5 Fun Facts About Spring Training And Why It Brings Thousands to Arizona Every Year
Spring in Arizona isn’t just about sunshine and perfect patio weather, it’s also one of the most exciting times of year thanks to MLB Spring Training.
Every February and March, baseball fans from all over the country travel to the Valley of the Sun to catch their favorite teams in action. The 2026 Spring Training schedule is packed with matchups across Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Mesa, Goodyear, and more, and the energy it brings to Arizona is incredible.
Here are 5 fun facts about Spring Training, and why it’s such a big deal for our state.
Arizona Is Home to the Cactus League
Spring Training in Arizona is known as the Cactus League, featuring 15 Major League Baseball teams playing across the Phoenix metro area.
Unlike Florida’s Grapefruit League, Arizona’s stadiums are all within about an hour of each other. That means fans can watch multiple teams in a single day, sometimes even two games back-to-back.
For visitors, that convenience is a huge draw.
It Brings in Over a Million Visitors
Spring Training isn’t just a sporting event, it’s an economic powerhouse.
Each season, over a million fans visit Arizona for Spring Training games. Hotels fill up, restaurants buzz, golf courses stay busy, and local businesses see a major boost. It’s one of the most impactful tourism seasons of the year for the Phoenix metro area.
For many visitors, this is their first time experiencing Arizona, and plenty fall in love with it.
The Weather Is Practically Perfect
There’s a reason baseball happens here in February and March.
With average daytime temperatures in the 70s and low 80s, Spring Training offers ideal baseball weather. Fans escape snow and freezing temperatures back home and trade it for sunshine, mountain views, and outdoor patios.
It’s also prime time to explore communities, hike nearby trails, or tour neighborhoods while in town.
You’re Closer to the Players
Spring Training games are more relaxed and intimate than regular season matchups.
Smaller stadiums mean better sightlines, easier access to autographs, and a more up-close experience with players, including rookies fighting for roster spots and veteran stars getting ready for the season.
It feels personal, which makes it special for fans of all ages.
Many Visitors End Up Becoming Residents
This might be the most interesting fact of all.
Every year, a percentage of Spring Training visitors start asking a new question:
"What would it be like to live here?"
They experience:
- Walkable stadiums
- Master-planned communities
- Resort-style amenities
- World-class golf
- Incredible desert scenery
For some, Spring Training becomes the beginning of their Arizona home search.
Spring Training Is More Than Baseball
- It’s sunshine.
- It’s community.
- It’s economic growth.
- It’s new beginnings.
Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan or simply love the energy it brings to the Valley, Spring Training continues to be one of Arizona’s most exciting annual traditions.
And for many, it’s the perfect introduction to everything Arizona living has to offer.
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About Mattisinko Group | Scottsdale, Arizona
Rob and Dani are dedicated to educating and guiding you toward wise decisions. Armed with in-depth market knowledge, pricing expertise, custom marketing strategies, and sharp negotiation skills, this team can help you reach your real estate and lifestyle goals. 480-REALTOR (732-5867).
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