Springtime is the best time to visit sunny Arizona, especially for baseball devotees who travel from near and far to witness their favorite Major League Baseball teams play ball during annual Spring Training in the Sonoran Desert. Spring Training has been a tradition for devoted fans since 1947. Fifteen MLB teams train every February and March at 10 stadiums in the Greater Phoenix area, home base for the annual Cactus League games and training camps.
Where to Play
MLB Spring Training take places across the Greater Phoenix area at 10 stadiums all within an hour’s drive from each other. The ball parks and their affiliated teams are: American Family Fields of Phoenix (Brewers), Camelback Ranch (Dodgers, White Sox), Goodyear Ballpark (Guardians, Reds), Hohokam (Athletics), Peoria Sports Complex (Mariners, Padres), Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Diamondbacks, Rockies), Scottsdale Stadium (Giants), Sloan Park (Cubs), Surprise Stadium (Rangers, Royals), and Tempe Diablo Stadium (Angels).
The famous resort city of Scottsdale is the popular Cactus League home to the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, and Arizona Diamondbacks, The Salt River Fields hosts the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks, while Scottsdale Stadium hosts the San Francisco Giants.
Before going out to the ball game, get amped up on a “Spring Training Pre-Game Bar Crawl” through Old Town —Scottsdale’s downtown — with Arizona Party Bike. The tour wraps up at Scottsdale Stadium 15 minutes before the first pitch.
Travelers can also opt to kick off their day with a hot air balloon flight over the desert, taking advantage of Rainbow Ryders’ spring training discount at $175 per person for sunrise flights. Relish panoramic desert views, spot wildlife and celebrate with a champagne toast.
And explorers will want to take a day trip to some of Arizona’s most iconic outdoor spots with Wandering Heart Adventures, offering 25% off tours through May 31, with an extra 5% off when spring training visitors call to book.
Where to Stay
Visitors can hit a home run on their spring training getaway with special resort packages, discounted tours and baseball-themed activities, as well as cultural experiences to round out their stay. Scottsdale has the area’s finest hotels, dining options, luxury shopping, art galleries, and the Western charm of its Old Town area. Special offers during Spring Training include:
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows — For visitors who want to stay close to the action but find a quiet escape, Andaz Scottsdale is the perfect play. Spring training guests receive a $100 resort credit for PaloVerde Spa & Apothecary or Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen.
Hotel Valley Ho — At the iconic, midcentury modern Hotel Valley Ho, just steps away from Scottsdale Stadium, the “PlayBall” package welcomes spring training visitors with 20% savings on rooms, a $50 daily food and drink credit and a welcome amenity.
Mountain Shadows Resort — The chic getaway has a “Ballpark” special offer with 20% savings, a $50 daily food and drink credit and a curated welcome amenity. Guests can fit in an abbreviated round of golf at The Short Course at the resort, a par-3 layout with stunning views of Camelback and Mummy mountains.
W Scottsdale — The “Triple Play Spring Training” package at the W Scottsdale, in the heart of buzzing downtown Scottsdale, includes a $50 food and beverage credit and baseball swag. Recover after a day of crowds and sun at the ballpark with the spa’s “Performance” and “Cupping” massages.
