If you’re walking toward the gates of Camelback Ranch-Glendale for the first time, you might expect a standard-issue desert ballpark. You know the vibe: concrete, beige walls, and maybe a few cacti for decoration. But the Dodgers spring training facility isn’t really like that. It’s weirdly lush. There is a five-acre lake system stocked with fish that literally cuts through the middle of the complex, separating the Dodgers’ side from the Chicago White Sox.
Honestly, it feels more like a high-end public park than a workspace for professional athletes. And for Dodgers fans, it represents a massive cultural shift that still feels fresh, even though the team moved here from Florida back in 2009.
Leaving Vero Beach was a big deal. For over 60 years, "Dodgertown" was the center of the universe. It was historic, but it was also cramped. When the team landed in the Sonoran Desert, they didn’t just want a new stadium; they wanted a massive 141-acre "campus." They got it. Today, the facility features over 118,000 square feet of clubhouse space and 13 full-sized baseball fields.
The Layout: Why It’s Actually Hard to Get Around
Most people arrive at the center field gate. It’s the big, dramatic entrance. But here’s the thing: if you want to see the players before the game, you’ve got to arrive early—like 9:00 a.m. early. The practice fields open then, and the Dodgers occupy the eastern half of the property.
The walk from the parking lot to the backfields is long. It’s all decomposed granite trails and winding paths. You'll pass an orange grove that pays homage to the team’s Florida roots, though it’s mostly there for aesthetic vibes. If you’re looking for autographs, the "buffet line" is basically the path between practice fields 1 and 2. This is where the yellow ropes come out. Players have to walk this route to get from the clubhouse to the diamonds.
You’re literally inches away from them.
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It’s intimate in a way Dodger Stadium in L.A. will never be. You can hear the "pop" of a 98-mph heater hitting a catcher's mitt before the crowd noise drowns it out.
Watching the 2026 Schedule at the Ranch
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a busy one at the Dodgers spring training facility. The action officially kicks off on Saturday, February 21. If you're planning a trip, keep an eye on the midweek games. They tend to be slightly less chaotic than the weekend surges when every Dodgers fan from Southern California seems to drive across the I-10.
- February 23: Dodgers vs. Mariners (1:05 p.m.)
- March 4: World Baseball Classic (WBC) Mexico vs. Dodgers (1:05 p.m.)
- March 10: Dodgers vs. D-backs (1:05 p.m.)
- March 21: Athletics vs. Dodgers (12:05 p.m.)
That March 4 game against Team Mexico is going to be electric. The Glendale area has a huge Mexican-American population, and when you combine that with the Dodgers' fanbase, the energy in a 13,000-seat stadium feels like a Game 7.
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The Shade Problem (And How to Fix It)
Let's talk about the sun. Camelback Ranch faces southeast. This was a bit of a design "choice" that fans have been complaining about for years. Basically, the sun doesn't retreat behind the grandstands like it does at most other Cactus League parks. It stays right in your face.
If you don't want to get roasted, you have to be strategic with your seats.
Rows 16 and up in sections 110-113 are your best bet for early-game shade. By 2:30 p.m., the shade starts to crawl down into the 100-level sections, but if you’re sitting on the first base side (the White Sox side), you’re basically an ant under a magnifying glass. The team did add two 100-foot shade structures back in 2018, which helped, but the "Legends Deck" is still the only place where you're guaranteed to stay cool. It costs more, obviously.
Hidden Details You’ll Probably Miss
The architects (HKS) went all-in on the "natural" look. The stadium is actually sunk 12 feet below grade. This is why the sightlines are so good; you're often looking down at the action rather than up. The walls aren't just concrete; they use Gabion systems—basically wire cages filled with local rocks.
One of the coolest features is the replica field. One of the practice diamonds has the exact dimensions of Dodger Stadium. It’s not just for show. It helps the outfielders get used to the specific angles and "corners" they’ll be playing during the regular season.
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There are also massive life-size bobbleheads. Tommy Lasorda is out there. It’s a mandatory selfie spot for anyone wearing blue.
Logistics: Eating and Parking
Don’t be the person who waits in the 20-minute line for a standard hot dog. The "Walking Taco" is the move here. It’s basically a bag of chips sliced open and filled with taco toppings. Messy? Yes. Efficient? Absolutely. You can also find 18-inch pizza slices if you’re feeling particularly ambitious.
For parking, take the right lane into Ball Park Blvd. Most people jam up the main entrance, but the west gate lot is usually faster.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Buy your SPF inside: If you forget sunscreen, the gift shops sell mini bottles for cheap. You will need them.
- Avoid Row 1: In sections 102-128, Row 1 is only two feet higher than the walkway. You’ll be staring at the backs of people walking to the bathroom all game. Row 2 or 3 is actually better.
- Bring a Clear Bag: They are strict. 12"x12"x6" is the limit. If it's not clear, they’ll send you back to the car.
- Stay Late for the "B" Games: Sometimes, after the main game ends, minor leaguers or rehabbing stars will play 2-3 innings on the backfields. It’s free to watch and zero crowds.
The Dodgers spring training facility at Camelback Ranch-Glendale isn't just a place to watch baseball; it's a 141-acre ecosystem. Whether you're there to see the big-name stars or just to wander the trails by the lake, it’s a weird, beautiful slice of the desert that feels like home for anyone who bleeds Dodger blue.
If you are planning to attend, make sure to book your tickets early for the 2026 season, especially for those World Baseball Classic exhibition games. They will sell out fast. Once you've got your tickets, download the MLB Ballpark app; it's the only way they do entry now, so don't show up looking for a paper ticket booth. Check the gate times for the specific day you're going, as practice schedules can shift depending on whether it's a night game or a day game.