Arizona Spring Training Tips

Certain teams, such as the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants, sell out quickly.

Watch them play at another spring training baseball stadium.

Games at Maryvale and Surprise are often the easiest ballparks to get tickets to.

When do Arizona spring training tickets go on sale?

Cactus League tickets generally go on sale starting in late October to mid-November for season tickets.

Single game tickets may be available any time from early December to early January.

Glendale hotels like the Staybridge Suites may be fully booked during Arizona spring training

• Make your hotel or resort reservations well in advance. We can't stress this strongly enough. Hotel occupancy and rates are at their highest for cities like Scottsdale and Phoenix in March, even without spring training. The spring training element adds even more demand, especially in towns with popular teams like the Giants and the Cubs.
• Now that all of the Cactus League teams play Arizona spring training in the Valley of the Sun, fans can expect that rooms will fill up even quicker than in past years.

  The west valley Phoenix suburbs of Glendale and Goodyear have been increasing the number of hotels but lodging is still limited, so booking early is a must in these areas.

• If you're having trouble finding a room, look for availability at hotels farthest away from the spring training stadiums.
• Many hotels and resorts offer themed Arizona spring training specials or deals. Check to see if the hotel you want to stay at is offering a special before making your final travel plans.

• Book your rental car before you arrive in Arizona. The spring training baseball stadiums are spread out across the Phoenix metropolitan area, so you will definitely need a car if you plan to take in a game at more than one ballpark.
• Rental Car Tax Note: Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, Scottsdale and the other Arizona spring training cities, has a rental car tax that has helped pay for the new spring training stadiums. The total tax, including fees, is 27.75% for renting a car at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

• Game Time: Most Cactus League games start at 1:05 pm, in order to take advantage of the warm and sunny desert spring weather. Each team will occasionally have a night game, generally starting at 7:10 pm. If you'll be attending a night game, you may need to bring a jacket or sweater, as the spring nighttime temperatures in the desert can drop down into the low 50°Fs.
• Parking at the Stadiums: It's an unfortunate fact of modern life that it's getting hard to go anywhere without paying for parking. Spring training baseball stadiums are no exception. Most do charge for parking. Also, some stadiums, such as Scottsdale Stadium, have limited on-site parking, so you will need to arrive a few hours early to get a spot. Or, you can park a few blocks away and walk to the ballpark. Just remember to pay attention to all parking signs.

The downtown Scottsdale trolley is a good way to get to Scottsdale Stadium

• Take a Shuttle: Some hotels and resorts may be running shuttles to nearby stadiums. Check with your hotel's concierge. If you're going to a game at Scottsdale Stadium, hop aboard the Downtown Scottsdale trolley for a quick and easy ride to the stadium. See more infomation on the Scottsdale Trolley.
  
  If you're staying in downtown Phoenix, you can ride the Valley Metro Light Rail to a stop within walking distance of Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
• Cactus League Souvenirs: If you're a souvenir collector, the Arizona spring training stadium gifts shops have "destination-specific" souvenirs and novelty items that you can't get anywhere else. The teams generally have new souvenirs every year.
• Protect Yourself from the Sun: For day games, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Some stadiums have limited shaded seating. Slather on plenty of sunscreen and drink plenty of water, besides the beers.
• Dining after the Game: If you plan to eat at any of the hot restaurants spots in Phoenix or Scottsdale after a game, make dining reservations well ahead of time. Many of the most popular restaurants fill up quickly, post-game.

Fans getting autographs from Giants players after a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium

Spring days are generally pleasantly warm and sunny in the desert climate of the Phoenix area.

Daytime temperatures are usually in the mid-70°Fs, although they can go as high as the mid-80°Fs.

Nights can be chilly in the desert, with overnight lows dipping into the 50°Fs or even the 40°Fs. So, you should pack a jacket and/or sweater.

Spring rain storms are possible, especially if a big storm blows over from the Pacific Ocean. These storms generally do not last more than a day or two.

The vagaries of the weather are unpredictable, however, and even a light spring snowfall or freezing temperatures are possible. So pack to be prepared for any weather.

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