Spring training 2026 games begin February 20, with the full schedule running earlier than usual because of the World Baseball Classic in March. The Cactus League in Arizona and Grapefruit League in Florida both offer affordable, relaxed baseball experiences — visit late February or early March for the best chance to see full rosters before players leave for international competition.
Baseball is back. Camps are open in Arizona and Florida, and the first exhibition games start February 20. Whether you are a lifelong spring training visitor or planning your first trip, 2026 has some wrinkles worth knowing about — the World Baseball Classic has pushed the entire spring calendar forward, creating a longer window of meaningful action and a few scheduling quirks that affect when to visit. This guide covers what is new this year, the differences between Arizona and Florida, and how to plan a spring training trip that fits your schedule and budget.
What Is Different About Spring Training in 2026?
The biggest storyline this spring is the World Baseball Classic. The WBC’s March schedule has pushed MLB’s entire spring timetable forward, with pitchers and catchers reporting as early as February 10 — several days ahead of a typical year. According to MLB.com, that accelerated timeline means more games, more full-roster action, and a wider window for fans to catch the game’s biggest names in intimate spring training settings before players peel off for international duty.
Full squads reported by February 14-17, and the first games kicked off February 20 with Padres vs. Mariners and Royals vs. Rangers in the Cactus League, and Yankees vs. Orioles in the Grapefruit League. By February 21, all 30 teams were playing. WBC exhibition games are scheduled for March 3-4 (Team USA vs. Giants and Team USA vs. Rockies), and the Spring Breakout prospect showcase runs March 19-22 for fans who want to see the next generation of talent up close.
When to Visit for the Best Experience
Because WBC participants will leave camp to join their national teams in March, the early weeks of spring training offer the best chance to see full rosters. If watching the biggest names is a priority, plan your trip for late February through the first week of March.
- Late February (Feb 20-28): The ideal window. Full rosters are in camp, starters are building up their pitch counts, and the atmosphere is at its liveliest. Games are well-attended but not overcrowded, and the weather in both Arizona and Florida is near-perfect
- Early March (Mar 1-10): Still excellent, but some star players begin leaving for WBC duty. Rosters thin slightly, though the intensity of games actually increases as roster decisions approach. WBC exhibition games on March 3-4 are a unique bonus
- Mid-to-late March (Mar 11-25): Rosters shrink as final cuts happen and players head to Opening Day assignments. Spring Breakout (Mar 19-22) is a highlight for prospect watchers. Game atmospheres are more relaxed, and ticket availability is the easiest of the spring
According to spring training attendance data, the peak visitor window is the first two weeks of March, which means late February offers slightly smaller crowds and better access to players during workouts and autograph sessions.
Should You Go to Arizona or Florida for Spring Training?
The Cactus League (Arizona) and Grapefruit League (Florida) offer different experiences, and the right choice depends on how many teams you want to see, what kind of weather you prefer, and whether you want a concentrated or spread-out trip. According to the Cactus League Association, the Cactus League generates over $600 million in annual economic impact for the greater Phoenix area — a testament to how much travel activity these spring camps drive.
Arizona’s advantage is density. Fifteen teams train in the greater Phoenix and Scottsdale area, and most facilities are within 30 to 45 minutes of each other. You can realistically see two games in a day — a matinee at one facility and an evening or late-afternoon game at another. The desert weather is consistently dry and warm, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and low 80s through February and March.
Arizona vs. Florida at a Glance
Florida’s Grapefruit League is more spread out geographically, with teams training across both coasts of the state. That spread makes it harder to see multiple games in a single day, but it also means you can pair spring training with beach days, theme parks, or other Florida destinations.
- Cactus League (Arizona) — 15 teams: Concentrated around Phoenix and Scottsdale, easy multi-game days, dry desert heat, strong restaurant and nightlife scene in Old Town Scottsdale. Best for fans who want to maximize the number of teams and games they see in a short window
- Grapefruit League (Florida) — 15 teams: Spread across both coasts from Tampa to Jupiter. Beach access, theme parks, and more varied scenery. Best for fans who want to combine baseball with a broader Florida vacation — especially families and groups with mixed interests
- Ticket prices: Both leagues are remarkably affordable compared to regular-season baseball. Lawn seats start under $15, and reserved seats in good locations typically run $25 to $50. Premium seating behind home plate rarely exceeds $75 to $100
- Player access: Both leagues offer proximity to players that does not exist during the regular season. Autograph opportunities before games, accessible practice fields, and small enough venues that you can see every facial expression from your seat
MLB travel packages from Major League Vacations cover both the Cactus League and Grapefruit League, with hotel, tickets to multiple games, and transportation between facilities included — especially valuable in Arizona where a rental car or organized transport is essential for getting between spring training sites.
