Spring Training in ArizonaYou Know its Spring when Baseball's Cactus League Returns for Spring Training
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 usually 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 regular baseball season. Even Arizonans get into Cactus League spring training - 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. Where are the spring training sites and which teams play in the Arizona Cactus League? Check out our guide to Arizona spring training locations and teams, which includes Arizona spring training maps and the Arizona Baseball Spring Training Schedule. Want to take a vacation during baseball spring training in Arizona? See our Arizona Spring Training Tips page for information on lodging, getting tickets, Arizona weather in March and more. What is Spring Training in Arizona?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 Spring Training in Arizona 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.The schedule is published piecemeal, beginning sometime after the end of the World Series. Each team publishes its schedule according to its own timeline. 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. Currently, fifteen baseball teams hold their spring training in Arizona. The Arizona Cactus League teams play in ten different stadiums in nine different cities across the greater Phoenix area. Over 1 million fans fill the stadiums - and Arizona roads - for a first look at their favorite teams' new lineups. Why Go to Spring Training in Arizona?Spring training in Arizona 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, after 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 Arizona 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. Return to Arizona-Vacation-Planner.com Home Page from Spring Training in Arizona Legal Disclaimer: Arizona-Vacation-Planner.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. |
