MLB spring training starts in mid-February when pitchers and catchers report, with full squads arriving by late February and the first exhibition games beginning around February 20. The season runs through late March, with Opening Day marking the end of the spring training window and the start of the regular season.

According to MLB, the spring training calendar has shifted slightly earlier in recent years due to the World Baseball Classic’s March schedule, which pulls star players away from camp sooner. Understanding the exact timeline — when camps open, when full rosters are available, and when the best games happen — helps you plan a trip that catches spring training at its peak rather than during the thin roster days at the end of March. This guide covers the key dates, the best time to visit, and how the schedule works.

When Do Spring Training Camps Open?

Spring training follows a predictable sequence each year. Pitchers and catchers report first — typically between February 10 and 13 — for early workouts focused on arm conditioning and defensive fundamentals. Full squads (position players) arrive three to five days later, usually by February 14-17. The first exhibition games begin around February 20, with all 30 teams in action by February 21.

According to MLB scheduling data, the early camp period (before exhibition games begin) is open to fans at most facilities. Morning workouts on practice fields offer the closest player access of the entire baseball calendar — you stand along a fence watching major league players run drills from 20 feet away. For fans who want player proximity over competitive games, the pre-game workout period (February 10-19) is the best time to visit.

Key Spring Training Dates

  • February 10-13: Pitchers and catchers report. Camps open with early workouts. Fan access is available at most facilities during morning practice sessions
  • February 14-17: Full squads report. All position players arrive and begin team workouts. The roster is at its most complete — every player on the 40-man roster is in camp
  • February 20: First exhibition games. Starters play two to three innings as they build workload. The games are real baseball with real competition, but the intensity level is lower than late-spring games
  • Late February through early March: The peak window for fans. Full rosters, starters playing more innings, competitive games between teams in the same division, and the best weather. This is the optimal time to visit
  • Mid-to-late March: Rosters thin as players are cut or sent to minor-league camp. Some starters rest before Opening Day. The quality of games declines, but ticket availability improves and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed
  • Late March (typically March 25-26): Spring training ends. MLB Opening Day launches the regular season

When Is the Best Time to Visit Spring Training?

The best time for most fans is late February through the first week of March. This window offers full rosters (before WBC departures or roster cuts thin the lineups), starters playing meaningful innings, and the most competitive games of the exhibition schedule. According to spring training attendance data, this window also draws the largest crowds — so buying tickets in advance for popular matchups is important.

The weather during this window is ideal in both Arizona and Florida. Arizona’s Cactus League benefits from dry heat in the 70s to low 80s with consistent sunshine. Florida’s Grapefruit League is slightly warmer and more humid, with temperatures in the 75-85 range. Both locations offer the kind of outdoor baseball weather that most of the country cannot experience until May or June.

Choosing Your Window

  • Late February (Feb 20-28) — best for player access and full rosters: All players are in camp, starters are beginning to play in games, and the morning practice sessions offer the closest player proximity. Attendance is slightly lower than peak March weeks, which means better parking, shorter lines, and easier autograph access
  • Early March (Mar 1-10) — best overall experience: Full rosters, competitive games, excellent weather, and the peak spring training atmosphere. WBC departures may thin some rosters (in WBC years), but the remaining games feature enough talent to be worth attending. This is the most popular week for spring training visitors
  • Mid-March (Mar 11-20) — best for prospect watching: Rosters begin to thin as veteran players are rested and minor-leaguers get more playing time. The Spring Breakout prospect showcase (if applicable) features top minor-league talent. Ticket availability is the easiest, and the atmosphere is the most relaxed
  • Late March (Mar 21-25) — winding down: Final roster cuts, abbreviated lineups, and a general tapering of activity as teams prepare for Opening Day. Only recommended if your schedule does not allow an earlier visit

How Long Does Spring Training Last?

The total spring training window is approximately six weeks — from mid-February (pitchers and catchers report) through late March (final exhibition games). Exhibition games span roughly five weeks, from February 20 through March 25. According to MLB, each team plays approximately 30 exhibition games during this period, split roughly evenly between home and away.

For travel planning, the sweet spot is a four-to-five-day trip covering three to five games. This rhythm — one or two games per day with exploration time between — lets you see multiple facilities and teams without burning out on baseball. According to the Cactus League Association, the average spring training visitor stays four days and attends three to four games.

Planning Your Trip Length

  • Long weekend (3 days, 2-3 games): The minimum worthwhile trip. See your favorite team’s home game plus one or two games at other facilities. Best for fans with limited time who want a taste of spring training
  • Standard trip (4-5 days, 3-5 games): The optimal length. Enough time to see multiple teams, explore the host city (Scottsdale restaurants, Arizona hiking, Florida beaches), and enjoy the relaxed spring training pace without rushing
  • Extended trip (7+ days, 6-8 games): For die-hard fans who want to see every Cactus League or Grapefruit League facility. Build in rest days between multi-game days to prevent baseball fatigue
  • Use a travel package: MLB spring training packages from Major League Vacations cover tickets to multiple games, hotel, and rental car — one booking for your entire trip

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When does spring training start in 2026?

Pitchers and catchers report February 10-13. Full squads arrive February 14-17. First exhibition games begin February 20. All 30 teams play by February 21.

When does spring training end?

The final exhibition games are played around March 25, with MLB Opening Day on March 26, 2026.

When is the best time to go to spring training?

Late February through the first week of March for full rosters, competitive games, and the best weather. This is the peak window that offers the strongest combination of talent on the field and fan atmosphere in the stands.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

For popular matchups (Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers) and weekend games, yes — they sell out weeks ahead. For mid-market teams and weekday games, walk-up tickets are usually available.

Is spring training in Arizona or Florida?

Both. The Cactus League is in the greater Phoenix-Scottsdale area of Arizona (15 teams). The Grapefruit League is spread across Florida (15 teams). Arizona offers geographic density (all facilities within 45 minutes). Florida offers beach proximity and more spread-out destinations.

How much does a spring training trip cost?

A four-day trip (flights, hotel, rental car, tickets to three games, meals) typically runs $600-$1,200 per person. Spring training is the most affordable professional sports travel experience in America — tickets start under $20, and Arizona/Florida hotel rates during February-March are moderate.