Guide To Visiting MLB Spring Training In Arizona
Phoenix Municipal Stadium (credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Cactus League hosts spring training in the Scottsdale, Arizona area and neighboring cities. This is the perfect opportunity to see the players up close and get some autographs from your favorite players. This is the one time of year when baseball players from some of the best teams in the country gather where the weather is warmer in preparation for their upcoming season. During spring training, fans can expect opportunities for meet-and-greets with the players, watching practices, attending fantasy baseball camps and watching pre-season games against other teams training in Arizona.
Teams In Arizona
Scottsdale is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants at the Scottsdale Stadium, the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks, both at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Other teams that host spring training camps in Arizona include:
- Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park
- Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch
- Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians at Goodyear Ball Park
- Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium
- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Tempe Diablo Stadium
- Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park
- Oakland Athletics at Hohokam Stadium
- San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex
Joe Panik #12 of the San Francisco Giants (credit: Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
Where To Stay
There are several different hotels in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area, making it possible to find the perfect place to stay no matter what your spring training travel budget it. In fact, some area hotels and resorts offer special pricing and packages just for those visiting the area for spring training. The Saguaro is a popular boutique hotel that offers a vibrant place to stay with two pools and plenty of places to kick back and relax. This hotel is popular among spring training attendees mostly because it is within walking distance of the Scottsdale Stadium and a short drive from many of the other stadiums.
Another popular place for baseball fans to stay is The Phoenician, which has Camelback Mountain right in its backyard. This resort offers special deals for those attending spring training, including shuttle service to Old Town Scottsdale, which is where the Scottsdale Stadium is located at and transportation is available to the other stadiums in the area. Other popular hotels and resorts in the area include the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel and Spa, Tempe Mission Palms, Wigwam Resort and W Scottsdale.
Those staying in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas on a budget will be pleased to find out that there are a variety of budget-friendly hotels nearby. Some of these hotels include Days Inn, Econo Lodge, Super 8 and the Thunderbird Executive Inn.
Best Restaurants For Sports Fanatics
Though the spring training schedule will keep you busy from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you will still have plenty of time to enjoy a great meal or grab a beer at a local sports-themed restaurant and bar. Some of these locations are decorated with tons of sports paraphernalia, while others just offer good food, a great atmosphere and plenty of other sports fans to cheer with. Popular places for sports fans to grab a bite and a beer include Haus Murphy's German Restaurant and Beer Garden, BLT Steak, Don and Charlie's, Blue 32 Sports Grill, Duke's Sports Bar and Grill, K O'Donnel's and Goldie's Sports Café.
Hunter Pence #8 of the San Francisco Giants (credit: Rob Tringali/Getty Images)
How To Get Around
No matter where you are staying in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas you will find that getting around and to the stadiums is rather simple. Some of the hotels in the area are within walking distance to the stadiums. So if you want to walk, you will want to find a hotel near your team's home stadium. Rental cars are also a great way to get around the area, but most find that public transportation is more cost effective. The Valley Metro offers public transportation to the greater Phoenix area, including all of the spring training stadiums.
The Scottsdale Trolley will take you to just about anywhere in the area you need to go. The Scottsdale Downtown Trolley and the Scottsdale Miller Road Trolley will take you to the Scottsdale Stadium during spring training. Other trolleys will either take you to or near other stadiums in the area including Camelback Ranch and Talking Stick.
