Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona, is the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs and the highest-attended facility in the Cactus League. The 15,000-seat stadium — the largest in Arizona’s spring training complex — draws Cubs fans from across the country, creating atmospheres that rival regular-season games at Wrigley Field for energy and fan engagement.

According to Cactus League attendance data, Sloan Park leads all Arizona spring training facilities in per-game attendance, reflecting the Cubs’ enormous national following. The facility opened in 2014 as a modern replacement for the team’s previous Mesa complex and features a design inspired by Wrigley Field’s architectural elements — including a Wrigleyville-style entertainment district along the stadium’s perimeter. This guide covers what to expect at Sloan Park, the best seats and experiences, and how to plan a Cubs spring training trip.

What Makes Sloan Park Special?

Sloan Park’s design deliberately evokes Wrigley Field — the brick exterior, the rooftop-style seating, and the pedestrian walkway surrounding the stadium mirror the Wrigleyville experience in a desert setting. According to the Cubs’ organization, the architectural intent was to give Cubs fans who travel to Arizona a familiar feeling while adding modern amenities (wider concourses, better sightlines, craft beer options) that Wrigley’s century-old structure cannot easily accommodate.

The stadium’s 15,000-seat capacity is the largest in the Cactus League, and Cubs games regularly sell out — particularly matchups against the Cardinals, White Sox, and Dodgers. According to attendance records, several Sloan Park games each spring draw capacity or near-capacity crowds that create an atmosphere closer to regular-season baseball than typical spring training.

What to Expect at Sloan Park

  • The stadium (15,000 capacity): The largest spring training stadium in Arizona with excellent sightlines from every section. The Wrigley-inspired design includes brick architecture, a rooftop terrace, and a park-like setting with mountain views beyond the outfield
  • The berm/lawn seating: General admission berm seating beyond the outfield is the most popular family option — bring a blanket, sit on the grass, and watch the game in a relaxed setting with mountain views behind you. Berm tickets are the most affordable ($10-$20)
  • Practice fields: Multiple full-size practice fields adjacent to the stadium are accessible to fans during morning workouts. Walking the practice fields during batting practice and fielding drills puts you within feet of Cubs players — the closest access available anywhere in the organization
  • Autograph access: The walkway between the practice fields and the clubhouse is the best autograph location. Players sign as they leave the field after morning workouts. Arrive 90 minutes before game time for the best access window
  • Food and drink: The concession program features Arizona craft beer, Chicago-style food options (hot dogs, Italian beef), and standard spring training fare. The quality reflects the Cubs’ investment in making Sloan Park a premium facility

How Do You Plan a Cubs Spring Training Trip?

Cubs spring training games sell out faster than any other Cactus League team, which means advance ticket purchasing is essential — particularly for rivalry matchups and weekend games. According to the Cubs’ ticket office, games against the Cardinals, White Sox, and Dodgers often sell out within the first week of ticket sales. Weekday games against less popular opponents are more available but still draw strong attendance.

Planning Tips

  • Buy tickets early: Cubs games sell out faster than any other Cactus League team. Buy tickets as soon as they go on sale (typically December or January) for rivalry matchups and weekend games
  • Stay in Scottsdale: Old Town Scottsdale is the best base for a Cubs spring training trip — 20 minutes from Sloan Park by car, with the Valley’s best restaurant and bar scene. Mesa (closer to Sloan Park) has more affordable hotels but fewer dining options
  • Rent a car: Essential for getting to Sloan Park and for visiting other Cactus League facilities during your trip
  • Combine with other Cactus League games: A Cubs game at Sloan Park plus games at nearby Salt River Fields (Diamondbacks, 20 min away), Scottsdale Stadium (Giants, 20 min), or HoHoKam Stadium (Athletics, 5 min in Mesa) creates a multi-team spring training experience
  • Arrive early for practice: Morning workouts on the practice fields (9:00-10:30 AM on game days) offer the closest player access. The autograph window between practice and the game is the best time for signatures
  • Use a travel package: MLB spring training packages from Major League Vacations include Cubs game tickets (secured before public sale), hotel in Scottsdale, and rental car coordination

Ready to plan your Cubs spring training trip? Browse MLB spring training packages or build a custom Sloan Park itinerary with Major League Vacations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Cubs spring training tickets cost?

Berm/lawn seating: $10-$20. Reserved seats: $30-$60. Premium seats behind home plate: $60-$85. Cubs tickets are the most expensive in the Cactus League due to the team’s massive fan following. Rivalry matchups (Cardinals, White Sox) command the highest premiums.

Do Cubs games sell out?

Yes — multiple games per spring sell out, particularly weekends and rivalry matchups. Buy tickets as soon as they go on sale (December/January). Weekday games against non-rivals are the easiest tickets to get.

Where is Sloan Park?

2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, Arizona. Approximately 20 minutes east of Old Town Scottsdale and 25 minutes east of downtown Phoenix by car.

What should I bring to Sloan Park?

Sunscreen (essential in the Arizona desert), a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, a Sharpie for autographs, and a blanket if you are sitting on the berm. The desert sun is intense even in February — do not underestimate it.

Can I see other teams during a Cubs spring training trip?

Yes — Sloan Park is surrounded by other Cactus League facilities. HoHoKam Stadium (Athletics, 5 minutes), Salt River Fields (Diamondbacks/Rockies, 20 minutes), and Scottsdale Stadium (Giants, 20 minutes) are all easy additions to a multi-day trip.