One of our favorite parts about Cactus League Spring Training is that each stadium has its own personality. Because the ballparks are smaller and clustered around the Phoenix metro area, families can easily experience multiple teams in one trip, and each stadium offers something a little different.
If you are wondering which Spring Training stadium is best for your family, here’s what to know before you book tickets. We share some of our favorite stadiums that our families have visited!
Peoria Sports Complex –Home of the San Diego Padres & Seattle Mariners
Peoria is one of the most popular stops for California families. This stadium holds roughly 12,000 fans, meaning you’re never too far from the field. On many days, you can catch a Padres game and Mariners game back-to-back too.
Why our families love it:
- Autograph Alley -get up close to your favorite players
- Great dugout access before the game
- Kid’s Play & Splash Zone – have your kids bring their swim suit. Your kids can splash and you can still watch the game from the outfield area.
- Strong player interaction during warm-ups
- Grass seating areas for kids to move around freely including covered stadium seating for those hot desert days
- Manageable layout (easy bathroom access, snack runs, etc.)
Pro tip: Arrive at least 75-90 minutes early for batting practice. The first-base side usually offers strong autograph opportunities. Check out how we scored autographs from Brandon Lockridge and Tirso Orenela’s here.
Scottsdale Stadium -Home of the San Francisco Giants
Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this stadium offers one of the most picturesque backdrops in the league with mountain views and palm trees surrounding the park. This park also holds roughly 12,000 people. This stadium works well if you want to combine baseball with a mini city getaway feel.
Why families love it:
- Bullpen Interaction: Hang around the outfield bullpen, where players are often accessible for chat and signatures.
- Strong Giants fan energy
- Intimate seating with clear sight
- Great for pairing with a hotel stay nearby
- Easy access to restaurants and shops. Utilize the Scottsdale Trolley for free, convenient transport from Old Town,
- When the team is playing a road game, fans can attend the team’s free open workouts at Scottsdale Stadium, starting at 10 a.m. and lasting as long as 90 minutes. Crowds are usually smaller and provide plenty of opportunities for signatures.
Pro tip: On game days at Scottsdale Stadium, the team reserves a designated autograph area outside the players’ clubhouse, open from 9 to 11 a.m. and 30 minutes after first pitch. The front of the area is reserved for children 14 and under. Check out how we scored outfielder, Mike Yastrzemski autograph here.
Tempe Diablo Stadium – Home of the Los Angeles Angels
Tempe Diablo Stadium feels compact and lively. This stadium holds around 10,000 people. Many Southern California families travel specifically to watch the Angels, which creates a fun home-away-from-home vibe. If your family is big Angels fans, this one is especially exciting.
Why families love it:
- Close proximity to players
- The visiting team signs along the left-field line, with the best spot being near section 3.
- High-energy fan base
- Easy parking and stadium navigation
- Strong afternoon game atmosphere
- Check out the, 200-level, concourse display on the third base side, which features recent team history.
- The Angels’ practice fields (a 5-minute walk from the stadium) are open to the public, allowing fans to watch batting practice and drills for free before the main game.
Pro tip:The Signature Tunnel: The tunnel connecting the field to the Angels’ clubhouse is located between Sections 22 and 23. Players often stop here to sign for fans as they exit mid-game.
Sloan Park – Home of the Chicago Cubs
Sloan Park is one of the larger Spring Training facilities and draws huge Cubs crowds each spring. Sloan Park holds around 15,000 people. Sloan Park is one of the liveliest Spring Training stops.
Why families love it:
- Getting your name on the marquee at Sloan Park is a popular, free experience during Chicago Cubs Spring Training- located just inside the first-base gate. Requests are taken on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning when gates open until the bottom of the seventh inning.
- The “Dirt Path”: The best spot for autographs is the dirt walkway outside the stadium near Clark Street, where players pass on golf carts to and from the practice fields.
- Kids Zone is located in the northeast corner of Sloan Park and features a miniature baseball diamond and appearances by Clark the Cub!
- Large lawn seating areas
- Check the outfield concourse for a booth run by Cubs wives selling autographed memorabilia and used gear.
- Visit the back fields early in the morning (usually before 10 a.m.) to watch minor league workouts and young prospects
Pro tip: Get your name on the marquee! It is free and a fun photo memory. Check out our picture with the marquee here.
Family Game Day Tips for Any Stadium
Sit near first or third base for player interaction.
Bring sunscreen (even for afternoon/evening games)
Choose lawn seating with younger kids
Stay for at least the first 4 innings
Check bag policies ahead of time
Retractable Ball Point Pens // Blue Ink
MLB Trading Cards & Hard Plastic Card Sleeves
Clear Stadium Crossbody Purse
Kids Aviator Sunglasses
MLB X Bauble Bar Jewelry
