The desert air in Glendale hits different when the crack of the bat returns. If you're looking for Dodgers spring training dates, you probably already know that Camelback Ranch-Glendale is essentially Chavez Ravine East for the month of March. But honestly, just knowing when the first pitch happens isn't enough anymore. Planning this trip has become a bit of a logistical puzzle, especially with the way the roster looks these days and how fast tickets vanish.
It starts in February. Pitchers and catchers usually report around February 8th or 9th, with full squad workouts kicking off shortly after. For 2026, the schedule follows that familiar rhythm where the Cactus League officially gets moving in the final week of February. You’ll see the boys in blue take the field for their first official exhibition game on February 21 or 22. It’s early. It’s usually dusty. And it’s exactly where you want to be.
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Where the Schedule Actually Hits the Dirt
The Dodgers share Camelback Ranch with the Chicago White Sox. This is a crucial detail because "home games" for the Dodgers happen on the same turf where they might be the "away" team the very next afternoon. The facility sits on 141 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape, and if you aren't careful about the dates, you’ll end up buying tickets for a White Sox home game thinking you’re seeing Ohtani, only to realize the Dodgers are actually on a bus headed to Surprise or Scottsdale that day.
Most fans aim for the "Freeway Series" preview or the matchups against the Giants. In 2026, those prime weekend matchups are the ones that drive up the hotel prices in Glendale and surrounding Phoenix.
Navigating the 2026 Cactus League Calendar
February 20th is basically the unofficial holiday for Dodger fans. That's when the backfields start buzzing with meaningful activity. While the stadium games are the draw, the real ones know the practice fields are where the magic is. You can stand five feet away from a Cy Young winner working on a grip.
Don't just look at the home opener. Look at the split-squad days.
Sometimes the Dodgers will play two games on the same day—one in Glendale and one at an away facility like Salt River Fields. If you’re hunting for the "A-Team" lineup, stay in Glendale. The stars rarely travel on the long bus rides to Mesa or Salt River unless they specifically need the extra at-bats. If you book your trip for a Tuesday in early March, you might see a lineup full of non-roster invitees. That’s cool for prospect junkies, but maybe not what you wanted if you flew 1,200 miles.
The Logistics of the Ranch
Camelback Ranch is stunning. It has a lake. It has walking trails. It also has very little shade.
If you’re picking Dodgers spring training dates in late March, the Arizona sun starts to bite. The 1:05 PM starts are brutal on the first-base side. If you want to survive without looking like a lobster, aim for seats in sections 107 through 122, or better yet, the shaded rows at the very top of the grandstand.
Parking is free, which is a rare win in modern sports, but the walk from the dirt lots can be a trek. Wear sneakers. Save the flip-flops for the hotel pool later.
Why the Dates Shift (And What to Watch For)
The MLB calendar isn't static. While the 2026 window is fairly set, the exact timing of the World Baseball Classic or international openers can sometimes mess with the flow. Fortunately, for 2026, we’re looking at a standard Cactus League run.
- Reporting Dates: Early February (Pitchers/Catchers), Mid-February (Full Squad)
- First Game: Typically the third Friday of February
- Final Arizona Game: Usually around March 24th or 25th before the team heads back to LA for the exhibition Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium.
The final week is weird. The stars are usually "stretched out" by then, playing six or seven innings instead of just two. If you want high-quality baseball, go late. If you want autographs and a relaxed vibe, go early.
Scoring Tickets Without Getting Scammed
Direct sales through the Dodgers website or the Camelback Ranch box office are your best bet. Avoid the "speculative" listings on secondary markets that pop up in November. Those sellers don't even have the tickets yet; they're just gambling that they can buy them cheaper later and flip them to you. Wait for the official team announcement, usually around December, to lock in your seats.
The lawn seats (the "berm") are a vibe, but they sell out fast for weekend games. It's basically a giant picnic with 100-mph fastballs in the background. If you're bringing kids, this is the only way to go. They can run around, chase foul balls, and you aren't trapped in a stadium seat.
Beyond the Diamond: Planning the Rest of the Day
Glendale has blown up recently. You’ve got Westgate Entertainment District right down the road. It’s loud, it’s flashy, and it’s full of spots like State 48 Brewery or Yard House. But if you want something a bit more "Arizona," head over to Old Town Scottsdale for dinner after a game. It’s a 30-minute drive depending on the nightmare that is the I-10 freeway.
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Actionable Steps for Your 2026 Trip
- Book Flights Early: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is the main hub, but check Allegiant flights into Mesa Gateway (AZA) if you're looking to save cash.
- The "Shadow" Dates: Don't just book game days. Arrive two days before the first game to watch the free workouts on the backfields. You’ll see more players in two hours than you will all week in the stadium.
- Rental Car Alert: You cannot do the Cactus League without a car. Public transit in the West Valley is basically non-existent for stadium hopping.
- Sun Strategy: Buy a wide-brimmed hat. Seriously. Even the "cool" breeze in February will give you a second-degree burn by the 5th inning.
- Check the "Away" Schedule: If the Dodgers are playing at the Giants' facility in Scottsdale (Scottsdale Stadium), buy those tickets the second they go on sale. That stadium is tiny and the rivalry follows the teams to the desert.
The most important thing is to stay flexible. Game times can shift for TV, and players get scratched from lineups. But as long as you’re sitting in the sun with a cold drink and the Dodgers are on the field, it’s a successful spring.