You've probably heard the hype about Arizona in March. The sun is actually out, the air doesn't feel like a humid blanket, and baseball is literally everywhere. But if you’re staring at a map of Cactus League ballparks for the first time, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You see ten stadiums scattered across the Greater Phoenix area and fifteen teams. Wait, why are there more teams than stadiums?
Basically, half the league shares their "homes." It’s a giant game of logistical Tetris played out over a 35-mile radius. Honestly, if you don't plan your route based on the Valley’s weird freeway system, you’ll spend more time looking at the bumper of a white SUV on the Loop 101 than actually watching batting practice.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a big one. With the World Baseball Classic (WBC) exhibitions peppering the schedule in early March, knowing exactly where these venues sit on the map is the difference between a relaxing vacation and a frantic race against the first pitch.
The West Valley Cluster: Where the Giants of the Game Grind
If you’re staying in Glendale or Peoria, you’re in the heart of the "West Valley" cluster. This is where the heavy hitters live.
Surprise Stadium is the northwestern outlier. It’s home to the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers. It feels a bit like a trek if you’re staying in Scottsdale, but the park is frequently cited by fans as one of the best for pure sightlines.
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Further south, you hit Peoria Sports Complex. The San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners share this spot. It’s right in the middle of a massive shopping district. You can literally walk from a P.F. Chang's to the stadium gates. This is huge because parking in the main lot can be a headache; having those overflow options in the retail area is a lifesaver.
Then there’s Camelback Ranch in Glendale. This is the crown jewel for many. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox train here. The facility is massive—13,000 capacity—and includes a scenic lake and walking trails. It’s tucked away off Camelback Road, about three miles from where the Cardinals play football.
Goodyear Ballpark sits even further southwest. It hosts the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Because it’s a bit isolated compared to the others, the crowds can feel a little more intimate, which is great if you're trying to snag an autograph from a rising prospect.
The Central Hub: Phoenix and Tempe
Right in the middle of the madness, you have American Family Fields of Phoenix. This is the Milwaukee Brewers' territory. It’s located in the Maryvale neighborhood. After a $60 million renovation a few years back, it’s become one of the most state-of-the-art spots in the league. It’s the closest stadium to downtown Phoenix, taking about 15 minutes to reach if the traffic gods are smiling on you.
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Tempe Diablo Stadium is the elder statesman of the map. The Los Angeles Angels have been here forever. It’s perched right against the hills, giving you that iconic "desert baseball" backdrop. It’s also incredibly central. If you base your trip in Tempe, you’re roughly 20 minutes from almost every other park.
The East Valley: Scottsdale and Mesa’s Powerhouses
This is where the money is, and where the crowds get dense.
Scottsdale Stadium is the only park that is truly "downtown." The San Francisco Giants play here, and the vibe is unmatched. You don't need a car once you arrive; you can walk to dozens of bars and restaurants in Old Town. The downside? Parking is a nightmare. Use the public garages or just Uber.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the most popular ticket in the Cactus League. It’s shared by the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. It’s built on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community land. About 85% of the seats are shaded, which matters when the Arizona sun starts hitting 90 degrees in late March.
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Then you have Mesa, which is a baseball town through and through.
- Sloan Park: The "Wrigleyville West." The Chicago Cubs play here, and it is a sea of blue every single game. It holds 15,000 people and usually leads the league in attendance.
- Hohokam Stadium: The Oakland A’s home. It’s a bit older but has been renovated to include a massive scoreboard. It’s known for a more laid-back, "old school" spring training feel.
Navigating the Map: Pro Tips for 2026
Don't trust the mileage alone. A map of Cactus League ballparks might show that Surprise Stadium and Hohokam Stadium are only 38 miles apart. On paper, that’s 45 minutes. In reality, during a weekday afternoon? That’s 90 minutes of your life you aren't getting back.
The Loop 101 is your best friend and your worst enemy. It connects the West Valley to Scottsdale and Mesa in a giant "U" shape. Five major venues (Camelback, Peoria, Salt River, Scottsdale, and Sloan) are within a few miles of this freeway.
If you’re planning a "doubleheader" day—seeing a 1:05 PM game and a 6:05 PM game—stick to the same side of the Valley. Trying to go from Goodyear in the west to Mesa in the east during rush hour is a recipe for missing the first four innings of the night cap.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Download the MLB Ballpark App: 2026 is almost entirely digital. Don't show up looking for a paper ticket window at most of these spots.
- Morning Practices are Free: Most teams, like the Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields, allow fans to watch morning workouts on the practice fields for free. This is the best time for autographs.
- The Shade Factor: In stadiums like Tempe Diablo or Scottsdale Stadium, the sun is relentless. Look for seats on the first-base side if you want to be in the shade for afternoon games.
- Public Transit Exists: Valley Metro actually runs special bus services to about 8 of the 10 ballparks. It’s slower than driving, but you save $15–$25 on parking fees.
- Check the WBC Schedule: Since 2026 features World Baseball Classic exhibitions, check if your favorite team is actually at their home field or playing an international squad like Team Mexico or Team USA at a different venue.
To make the most of your time, pick a "base camp." If you want nightlife and walkability, stay in Scottsdale. If you want to see as many games as possible with the least amount of driving, Tempe is the geographic winner. Just make sure you have your map of Cactus League ballparks saved offline, because cell service can get spotty when 15,000 people are all trying to post stadium selfies at the same time.
For a smooth experience, plot your target games on a digital map and group them by East vs. West Valley. Focus on one side of the city for two or three days before moving your hotel to the other side. This simple move can save you over five hours of driving time over a week-long trip.