Every February and March, something special takes over the Greater Phoenix area. The crack of bats, the pop of mitts, and the buzz of thousands of baseball fans filling stadiums across the desert — that’s Cactus League Spring Training, and it’s one of the most unique sporting experiences in the United States.
If you haven’t made it out to a game yet this season, you’re in luck: the 2026 Cactus League season runs through March, which means there’s still time to catch your favorite MLB team before the regular season kicks off.
Here’s everything you need to know — and how to make the most of every moment.
What Is the Cactus League?
The Cactus League is the name given to MLB Spring Training held across Greater Phoenix, drawing fans from across the country every year for three reasons: the weather, the access, and the atmosphere.
Temperatures in Phoenix during February and March are perfect for sitting outside watching future Hall of Famers warm up just feet away. Unlike the regular season, spring training stadiums are small and intimate — you’re close to the action in a way a 50,000-seat venue simply can’t replicate.
2026 Cactus League: Key Facts
- Season: February – March, 2026
- Teams: 15 major league teams
- Stadiums: 10 venues across Greater Phoenix
- Distance between stadiums: No two ballparks are more than a 45-minute drive from each other
- Games: More than 200 games played across the metro area during the month
The 15 Cactus League teams for 2026
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.
The 10 Cactus League Stadiums
- Goodyear Ballpark — Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds. Wide concourses, great sightlines, easy access from the I-10.
- Surprise Stadium — Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. A fan favorite for its lively, relaxed atmosphere.
- Camelback Ranch — LA Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. One of the most modern spring training facilities in the league, located in Glendale.
- Peoria Sports Complex — San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. A massive complex with two separate fields and a festive atmosphere.
- American Family Fields of Phoenix — Milwaukee Brewers. A classic ballpark with a passionate, loyal fan base.
- Tempe Diablo Stadium — LA Angels. Tucked into the Tempe hills, it offers one of the most scenic settings in the Cactus League.
- Scottsdale Stadium — San Francisco Giants. In the heart of Old Town Scottsdale — perfect for combining baseball with world-class dining and nightlife.
- Salt River Fields at Talking Stick — Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. One of the newest and most acclaimed spring training facilities in the country.
- Sloan Park — Chicago Cubs. Mesa’s flagship venue draws massive Cubs crowds and a festive, party-like energy all day long.
- Hohokam Stadium — Oakland Athletics. A smaller, classic ballpark with affordable tickets and great fan access.
Tips for Attending a Cactus League Game
- Buy tickets early. Popular matchups — especially Cubs games at Sloan Park and Dodgers games at Camelback Ranch — sell out fast. Check individual stadium websites or CactusLeague.com for availability.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Arizona sun in March is no joke. Bring SPF, a hat, and lightweight clothing. Lawn seating areas get hot quickly as the day progresses.
- Stay hydrated. Most stadiums allow sealed water bottles. Drink more than you think you need.
- Arrive early. Spring training is one of the only times fans can watch players stretch, warm up, and interact informally. Getting there 45–60 minutes early is half the experience.
- Check food and drink policies. Rules vary by stadium — always confirm on the venue website before you go.
Ballpark-Hopping: A Spring Training Day Well Spent
Here’s something many first-timers don’t realize: with all 10 stadiums within a 45-minute radius of each other, it’s entirely possible to catch a morning game at one venue and an afternoon game at another. Some fans make it a mission to visit every stadium in a single season — a tradition Visit Phoenix has even turned into an official Spring Training Challenge through their app.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan on an annual pilgrimage or a first-time visitor looking for a great afternoon, the Cactus League delivers.
Arrive in Style with Diamond Transportation
Here’s the thing: the experience doesn’t start when you walk through the stadium gates. It starts the moment you leave home.
Navigating between multiple stadiums, finding parking in high-traffic areas like Old Town Scottsdale or Mesa, and managing logistics for a full day of baseball adds real friction to what should be a completely enjoyable outing.
That’s where Diamond Transportation comes in.
Our professional chauffeur service handles every detail of your game day transportation — from your door to the stadium entrance, and back again at the end of the day. No parking stress, no navigation, no waiting for rideshares. Just seamless, door-to-door luxury service so you can focus entirely on the game, the company, and the moment.
Whether you’re catching one game or planning a full ballpark-hopping day across Greater Phoenix, Diamond Transportation is ready to make it effortless.
📞 877-325-1990 📧 reservations@diamondtransportation.com 🌐 diamondtransportation.com/bookings
The 2026 Cactus League season wraps up March, 2026. Don’t miss your last chance — and let Diamond Transportation handle the rest.