor spending	$378.6 million
Total attendance (221 games)	1,695,480 fans
Jobs created	6,182
State tax revenue generated	$32.1 million

Approximately six in ten Cactus League attendees come from out of state, and about a third of those visitors have been attending for five or more years. Spring training is not just a sporting event — it is a pillar of Arizona's tourism economy and a tradition that brings families back to the desert year after year.

Spring Training Deals and Local Tips

One of the best parts of spring training in Arizona is the community of local businesses that embrace the season. Several Valley restaurants and venues offer special deals for fans with same-day game tickets during the 2026 season (February 20 through March 24):

Dining Deals with Your Game Ticket:

Pita Jungle — Free small hummus with same-day spring training ticket at participating locations
Over Easy — 10% off your entire meal at all locations
Diego Pops & The Montauk — $1 Modelo at The Montauk; $6 Diego Margarita at Diego Pops
Copper & Sage (Goodyear) and Haymaker (four Valley locations) — Complimentary appetizer with purchase of an adult entrée
Brody's Italian — 10% off total bill with same-day ticket
Macayo's Mexican Food — Free appetizer with valid same-day ticket
Pedal Haus Brewery — Day Drinker Light Lager and a classic hot dog for just $10

Getting Around:

Tempe Marketplace is offering a free trolley ride to Sloan Park on spring training game days
Johnny Rockets at Westgate Entertainment District — Upgrade any burger to a full meal (fries + soda) for just $1 with a valid spring training ticket

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Arrive early. Gates typically open 90 minutes to two hours before first pitch. This is your chance to watch batting practice, snag autographs, and explore the stadium at a leisurely pace. Many complexes have practice fields visible from public areas where you can watch players work out up close.

Bring sunscreen and a hat. February and March in Arizona are gorgeous — average highs in the mid-70s to low 80s — but the desert sun is deceptively strong. Every Cactus League stadium has berm seating in the outfield (usually the cheapest tickets available), and you will want protection if you are sitting in the grass for a few hours.

Consider weekday games. Weekend games, especially those featuring popular teams like the Cubs, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks, sell out quickly and command higher prices. Weekday afternoon games offer a more relaxed atmosphere, shorter lines, and better ticket availability.

Plan for two games in one day. With all ten stadiums in the same metro area, doubling up is entirely doable. A common strategy is to catch an early afternoon game in the East Valley (Scottsdale, Mesa, or Tempe) and then head to a later game in the West Valley (Glendale, Peoria, or Surprise), or vice versa. Just be mindful of rush-hour traffic on the freeways.

Know your freeways. Loop 101 is your best friend during spring training. It connects both the East and West Valleys in a large inverted U through the metro area, and five Cactus League venues — Camelback Ranch, Peoria Sports Complex, Salt River Fields, Scottsdale Stadium, and Sloan Park — are all within a few miles of it.

Explore beyond the ballpark. Spring training is the perfect excuse to experience everything Arizona has to offer. Day trips to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and the Superstition Mountains are all within reach. Closer to home, the Valley offers world-class hiking, championship desert golf courses, and a thriving food and craft beer scene.

Experience Spring Training with SeekZona

Ready to plan your 2026 spring training adventure? SeekZona's Spring Training Hub features an interactive schedule, stadium details, and links to nearby restaurants, bars, and attractions for every Cactus League venue. Whether you are looking for the best sports bar to catch a game, a dog-friendly trail to explore on your off day, or a craft brewery to wind down after nine innings, SeekZona has you covered.

Play ball! ⚾