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Cactus League
Thanks to the sunny Arizona weather, baseball fans from across the country flock to Arizona each year for Major League Baseball spring training. Known as the Cactus League, 15 teams become temporary Arizona residents each spring, playing games at 11 stadiums and sports complexes in the Phoenix metro area.
The 2012 season kicks off March 2 and includes the following 15 teams and their stadiums:
| Team | Stadium |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | Salt River Fields at Talking Stick |
| Chicago Cubs | Hohokam Park |
| Chicago White Sox | Camelback Ranch |
| Cincinnati Reds | Goodyear Ballpark |
| Cleaveland Indians | Goodyear Ballpark |
| Colorado Rockies | Salt River Fields at Talking Stick |
| Kansas City Royals | Surprise Recreation Campus |
| Los Angeles Angels | Tempe Diablo Stadium |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | Camelback Ranch |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Maryvale Baseball Park |
| Oakland Athletics | Phoenix Municipal Stadium |
| San Diego Padres | Peoria Sports Complex |
| San Francisco Giants | Scottsdale Stadium |
| Seattle Mariners | Peoria Sports Complex |
| Texas Rangers | Surprise Recreation Campus |
Cactus League History
The Cactus League was officially inaugurated in 1946, when the Cleveland Indians beat the San Francisco Giants at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson. Soon after, in 1951, the New York Yankees – including infamous Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle – as well as the Chicago Cubs discovered Arizona spring training. The following decades saw additional teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, which joined the Cactus League during their 1998 inaugural season.
Over the years, the Cactus League has continued to grow and change – but some things always remain: sunny weather, fun folks and great games.
Things to Do
When you’re not watching the game, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself – especially if you’re coming from a cool climate, where simply being outside in March is a thrill. Be sure to check out these Spring Training features for fun baseball-related activities during your trip:
- A guide to local landmarks dedicated to Cactus League history
- Suggested Spring Training itineraries
- How to take part in fantasy baseball camps throughout the state
- Other ways to enjoy spring in the Grand Canyon State
- Visit the Cactus League Experience at the Mesa Historical Museum
Also, visit the official Cactus League website for more trip planning resources, including a Cactus League online trip planner and stadium map.
No matter where you're staying in the Phoenix area, a trip to one of Arizona’s many golf courses is definitely a great addition to your vacation. Shopping, hiking, spa retreats and more are also fun ways to spend a day or two. You could even take a road trip to one of Arizona’s famed Old West destinations or national parks and monuments.
There’s no shortage of places to stay when you visit spring training. From luxury resorts in Phoenix and Scottsdale to comfortable hotels and affordable motels, lodging of all types is readily available.
For More Information
For upcoming season information, tickets and more, visit the official Cactus League website.
