How Many Teams Have Spring Training in Arizona?
Arizona has been a popular destination for spring training since the early 20th century, and it’s no surprise why. The state’s warm weather, lush, green backfields, and unique Cactus League baseball stadiums make it an ideal location for Major League Baseball (MLB) teams to fine-tune their skills before the start of the regular season. Six out of 15 MLB teams call Arizona home for their spring training, making it a hub for baseball enthusiasts and a hotspot for fans of the game.
History of Spring Training in Arizona
Arizona’s connection to spring training dates back to the 1920s, when the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians first arrived in the state. The teams were attracted to Arizona’s "stopped clocks", five-and-a-half-hour time difference from the East Coast, which allowed them to get a jumpstart on the regular season. In the 1930s, more teams joined the exodus, and by the 1960s, Arizona had established itself as the premier destination for spring training in the United States.
Teams with Spring Training in Arizona
Cactus League Teams:
| Team | Location | Stadium |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Diamondbacks | Salt River Fields at Talking Stick | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Chicago Cubs | Sloan Park | Mesa, AZ |
| Chicago White Sox | Camelback Ranch-Glendale | Glendale, AZ |
| Cincinnati Reds | Goodyear Ballpark | Goodyear, AZ |
| Cleveland Indians | Goodyear Ballpark | Goodyear, AZ |
| Colorado Rockies | Salt River Fields at Talking Stick | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Kansas City Royals | Surprise Stadium | Surprise, AZ |
| Los Angeles Angels | Tempe Diablo Stadium | Tempe, AZ |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | Camelback Ranch-Glendale | Glendale, AZ |
| Milwaukee Brewers | American Family Fields of Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ |
| Oakland Athletics | Hohokam Stadium | Mesa, AZ |
| San Diego Padres | Peoria Sports Complex | Peoria, AZ |
| San Francisco Giants | Scottsdale Stadium | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Seattle Mariners | Peoria Sports Complex | Peoria, AZ |
| Texas Rangers | Surprise Stadium | Surprise, AZ |
Additional Facts:
- 35 spring training games are broadcast nationally by MLB Network, and many more are available on the internet, allowing fans to catch a glimpse of their favorite teams in action.
- Over 100,000 fans attend spring training games each year, with the top teams drawing over 20,000 spectators per game.
- Arizona’s spring training stadiums have a combined seating capacity of over 60,000, ensuring that fans have an intimate and exciting experience.
- Some stadiums feature unique amenities, such as the Cubs’ Sloan Park, which has a $2.5 million statue of the iconic Wrigley Field sign, or the Rockies’ Salt River Fields, which is nestled among hundreds of mature saguaro cacti.
Conclusion
Arizona’s unique combination of weather, fields, and accommodations has established it as the premier destination for spring training in the United States. With six teams calling the state home, fans from across the country flock to the Grand Canyon State to catch a glimpse of their favorite teams in action. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun springtime activity, Arizona’s spring training has something for everyone. So, grab some sun protection, grab a glove, and get ready to cheer on your team in the heart of the Cactus League!