Remember the math word problems of your youth? It’s time to test how well you paid attention.
If you have 15 MLB teams, 4 weeks, and 10 Arizona stadiums in late February through March each year, how many baseball games can you see? Answer: at least one game per day, but sometimes two or even three depending on the schedule.
The Cactus League Spring Training delights baseball fans each year – the sunshine, ticket availability and close proximity to MLB players make Spring Training an extremely popular reason to visit Scottsdale and the surrounding area. Close to 2 million fans attend games each year, and many take in more than one game per day since no ballpark is more than a 45 minute drive from another.
Each ballpark has its own charm:
Sloan Park, Mesa hosts the Chicago Cubs and has elements that are reminiscent of Wrigley Field, plus a choice of Chicago-style food.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale is the spring home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies and boasts ample autograph opportunities, a range of dining choices including food trucks outside the gates, and an opportunity for kids to run the bases after every Sunday home game.
Scottsdale Stadium is located downtown Scottsdale and is the spring home of the San Francisco Giants. Games here tend to sell out quickly, food choices in the area are plentiful and delicious, and nightlife in the area makes for a fun eventing out after the game.
The Cactus League website https://cactusleague.com/index.php offers a great service to fans with its 2020 game schedule, stadium map and trip planner; you enter the dates you’re available for games and an itinerary of games and stadiums is created.
Additional stadium tips on tickets, food, where to sit and insider info can be found in the AZCentral article “What’s New at Arizona’s Spring Training Ballparks” Stanton, Alison, (Feb. 20, 2019), https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/events/2019/02/20/arizona-spring-training-2019-cactus-league-stadium-guide/2905816002/
The Cactus League Spring Training season is fun for all, so try to catch as many games as you can. Desert Canuck House luxury Airbnb is a 5 minute drive (or 10 minute scooter ride) from Scottsdale Stadium, and a 15 to 50 minute drive to all other ballparks. Staying in a luxury vacation home in Old Town gives you a central location for easy access to the ballparks, all the space, comfort and amenities you’ll want, and a quick walk, scooter or golf cart transport distance to your evening activities.