How Do You Plan a Spring Training Trip?
Spring training trips are among the most straightforward to plan in sports travel because the pricing is low, the schedules are published well in advance, and both Arizona and Florida have deep hotel inventory. The main decisions are which league to visit, how many days to spend, and whether to focus on specific teams or sample as many ballparks as possible.
For Arizona, the Phoenix-Scottsdale area has the hotel capacity and infrastructure to handle spring training crowds without the price spikes you see around Pro Football or NBA events. According to Visit Phoenix, average hotel rates during spring training season are 15 to 20 percent above the winter baseline — a fraction of the markup that major postseason events generate. Florida is similar, though coastal properties near Jupiter and Fort Myers command slightly higher rates than inland options.
Practical Tips for a Great Spring Training Trip
- Book a hotel centrally: In Arizona, Scottsdale or Tempe puts you within 30 minutes of most Cactus League facilities. In Florida, Fort Myers and Tampa are the best base camps for seeing the most teams. Avoid properties far from the spring training corridor — the driving adds up fast
- Rent a car in Arizona: Public transit between spring training facilities is essentially nonexistent. A rental car is the only practical way to get between games. In Florida, driving is similarly necessary due to the geographic spread of Grapefruit League sites
- Arrive early for player access: Gates open 90 minutes before most spring training games. The best autograph opportunities and batting practice viewing happen in the first hour — players are more accessible and relaxed than at any other point in the baseball calendar
- Bring sunscreen and a hat: Arizona desert sun and Florida humidity are both deceptively intense during February and March. Most spring training facilities have open-air seating with limited shade, especially in the outfield sections
- See the Spring Breakout showcase (Mar 19-22): If you want to watch the next generation of MLB stars before they are famous, the Spring Breakout prospect event features top minor league talent in a showcase format. Tickets are cheap and the atmosphere is baseball at its purest
- Use a travel package for multi-game trips: Coordinating tickets to four or five games across different facilities, plus hotel and rental car, adds complexity that a package simplifies into one booking
Ready to plan your spring training trip? Browse MLB travel packages or build a custom spring training itinerary with Major League Vacations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do spring training games start in 2026?
The first games are February 20, with all 30 teams in action by February 21. The accelerated schedule — driven by the World Baseball Classic — means earlier starts than a typical year. Games run daily through March 25, with Opening Day on March 26.
How much does a spring training trip cost?
Spring training is the most affordable sports travel experience available. Game tickets range from $10 to $75 depending on seat location. A four-day trip to Arizona or Florida — including flights, hotel, rental car, and tickets to three or four games — can be done for $600 to $1,200 per person. It is the best value in professional sports travel by a wide margin.
Should I go to Arizona or Florida?
Arizona is better for fans who want to see the most teams and games in the shortest time — 15 teams within 30 to 45 minutes of each other. Florida is better for fans who want to combine baseball with beaches, theme parks, or a broader vacation. Both offer excellent weather and affordable tickets.
Will I see star players at spring training?
Yes, especially in late February and early March when full rosters are in camp. Star players typically play three to five innings in the first few weeks and increase their workload as the season approaches. In 2026, some stars will leave early for WBC duty, so visiting before March 5 gives you the best chance to see full lineups.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
For popular matchups (Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers), yes — tickets can sell out days ahead, especially on weekends. For mid-market teams and weekday games, walk-up tickets are usually available. Buying in advance guarantees your preferred seats and avoids the risk of sellouts for marquee games.
What is Spring Breakout?
Spring Breakout is a prospect showcase held March 19-22 featuring top minor league talent in a special event format. It is a chance to see the next generation of MLB stars before they reach the big leagues. Tickets are affordable and the atmosphere is intimate — ideal for serious baseball fans who follow player development.
Is a rental car necessary?
In Arizona, yes — there is no practical public transit between Cactus League facilities. In Florida, driving is similarly necessary due to the geographic spread of Grapefruit League sites. Travel packages that include transportation between spring training venues eliminate the need for a personal rental.