Spring training facilities across Arizona’s Cactus League and Florida’s Grapefruit League each have distinct layouts, seating capacities, and fan amenities that affect your game-day experience. Understanding the differences between facilities — from the intimate 6,000-seat complexes to the 13,000-seat showcase stadiums — helps you choose which games to prioritize and how to plan multi-facility days during your trip.
According to the Cactus League Association and the Florida Grapefruit League, the 30 MLB teams train at 20 facilities split between Arizona (10 facilities, 15 teams sharing) and Florida (10 facilities, 15 teams). Many facilities host two teams — sharing clubhouses, practice fields, and the main stadium — which means visiting one complex can give you exposure to two different organizations. This guide covers what to expect at each type of facility, the best venues for fan experience, and how to plan your visits.
What Should You Know About Cactus League Facilities?
Arizona’s Cactus League facilities are concentrated in the greater Phoenix-Scottsdale-Mesa-Glendale area, with most complexes within a 45-minute drive of central Scottsdale. This geographic density is the Cactus League’s biggest advantage — you can realistically see two games in a single day by attending a morning game at one facility and an afternoon game at another. According to Cactus League scheduling data, same-day doubleheaders at different facilities are one of the most popular itinerary strategies for visiting fans.
The facilities range in size and character. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Diamondbacks, Rockies) is the newest and most architecturally impressive, with a Tribal-designed complex set against the McDowell Mountains. Camelback Ranch (White Sox, Dodgers) features desert landscaping and one of the largest seating capacities in the league. Sloan Park (Cubs) is the most attended facility in the Cactus League, reflecting the Cubs’ enormous national fan base.
Notable Cactus League Facilities
- Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Diamondbacks, Rockies): The most visually impressive facility in spring training. Set on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community reservation with mountain views and native landscaping. 11,000-seat stadium with strong fan amenities. Located in Scottsdale — the closest major facility to Old Town’s restaurants and hotels
- Sloan Park (Cubs): The highest-attended spring training facility in Arizona, reflecting the Cubs’ massive following. 15,000-seat capacity (the largest in the Cactus League). Games against the Cardinals, Brewers, and White Sox sell out weeks ahead. Located in Mesa, 20 minutes from Scottsdale
- Camelback Ranch (White Sox, Dodgers): 13,000-seat stadium with desert landscaping, 12 practice fields, and a sprawling 141-acre complex. The Dodgers’ games sell out faster due to their larger national following. Located in Glendale, 30 minutes from Scottsdale
- Surprise Stadium (Rangers, Royals): A more intimate facility (10,700 seats) with strong sightlines and a relaxed atmosphere. One of the more affordable Cactus League experiences. Located in Surprise, 40 minutes from Scottsdale
- Peoria Sports Complex (Padres, Mariners): Shared facility with two separate stadiums (12,882 and 12,539 seats). The dual-stadium setup means both teams can play home games simultaneously — a unique feature in the Cactus League. Located in Peoria, 30 minutes from Scottsdale
What Should You Know About Grapefruit League Facilities?
Florida’s Grapefruit League facilities are more geographically spread out than Arizona’s, with teams training across both coasts of the state — from Tampa and Clearwater on the Gulf Coast to Jupiter and Port St. Lucie on the Atlantic Coast. This spread means multi-facility days are more challenging than in Arizona, but it also means you can combine spring training with Florida’s beaches, theme parks, and other vacation activities.
According to Grapefruit League attendance data, the most popular facilities are those near major tourism centers — George M. Steinbrenner Field (Yankees, Tampa), JetBlue Park (Red Sox, Fort Myers), and Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium (Cardinals, Marlins, Jupiter). The Yankees’ Tampa facility draws the highest attendance in the Grapefruit League, rivaling Cactus League numbers.
Notable Grapefruit League Facilities
- George M. Steinbrenner Field (Yankees, Tampa): The highest-attended Grapefruit League facility, modeled after the original Yankee Stadium. 11,000-seat capacity with a Yankees-branded experience. Located near Tampa’s Ybor City and Raymond James Stadium
- JetBlue Park (Red Sox, Fort Myers): A replica of Fenway Park’s dimensions, including a “Green Monster” in left field. 11,000-seat capacity with a beloved park-like setting. Located in Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast
- Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium (Cardinals, Marlins, Jupiter): Shared facility on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. 6,871-seat stadium with an intimate atmosphere. Jupiter’s beach proximity makes this the best Grapefruit League facility for combining baseball with ocean time
- LECOM Park (Pirates, Bradenton): One of the oldest spring training facilities still in use, with a classic, no-frills charm. 8,500-seat stadium near the Gulf Coast. The most affordable Grapefruit League experience
- TD Ballpark (Blue Jays, Dunedin): The only Canadian team training in the Grapefruit League. 8,500-seat facility near Clearwater Beach. Blue Jays fans from Canada create a unique cross-border atmosphere
How Do You Plan Multi-Facility Spring Training Days?
The multi-facility day — seeing two games at two different complexes in a single day — is the signature spring training travel strategy in Arizona. According to Cactus League scheduling data, morning and afternoon games at different facilities overlap on most days during the exhibition season, giving you scheduling options for same-day doubleheaders.
Planning Tips for Multi-Facility Days
- Arizona (Cactus League): Most facilities are 15-30 minutes apart by car. A 10:00 AM game at one facility followed by a 1:00 PM or 4:00 PM game at another is the standard doubleheader format. Rent a car — there is no practical transit between facilities
- Florida (Grapefruit League): Multi-facility days are harder due to greater distances. Same-day doubleheaders work best within regional clusters: Tampa-area facilities (Steinbrenner Field, TD Ballpark, LECOM Park) or Jupiter-area facilities (Roger Dean, The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches)
- Check game times before planning: Not all games start at the same time. Some facilities have 1:05 PM starts while others start at 1:10 PM — the timing differences matter for same-day planning
- Use a travel package for multi-facility trips: MLB spring training packages from Major League Vacations include tickets to games at multiple facilities, hotel, and rental car — one booking for a complete multi-facility spring training experience
Ready to plan your spring training facility tour? Browse MLB spring training packages or build a custom multi-facility itinerary with Major League Vacations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which spring training facility has the best fan experience?
Salt River Fields (Arizona) for architecture and setting. Sloan Park (Cubs, Arizona) for atmosphere and attendance. JetBlue Park (Red Sox, Florida) for the Fenway Park replica experience. Camelback Ranch (White Sox/Dodgers, Arizona) for the largest and most impressive complex.
Do I need a rental car for spring training?
In Arizona, yes — essential for getting between Cactus League facilities. In Florida, also yes — Grapefruit League facilities are spread across the state with no practical transit connections.
Can I see two games in one day?
In Arizona, yes — most facilities are 15-30 minutes apart, making morning-afternoon doubleheaders at different venues practical. In Florida, same-day doubleheaders work within regional clusters but are harder for facilities on opposite coasts.
How much do spring training tickets cost?
Lawn/berm seating: $10-$20. Reserved seats: $25-$50. Premium seats: $50-$75. Popular matchups (Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers) are at the higher end. Mid-market teams are more affordable and more available.
Which facility is closest to Scottsdale?
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the closest major facility to Old Town Scottsdale — approximately 10 minutes by car. Scottsdale Stadium (Giants) is even closer, located in downtown Scottsdale itself.