Arizona’s Cactus League offers something rare in sports travel: fifteen major league teams training within one metropolitan area. All of the league’s ballparks are spread across the Phoenix region, from the West Valley to Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa in the East Valley. For fans, that means it is possible to see several teams in a few days without changing hotels.
Understanding the Valley
Locals call the Phoenix area the Valley of the Sun, or simply the Valley. It is large and spread out, and it is laced with freeways that make most trips manageable by car. Ballparks are grouped loosely into the East Valley and the West Valley, with several facilities shared by two teams.
Driving from one side of the Valley to the other can take a while, especially at rush hour. When planning a multi-game trip, it helps to group games by area and pick a hotel that sits near the middle of your schedule.
Ballpark parking in the Cactus League
Many Cactus League ballparks were built as part of larger complexes, with practice fields, team facilities and surface lots. Some are surrounded by shopping and dining districts, while others sit in more open settings. Parking is generally managed by the facility or the city that owns it, and arrangements, payment methods and lot locations vary.
Before you go, check each team’s official spring training page and the ballpark’s website. Look for whether parking can be bought in advance, where accessible parking is located and whether shuttles or alternate lots operate on busy days.
Making the most of shared ballparks
Because some ballparks host two teams, the same facility may have games almost every day. That can be convenient, since you only need to learn one parking layout, but it also means popular facilities stay busy throughout March. Weekend games and matchups against popular visiting teams tend to bring the biggest crowds.
Desert driving tips
- Sun and heat: Even in March, the Arizona sun is strong. Use a windshield shade and keep water in the car.
- Lot surfaces: Some overflow lots may be gravel or dirt. Drive slowly and watch for dust.
- Navigation: The Valley’s grid of major streets runs mostly north-south and east-west, which makes it easy to find your way once you know the main roads.
- Rush hour: Afternoon games may end as commuter traffic picks up. Consider staying for a postgame meal nearby.
Alternatives to driving
Valley Metro operates light rail and buses in the region, and the light rail line passes through Tempe and Mesa. Some ballparks are reachable by transit with a connection or a walk, though most visitors find a car more convenient. Rideshare is widely available and can make sense for single games near your hotel.
A Cactus League trip is one of the easiest sports vacations to plan. With the ballparks close together and the weather usually cooperative, the main job is simply choosing your games, checking each ballpark’s official parking information and enjoying the desert sunshine.
Building a Cactus League Week, Step by Step
The compact layout of the Valley makes planning easier than in most sports trips, but a little structure still helps you get the most out of a week.
- Pull the schedules for every team you care about. With fifteen teams in one region, there is usually more than one game to choose from on any given day.
- Sort games by side of the Valley. Group East Valley games and West Valley games, and try to keep each day’s drive on one side.
- Choose a central base. A hotel near the middle of the metro area, close to a major freeway, keeps both sides within reach.
- Record parking details for each ballpark. Note advance purchase options, lot locations, accessible parking and any shuttles.
- Plan around rush hour. Note which games end near late-afternoon commuter traffic, and plan a postgame meal or activity nearby.
- Add a non-baseball day. The desert, hiking trails, museums and gardens around the Valley make a welcome change of pace.
A Sample Five-Game Itinerary
A pair of friends staying in a central hotel might start the week in the East Valley, catching a game in Scottsdale on their first afternoon. The next day, they head to Tempe or Mesa, a short drive away. Midweek, they take a day off from baseball to hike or visit a museum. Then they shift to the West Valley for two games on consecutive days, perhaps at a shared ballpark where they already know the lot layout. They finish with one more East Valley game before flying home. No single drive is long, and no day feels rushed.
Mistakes Fans Make in the Valley
Treating the Valley as small
The ballparks are close compared with Florida, but the metro area is large. Driving from the far West Valley to the far East Valley during rush hour can take longer than many visitors expect.
Ignoring the heat inside the car
Even when the air feels pleasant, a car sitting in the sun for a few hours can get very hot. Never leave children or pets inside, and keep water, sunglasses and a windshield shade handy.
Not hydrating
Dry desert air can dehydrate you faster than you realize. Drink water through the day, not just at the ballpark.
Forgetting where you parked
Large lots and overflow areas can look alike. Photograph your row marker or a nearby landmark when you arrive.
Questions Fans Ask
Is a rental car necessary?
For most visitors, it is the most practical choice. Transit and rideshare can cover some trips, but a car makes it easy to reach several ballparks and other attractions on your own schedule.
Are shared ballparks busier?
They can be, because games are played there more often. On the other hand, learning one parking layout and using it several times is a real convenience.
What should I bring for the lot?
Sunscreen, a hat, water and comfortable shoes. Some walks from overflow lots can be long, and shade is often limited.
Is it worth staying for the whole game?
That is up to you, but timing your exit matters. Leaving in the late innings gets you out of the lot ahead of the crowd, while staying until the end and lingering for a while lets the first wave of cars clear. The busiest moment is usually right after the final out, when everyone heads for the exits at once.
Can I walk between a ballpark and nearby restaurants?
At some ballparks surrounded by shopping and dining districts, yes. Check the area around each park before you go, and if a short walk is possible, consider parking once for both the game and a meal.
