Scottsdale Spring Training 2026: Cactus League Game Plan
Your guide to Scottsdale spring training 2026: Cactus League teams, ballparks, schedule highlights, and tips for the perfect baseball getaway.
Every February and March, the Valley of the Sun becomes the place to be for baseball, and Scottsdale spring training 2026 sits right at the heart of it. As one of the marquee stops on the Cactus League circuit, Scottsdale lets you watch top Major League Baseball talent up close in intimate ballparks while the rest of the country is still bundled up. Here’s your game plan for the teams, the venues, and how to build the perfect spring baseball getaway.
Scottsdale’s Role in the Cactus League
The Cactus League is one of MLB’s two spring training leagues, and it has called the Greater Phoenix area home since 1947. Fifteen MLB teams train across 10 Cactus League ballparks in the metro area, with stadiums clustered close enough that you can catch more than one game during a single trip. Scottsdale is a prime home base for the experience, hosting two premier venues right in town.
Cactus League Teams and Stadiums in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is home to two standout ballparks:
| Stadium | Team(s) |
|---|---|
| Scottsdale Stadium | San Francisco Giants |
| Salt River Fields at Talking Stick | Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies |
Scottsdale Stadium is the spring home of the San Francisco Giants and sits right in the center of Old Town, so you can walk from the game straight to restaurants, bars, and shops. Salt River Fields is a modern, two-team facility shared by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, which means a wider variety of matchups at a single location. The full Cactus League also includes ballparks in Goodyear, Surprise, Peoria, Tempe, and beyond, all within easy driving distance.
What Makes Scottsdale Spring Training Special
Spring training in Scottsdale is part baseball, part vacation. The stadiums are small and relaxed, the weather is warm while much of the country is cold, and there’s a real chance to see players up close, during morning workouts and at the games themselves. For Giants fans especially, the walkable Old Town setting around Scottsdale Stadium is hard to beat.
A few tips before you go:
- Buy tickets early. Popular Cactus League games sell out quickly.
- Plan for the sun. Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and bring water, even in spring, Arizona gets warm.
- Consider lawn seats. Bring a blanket, spread out, and soak in the game on a budget.
Scottsdale Spring Training 2026 Schedule Highlights
Cactus League games run from late February through late March, with more than 200 games across the Valley over the span of the season, so there’s baseball nearly every day. For exact dates, times, and matchups, check the official Cactus League site and each team’s MLB page, since the full schedule is released and updated as the season approaches.
A few things to watch for when you plan:
- Opening weekend — get in early for the first games of the spring slate.
- Rivalry games — Giants matchups against division rivals draw the biggest, loudest crowds.
- Salt River Fields doubleheaders of interest — with the Diamondbacks and Rockies sharing the park, you can often line up two appealing games in one trip.
Special Events, Promotions, and Practice Access
Part of the fun of spring training is the extras. Many stadiums run theme days, giveaway days where early fans get free hats or shirts, and kids days with on-field activities. You can also catch team practices most mornings, a great chance to watch players prepare and grab autographs. Food trucks and local vendors round out the experience. Check each stadium’s website for its specific promotions and dates.
Add a Desert Adventure to Your Baseball Trip
Between games, give your group a break from the bleachers with a true Arizona experience. The Sonoran Desert surrounding Scottsdale is the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon, and our U-Drive guided ATV and sand buggy tours are an all-ages way to explore it with expert guides. Call us at (480) 837-3966 to add a desert adventure to your spring training getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Scottsdale spring training 2026 begin and end?
Cactus League games run from late February through late March 2026. Check the official Cactus League schedule for exact opening and closing dates, as they’re confirmed ahead of the season.
How do I buy tickets for Cactus League games?
Tickets are available through MLB.com, each team’s official site, and the stadium box offices. Buy early, popular games sell out fast, and choose from reserved seats or lower-priced lawn seating.
Which teams train in Scottsdale?
The San Francisco Giants train at Scottsdale Stadium, while the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies share Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.
