Dreaming of sunny days, baseball games, and stunning landscapes? Arizona is the perfect destination for a spring training getaway. With its world-class stadiums, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural beauty, this state offers an unforgettable experience for baseball fans and travelers alike. Let’s dive into the best ways to plan your Arizona spring training trip.
Where to Stay in Phoenix for Spring Training
Spring training typically runs from mid February to late March. We’d usually recommend booking your hotel in January but with things being so uncertain, there might be a few hotels with availability near the stadium you’re hoping to visit.
One of our favorite hotels is the Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes. This hotel is next door to the stadium where the Angels play and is within walking distance. When we went a few years ago, we stayed at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass which was a bit of a drive past the stadium but the gorgeous sunset seen from the lobby made up for it extra time on the road. *At the time of publication, both hotels had availability.
Travel Tip: Sign up for Ebates and get cash back when booking your hotel accommodations!
Last minute travel? Check out Hotel Tonight for hotels with rooms available.
Arizona is Really Hot
I wasn’t mentally prepared for how hot it would be at the ball park during game time. Most games begin at 1pm and there is little to no shade.
I’m not sure what inspired me to buy an Angels beach towel from the merchandise booth outside the stadium but I’m sure glad I did because I threw it on the scorching hot seats when we sat down.
Spring Training Tip: Don’t mind missing the big name players? Arrive to the game after the 4th inning and you’ll easily find a cooler seat because the shade will have crept down and covered a few more rows and a lot of people will have bounced already from heat exhaustion.
Also, check out the FAQ on the stadium website to see what seats are shaded before you buy your tickets. We paid a little extra for covered shade at Goodyear Ballpark to watch the Cleveland Indians. Best money spent all weekend long.
Autograph Seeking is Overrated
I thought players would be more accessible during spring training and we came prepared with baseballs and ballpoint pens for autographs. We were able to get some signatures from a few not-yet-known players but never saw any of the starting players. Maybe we were in the wrong place at the wrong time but now we know we can skip this next year.
First Timer Tip: When visiting Goodyear Ballpark, stop by the information window and they’ll treat you right with a little gift to commemorate the occasion.
Ballpark Food During Spring Training
Updated for 2021: Many stadiums will not accept cash at concessions. Be prepared to pay for food with a credit/debit card or Apple Pay.
I love ballpark food and was expecting so much more from our first game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Basic fare of hot dogs, nachos and brats are offered. We did really enjoy the Italian Ice but maybe because it was a million degrees out.
Goodyear Ballpark offered Ohio’s favorites like Chili Cheese Dog Pizza, Cleveland Polish Boy and Skyline Cheese Coney. Plus, the team store sold Cleveland’s Bertman Original Ballpark Mustard. I love finds like that!
What to Do Outside of Baseball Games
Nothing beats a great hotel pool and we spent several hours each day at ours. But, we also took in some sightseeing. *Not all Arizona hotel pools will be open and operating. Contact your hotel for information on pool and restaurant availability during COVID.
Here’s the thing about the Phoenix area: it’s vast. We spent a lot of time in the car driving from our hotel to the surrounding cities. If that’s not your thing, relax at the hotel resort. We drove out to Glendale to visit the team store at the State Farm Stadium (formerly University of Phoenix Stadium) where the Arizona Cardinals play. Unfortunately, it was closed on Sundays.
When we were out in Goodyear for the Indians game, adjacent to the ballpark is an airplane boneyard. They don’t offer tours but I made the family pull over to take a few photos. It was weirdly haunting and fulfilled my Can’t Buy Me Love teenage dreams.
Related: Watch our Spring Training in Arizona vlog
Where to Eat during Spring Training 2021 in Arizona
Megan and I both got recommendations from friends on where to eat during our trip. There were a couple of lowlights not worth sharing but these are the places not to miss:
The Breakfast Club at CityScape, Downtown Phoenix (also Old Town Scottsdale).
\Expect to wait and order one of the benedicts. Breakfast tip: The Breakfast Club doesn’t take reservations but you can add you name to the list before you arrive.
Big Matt’s Breakfast in Tempe (plus three other locations).
The Tempe location is hard to find as it is located in the center of a business complex. No wait on a Monday morning but I expect this place gets busy on the weekend, especially adjacent to Sun Devil Stadium and for the killer Bloody Mary’s.
Culinary Dropout in Tempe.
Megan and I have now been to Culinary Dropout in Las Vegas and Tempe. I ordered the same thing both times – Roasted Salmon. It’s so good. Great big bar, lots of televisions. My husband saddled up to the bar and watched the NCAA basketball games while the rest of us ate dinner.
The back of the restaurant has shuffleboard and ping pong, tons of couches to chill and drink cocktails. Not super family friendly – especially with super little ones but if you’ve got tweens or teens, this is a good spot.
Headed to Arizona for spring training? Tell us what you plan on doing while in town!
We’ve got lots of great travel ideas!
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This looks like such fun! Next time come to the Tampa area for spring training! We’ve got the Yankees, the Phillies, the Tigers … and me!