Spring Training in Arizona

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

February 6, 2023

Spring Training in Arizona, there is nothing quite like it. We all know the most stimulating words to a baseball fan all through the long cold winter in the East and the Midwest, and even here in Arizona, are “pitchers and catchers report for camp.”

Cactus League

Arizona’s Cactus League has been around since 1947. The Cleveland Indians and the New York Giants were the first to come to Arizona, and train there. Last season marked 75 years of spring training in Arizona. Over the years, many teams have been added, left, and returned to Arizona cities for their spring training workouts. The main reason is the warm dry desert climate in February and March. It helps the players get into baseball shape.

Past 25 years

For the 25 years, the Cactus League attendance has grown immensely. Arizona draws winter visitors from all over the United States and Canada. Retirees spend their winters here. Parents with school-age children plan their schools’ spring breaks just to be in the Valley of the Sun. College students plan trips to Phoenix to enjoy the weather as well. Many visitors enjoy being able to see their favorite players up close and personal.

15 Major League Teams

One of the best things about spring training in Arizona is access to some of the best teams in the major leagues. Currently, the league comprises MLB 15 teams—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 the Texas Rangers. This means there’s something for everyone in the Cactus League.

Report Date 2023

Spring Training in Arizona for 2023 has pitchers and catchers arriving February 15 and 16 with full squads scheduled for February 20 and 21. You can start planning your trip. The first Cactus League games will be played on Friday, February 24, when the Mariners take on the Padres and the Rangers visit the Royals. All other teams in the League begin play on Saturday, February 25.

Stadiums are Close

All Cactus League stadiums are within 50 miles of one another in Maricopa County. Some are as close as 15 miles of another. They offer both day and night games. This allows fans to see a game at one stadium in the afternoon, and drive to another to take in a night game.

The Cactus league has a lot of rivalries as well. The Cubs and White Sox playing against each other a couple of times a year in spring training The Dodgers and Giants also play each other. They are just as intense during spring training. Ohio fans have the Reds and the Guardians rivalry. Both teams even share the same stadium in Goodyear.

Attendance records

The 2019 games drew an average of 7,900 fans. That number was the highest per-game attendance the league had seen in five years. Also in 2019, three teams averaged more than 10,000. The ever-popular Chicago Cubs hold the record for the largest crowd ever for a Cactus League game at Sloan Park in 2018, with 15,849 fans attending the game.

The Cactus League drew a record 1,941,347 fans in 2017. Attendance did decline in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last season was impacted by the MLB lockout, and was cut-short. However, all signs point to record attendances for 2023. People are comfortable traveling again, and the weather will be great. The players invited to camp are looking forward to a new season as well.

Players are Friendlier

Major League Baseball has an image issue because of the 2022 lockout. This year, we can expect access to players to be readily available. Players will be more outgoing, and hopefully laid back and ready to meet and greet.

During spring training players are usually open more for pictures with fans, and signing autographs items. Even talking with players is a top memory for fans.

Comforts of Spring Training

Spring Training brings comfort as well. The stadiums offer lawn seating, which is an option for families to bring blankets, and stretch out in the outfield. Children can run around, and even chase home run balls and may even get the chance to play catch with a baseball player in the outfield.

Fans have been known to work on their tans, and indulge in occasional naps. Businesspeople sometimes hold meetings at Cactus League games. Employers even hold employee appreciation days at the games. It’s a great way to get out of the office.

Fans are Optimistic

Fans are always excited, and optimistic during spring training. At a game, you hear and chat with fans of the opposing team. Discussions about the upcoming regular season, their teams’ strengths and weaknesses, and what they need to get to the playoffs are the norm. Every team is that would-be World Series contender during the five-plus weeks of games.

Arizona Weather

You can also see the players up close and personal, one of the best reasons to attend Cactus League games during spring training is the weather. If you want perfect baseball weather, spring training in Arizona is where you come to get it. Spring weather is fantastic. Usually, every day the sun is shining; there is seldom a chance of a rainout. The average temperatures range from the low 70’s to mid-80’s.

Memories Count

Cactus League games never count, but the memories and even friends you make certainly do. The 2023 Cactus League runs from February 24 through March 28. With over 200 games on the schedule, there’s always some great baseball to watch. It is an excellent time of year to be in the greater Phoenix area. And with that said… Play ball!