Get ready for an exciting baseball adventure! The Cactus League is about to take over Arizona, and we've got all the details you need to join the fun.
In just a week, Arizona will become the ultimate baseball hub as 15 Major League Baseball teams descend upon the state for six weeks of intense training and preparation. It's an annual tradition that brings the sport to life and offers fans an incredible experience.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might say it's overwhelming with so many teams and games, but we're here to guide you through it all, making it an enjoyable and memorable journey.
What is the Cactus League?
The Cactus League is a pre-season training ground for MLB teams, a tradition that began way back in 1947. It's a chance for rookies to shine and established players to refine their skills, all while entertaining fans with a packed schedule of games.
If you're keen to be part of the action, you can grab your tickets here.
When Does the Cactus League Take Place?
Mark your calendars! The Cactus League runs from February 20th to March 24th. Games are spread throughout the day, with the earliest starting around noon and the latest kicking off at 6 p.m. You can view the full schedule here.
Who's Playing in the Cactus League?
Get ready to cheer for some of the biggest names in baseball! Here's a list of the 15 teams participating:
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- San Francisco Giants
- Athletics (formerly Oakland Athletics)
- Chicago Cubs
- Cincinnati Reds
- Cleveland Guardians
- Colorado Rockies
- Chicago White Sox
- Kansas City Royals
- Los Angeles Angels
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Milwaukee Brewers
- San Diego Padres
- Seattle Mariners
- Texas Rangers
Where to Catch the Games?
Arizona's got you covered with 10 amazing ballparks across the Valley, from Goodyear to Mesa. Some teams share stadiums, while others have their own dedicated spaces.
Spring Training stadiums offer a unique, intimate setting, bringing fans closer to the action. You might even get the chance to interact with players and collect autographs after the game!
Here's a breakdown of the ballparks and the teams they host:
- Goodyear Ballpark: Home to the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, located near Estrella Parkway and Yuma Road.
- Surprise Stadium: Both the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers play here, near Bullard Avenue and Greenway Road.
- Camelback Ranch: A shared home for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox, located in Glendale near Camelback Road and El Mirage Road.
- American Family Fields of Phoenix: The Milwaukee Brewers play in this Phoenix ballpark near Indian School Road and 51st Avenue.
- Peoria Sports Complex: Catch the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres at this ballpark near 83rd Avenue and Bell Road in Peoria.
- Tempe Diablo Stadium: The Los Angeles Angels play in Tempe near Interstate 10 and Broadway Road.
- Scottsdale Stadium: San Francisco Giants fans can enjoy their team's games near Indian School Rd and Drinkwater Boulevard in Scottsdale.
- Salt River Fields at Talking Sticks: Arizona's Diamondbacks share a ballpark with the Colorado Rockies, located near Loop 101 and Talking Stick Way in Scottsdale.
- Sloan Park: Chicago Cubs fans can see their team in action at this Mesa ballpark near Loop 101 and Rio Salado Parkway.
- Hohokam Stadium: The Athletics play in Mesa near McKellips Road and Center Street.
Stay Connected with 12News
Don't miss out on the latest news and updates! You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere with the free 12+ app. Available on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV, the app offers live streaming of daily newscasts, local news, weather updates, and even moments of Zen showcasing Arizona's breathtaking sights.
You can also access on-demand videos covering top stories, local politics, investigative reports, and vintage clips from the 12News archives. To add the channel on Roku, search for "12 News KPNX" in the Roku store. For Amazon Fire TV, search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app or have it delivered directly to your device through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of Spring Training? We can't wait to see you there!
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the games; it's about the experience, the atmosphere, and the chance to connect with your favorite teams and players. So, will you be joining us for this year's Cactus League adventure? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
