MLB Spring Training in Scottsdale: Tips, Tricks & Important Information

Whether you’re planning a trip exclusively for baseball spring training or hoping to catch a game or two during your visit to Arizona in March, you’re in good company! Over one month, more than two million fans crowd into ten stadiums across the Valley of the Sun to watch their favorite teams play during 200+ games — and many of these games are played right here, in Scottsdale!

If you’re wondering what you need to know before heading into town to watch spring training — we’ve got you covered with all the information about spring training in Scottdale below.

Which Teams Come to Scottsdale for Spring Training?

Three MLB teams play spring training games in Scottsdale: the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies.

These teams play at one of two ballparks: Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town Scottsdale or Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Usually, the spring training season begins in late February and ends in late March.

San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants play at Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town Scottsdale, and they are the only team in the MLB to play at Scottsdale Stadium. You can visit their website to view the entire spring training schedule or buy tickets to a game.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona’s team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, play spring training games in Scottsdale at Salt River Fields. You can visit their website to see the spring training schedule and to buy tickets to a game.

Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies also play MLB spring training games at Salt River Fields. If you want to catch a game (or two) at this ballpark, you can read the spring training schedule and buy tickets and their website.

Are There More Teams that Play Spring Training in Arizona?

Keep in mind that these are just the teams that practice in Scottsdale. However, there are tons of other teams from the Cactus League that practice in stadiums around Arizona. These are some of the stadiums and teams you can find playing around Greater Phoenix:

• San Diego Padres: Peoria Sports Complete (Peoria, AZ)
• Los Angeles Angels: Tempe Diablo Stadium (Tempe, AZ)
• Kansas City Royals: Surprise Stadium (Surprise, AZ)
• Texas Rangers: Surprise Stadium (Surprise, AZ)
• Chicago White Sox: Camelback Ranch (Glendale, AZ)
• Chicago Cubs: Sloan Park (Mesa, AZ)
• Seattle Mariners: Peoria Sports Complete (Peoria, AZ)
• Cleveland Guardians: Goodyear Ballpark (Goodyear, AZ)
• Milwaukee Brewers: Maryvale Baseball Park (Phoenix, AZ)
• Cincinnati Reds: Goodyear Ballpark (Goodyear, AZ)

Don’t see your team on this list? If so, they are part of the Grapefruit League and play in stadiums around Florida, in cities like Clearwater, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.

Helpful Tips for Enjoying Spring Training in the Valley

Before booking your trip to Scottsdale to watch a spring training game, here are a few tips to keep in mind for a seamless experience.

Drink Lots of Water

While cheering on your favorite team, be sure you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated! Both stadiums in Scottsdale, AZ, allow fans to bring in unopened water bottles and factory-sealed snacks, like chips, sunflower seeds, etc.

However, there will also be plenty of water, beer, and other drinks at each stadium and concessions like burgers, hot dogs, tacos, pizza, and more.

Wear & Bring Sunscreen

Depending on where you’re from, the snow may be melting back home — but that’s not the case in Scottsdale, Arizona.

In March, the high temperatures reach 76°F, and the sunshine can be intense. For the best protection from the sun’s harmful rays, layer on sunscreen before the game and bring some SPF to reapply every few hours. Plus, avoid wearing dark colors, like black. Lighter colors, like white, reflect the sun and keep you cooler during the game!

Bring a Stadium Seat or Blanket

If you buy lawn seats, remember to bring a stadium seat, towel, or blanket to avoid sitting on the itchy grass. However, note that regular lawn chairs are not permitted inside the stadium, so if you want your own chair, consider buying tickets away from the lawn space.

Buy Your Tickets Early

If you have your heart set on watching your home team play a spring training game while you’re in Scottsdale, or you only have a few days that will work in your itinerary — we highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.

Tickets to popular games (especially weekend games) will sell out quickly. Unlike regular MLB baseball games that are a “special event,” spring training is a popular pastime for sports fans in Scottsdale. If you don’t snag your tickets early enough, there may not be any left!

Find the Perfect “Home Base” for Your Spring Vacation to Scottsdale

Though many people stay in Old Town Scottsdale or at Talking Stick Resort to be in the “middle of the action” during spring training, if you want to escape the chaos and crowds in the Valley of the Sun — we have the perfect place for you.

Stay With Style Scottsdale offers luxury vacation rentals for guests in North Scottsdale and Central Scottsdale, just a short drive away from spring training games at both stadiums in Scottsdale. When you’re not at the spring training games, you can enjoy fabulous backyard amenities, like resort-style swimming pools, putt-putt courses, and hot tubs that allow you to enjoy the incredible spring weather in Scottsdale, AZ.

Explore our rentals to find the perfect place to stay during your March trip to Scottsdale. See you at the ballgame!