Spring Training in AZYou Know its Spring when Baseball's Cactus League Returns for Spring Training in Arizona
In fact, spring training and Arizona (AZ) are like hot dogs and baseball. You just can’t have one without the other. Major League Baseball’s annual spring training is one of the things that make Arizona such a popular travel destination in March. Arizona’s sunny skies and balmy weather – at a time when much of the rest of the country is still under a blanket of snow – brings vacationers and baseball players to get warmed up in preparation for the summer months. Even Arizonans get into spring training in AZ - playing hooky from work, school and other obligations - to enjoy a day under the sun, watching one or more of the over 150 Arizona spring training games. What is Spring Training in AZ?For those who aren’t familiar, Major League Baseball holds a series of pre-season games in warm and sunny climates for about one month before the regular baseball season begins.
This yearly event is known as spring training or baseball spring training camps. All of the professional teams head south to play practice games against each other as well as warm up for the baseball season. These games do not count as regular season games and, therefore, have no bearing on who will go to the World Series. This is also the time for teams to try out a large number of players before deciding on a final roster for the regular season, which begins in April. Professional baseball spring training is split into two leagues – the Grapefruit League, which is held in Florida, and Arizona’s Cactus League. When Does Arizona Spring Training Begin?The Arizona Cactus League generally runs anywhere from the last week in February to the end of March or the first week of April every year.In 2010, the complete Arizona spring training schedule runs from Wednesday, March 3 through Sunday, April 4. Tickets for Cactus League games usually go on sale by mid-January. However, some teams begin selling single game tickets as early as mid-November. As of 2010, there are fifteen baseball teams coming to spring training in Arizona. The Arizona Cactus League teams play in eleven different stadiums in nine different cities across the greater Phoenix area and in Tucson. Roughly 1.2 million fans will fill the stadiums - and Arizona roads - for a first look at their favorite teams' new lineups. 2010 Cactus League Spring Training tickets are now on sale. Buy tickets for Arizona Spring Training 2010 games for Dodgers, Indians, Reds, Angels, Royals & Rangers home games at Ticketmaster.com. Or purchase Cactus League Spring Training Tickets Why Go to Spring Training in AZ?Arizona Spring Training gives you a chance to experience the good old days of baseball.
The Arizona spring training stadiums are smaller than the huge stadiums that baseball teams play at during the regular season. This intimate atmosphere gives you a chance to get closer to the players - either during the game or before at the practice fields. Fans can get autographs and watch the players train and play almost every day. You might even get to talk baseball with the players. At a stadium like Phoenix Municipal Stadium, fans can get a seat in the 5th row behind the Oakland A’s right field line bullpen, where there is only a 3-foot high wall separating them from the players. At many Arizona spring training sites, there are no fancy screens for instant replay or "between innings" video dot races. Instead, you’ll see actual go-karts or costumed mascots race along the outfield warning track. The warm sun, smell of fresh cut grass and the broad, verdant lawn seating give a spring training in AZ game a casual, family-friendly "picnic" atmosphere. Baseball teams and fans bring their hopes and expectations for a glorious, winning season that may see them playing in the World Series.
Where are the spring training sites and which teams play in the Arizona Cactus League? Check out our guide to Arizona spring training sites and teams, which includes Arizona spring training maps and the complete Arizona spring training schedule. Want to take a spring training in AZ vacation? See our Arizona Spring Training Tips page for information on lodging, getting tickets, Arizona weather in March and more. Norm Coleman: Ty Cobb One Man Show/Motivational Speaker/Writer/Photographer Norm Coleman's one man Ty Cobb show brings the complex and controversial baseball legend to life. Coming to Arizona in February - March 2010. Return to Arizona-Vacation-Planner.com Home Page from Spring Training in AZ Page Legal Disclaimer: Arizona-Vacation-Planner.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.
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