Everything You Need to Know About Arizona Spring Training

Have you heard about or been to Arizona spring training before? If not, you need to plan a trip here soon. Spring training in Arizona is so much fun. The weather is perfect (hello 70s and 80s) and there is so much happening this time of year. It is the absolute perfect time to be in Arizona. Many teams have migrated to Arizona in recent years because of the perfect weather and so many things to do around the valley. I’ve lived in Arizona for almost 10 years and March is probably my favorite month here, mostly because of spring training and ideal weather. If you’re coming to Arizona for spring training this year or you’re thinking about coming at some point, here is everything you need to know about Arizona spring training.

Where to Watch Baseball

There are tons of different stadiums around the valley. Where to watch games will highly depend on which team you want to see. I personally love the Scottsdale Stadium for its proximity to old town Scottsdale. You can walk to the local bars and restaurants, and it’s just the best place to be in the valley to watch spring training. Here’s a map to all of the stadiums. I’ve also listed all of the different stadiums, which teams play there, the address and the stadium website.

 Goodyear Ballpark

Spring Training home of the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds
1933 S Ballpark Way
Goodyear, AZ 85338
Phone: 623-882-3130
Stadium Website: Goodyear Ballpark

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Spring Training home of the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks
7555 N Pima Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Phone: 480-270-5000
Stadium Website: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Sloan Park

Maryvale Baseball Park

Peoria Sports Complex

Hohokam Stadium

Spring Training home of the Oakland Athletics
1235 N Center Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: 480-644-4451
Stadium Website: Hohokam Stadium

Scottsdale Stadium

 Surprise Recreation Camp

Where to Stay and Eat

The decision of where to stay will depends a lot on which games you plan to watch. I personally would suggest you stay near or around Old Town Scottsdale. It is the place to be in Phoenix, especially if you’re here on vacation. There are tons of hotels located in Scottsdale, so I would just suggest you find a chain you like and go with it. I would not suggest you stay downtown Phoenix. I know most tourists who come here for the first time want to visit downtown. Although our downtown is slowly gentrifying, it still isn’t that ‘cool’. There are some decent restaurants down there, but it’s definitely not the place to be on a weekend evening.

Stick to Old Town Scottsdale for the 20s-30s crowd or hit up Mill Avenue in Tempe for the college-aged crowd. Probably my favorite restaurant in the valley is El Chorro. The views of Camelback mountain are amazing and the outdoor patio space is large. I’ve only been there for dinner, but I hear their brunch is also fantastic. Another great place to eat in Scottsdale is called Roaring Fork. It’s right by the Scottsdale Fashion Square and I’ve always had great meals there. If you’re into breweries, you might like OHSO in Arcadia district in Phoenix.

Hiking in Arizona

If you have some free time, I highly suggest you try some hiking. Arizona has so many amazing hiking trails, even right in the city. If you’re adventurous and fairly athletic, check out Camelback Mountain.  If you need something a little easier, I like South Mountain. Looking for something in the middle, check out Piestewa peak. All of the hikes I’ve mentioned are easy drives from anywhere in the valley. If you’re extra adventurous, you could go out to the White Tanks or even up to Sedona (it’s totally work the drive because the views are amazing!).

Other Touristy Things to Do in Phoenix

If you’re looking for other touristy things to do, I have a couple of suggestions for you. Besides hiking, I would also suggest you visit the Desert Botanical Garden. It is so gorgeous in the spring time with all the cactus blooming. If you like to shop, I would suggest you check out Scottsdale Fashion Square. It has tons of shops and is really nice. If you want to spend more time outside, you might enjoy the Kierland Commons or Biltmore Fashion Park for shopping outdoors. There are also a ton of amazing resorts in our area, so if you want to treat yourself to a spa day, check out Camelback Inn.

If you haven’t been to Phoenix for spring training, I highly recommend it. There is nothing like hanging out at a ball game in the middle of the afternoon, enjoying the warm sun and drinking a cold beer. You’ve gotta try it for yourself.

Have you attended an Arizona Spring Training game before?