Spring training 2023 in Arizona: What fans can expect at all 10 Cactus League stadiums

‘Tis the season before the season as spring training 2023 is underway, with Arizona’s Cactus League in full swing at the 10 metro Phoenix ballparks that serve as a second home to 15 Major League Baseball teams.

The annual prelude to America’s national pastime draws an average of 1.7 million fans to Arizona each year, according to the Cactus League Baseball Association. And the 2023 season, which runs through March 28, will likely be no exception.

Here's everything fans should know about all 10 Cactus League ballparks in the Valley of the Sun — including which teams play where, food and drink offerings, where the best seats are, kid-friendly amenities and how to score autographs. The list is arranged geographically from west to east.

Spring training in Arizona: Tips for fans

Specific information on every stadium follows, but here are a few general guidelines that apply to all:

• Every ballpark has mostly gone cashless from concessions to parking, so keep that debit card or digital wallet handy.

• Most stadiums allow sealed bottled water and some allow you to bring your own snacks in a plastic bag. Also, each one enforces bag policies that limit sizes and what you can and cannot bring. Check your ballpark for details before leaving the house.

• Bring sunscreen. If you forget, team shops usually sell it.

• Check your ballpark’s website often for special promotions or events, as they update those throughout the season.

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Spring training stadiums: Which teams play in Arizona

Here's everything fans should know about all 10 Cactus League ballparks in metro Phoenix — including which teams play where, how to meet the players, where the best seats are and what's new on the food and beer menus for 2023. The list is arranged geographically from west to east.

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Goodyear Ballpark

Who plays here: Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds.

Insider tips: Walk up to Home Plate Plaza and admire a baseball-themed sculpture called "The Ziz." It's 60 feet, 6 inches tall, which is the distance from the pitcher's mound to home plate. The Ziz is named for a giant water bird from Hebrew mythology that rules over and protects smaller birds. Want to get some swag? Mark your calendar for Feb. 25 (Reds reusable grocery bag giveaway to the first 1,500 fans), March 17 (Reds/Guardians pint glass giveaway to the first 2,000 fans), and March 26 (Guardians reusable grocery bag giveaway to the first 1,500 fans).

Food and drink: The Instagram-ready foot-long taquito dog — a 12-inch hot dog stuffed into a flour tortilla with cheese, then deep-fried and adorned with queso, guacamole and pico de gallo — is a menu icon.  The Cleveland Polish Boys and Cincinnati Skyline Coneys represent more classic fare. Regulars will want to try the new popcorn chicken shareables. Choose between barbecue or buffalo chicken styles that are served on a bed of waffle fries and topped with a bevy of accoutrements.

Where to sit: Find shade with club seating in sections 106A, 106B and 107A. The Right Field Pavilion is partly shaded, as are the upper rows of sections behind home plate. Find a change of scenery while getting your steps in on the 360-degree concourse with a constant field view. If you’ve got energetic kiddos, the berm is a popular choice.

Family time: The Kids Zone awaits behind the Right Field Pavilion with interactive baseball-themed inflatables and a just-their-size kids Wiffle ball field on the first base concourse grass.

Discounts: Active duty, retired military and National Guard/Reserve personnel with ID receive a free game ticket in outfield box, outfield reserved or berm seating and may buy up to four additional tickets in those areas at child pricing. Fans age 55 and older can get $5 off an infield box ticket for select games, subject to availability.

Parking: Free with the purchase of a game ticket.

Details: 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. 623-882-3120, https://goodyearbp.com.

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Surprise Stadium

Who plays here: Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals.

Insider tips: The Surprise Stadium Concourse Hall of Fame waxes nostalgic with quotes from Babe Ruth, George Will, Bobo Lemon, Bryant Gumbel, Red Smith and even Humphrey Bogart. The lower deck concourse features plaques that commemorate the Rangers’ and Royals’ greatest players and managers, along with local community heroes.

Food and drink: The signature Cactus Corn Dog, a beer-battered smoked sausage corn dog with a sweet kick from a healthy drizzle of jalapeño honey mustard, is a must.

At the Hometown Dog stand, find ⅓-pound gourmet dogs flaunting a variety of toppings that pay homage to Texas (queso blanco and Texas chili), Kansas City (pulled pork, slaw and homemade pickles), California (tomatoes, cucumbers and tzatziki sour cream) and of course Arizona (homemade cactus pico de gallo and homemade spicy mustard).

Pair these with a KC-based Boulevard Beer lineup or head to the Huss Container bar — a classic rooftop deck where the local brewery’s wares flow from taps. The desert cactus margarita made with reposado, agave organic nectar, pear and sweet and sour and served in a souvenir cactus jug promises to quench thirst.

Where to sit: Bring a blanket and lounge on the grass berm overlooking the outfield. Or snag an exclusive seat on the Michelob Ultra Legends Deck and score a game day package of a catered meal, drink voucher, private bar and flat-screen TVs. Tickets start at $45 and include a club-level premium seat with access to the Legends lounge and additional entertainment.

Family time: The Sunday Funday Family Four Pack makes it easy to partake in the game and snacks. For $44, get four lawn tickets, four drinks, four hot dogs and four popcorn servings. Stick around to the end and kids get to run the bases and receive a prize from Uptown Alley for their efforts.

Discounts and promotions: Military personnel and first responders get 50% off Sunday games in select sections with military ID or proof of eligibility at the box office or with the online promo code MILITARY.  College students who show their ID will get an outfield reserved ticket for $7 for games March 5-19, excluding the March 7 game.

Autographs: The best sections in the stadium to try to get autographs are the ones along the baselines or in the outfield.

Parking: Free parking for more than 1,600 vehicles.

Details: 15850 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. 623-222-2222, https://www.surprisestadium.com.

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Camelback Ranch-Glendale

Who plays here: Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Insider tips: The grounds feature picturesque walking trails and citrus groves as well as a 1,300-foot, 5-acre lake that utilizes reclaimed water and is home to fish and various species of waterfowl, including cranes and geese. A specially designed system with a river serves the dual purpose of irrigation for the fields and beautiful landscaping.

Along the river separating each side of the facility, see placards honoring Dodgers and White Sox all-stars at every position throughout the respective teams' histories. Pose for a pic with life-size bobbleheads of Tommy Lasorda and Frank Thomas and 6-foot-tall team logos.

Food and drink: Chowing down on an iconic Dodger Dog or Vienna Beef Chicago Hot Dog is a must. Pair your dog with a frosty beer from the Four Peaks Patio or a margarita at the Three Amigos Tequila Bar. Above the Dodgers bullpen or the visiting team’s bullpen for White Sox home games, the All-You-Can-Eat Bullpen Patio offers unlimited hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, ballpark nachos, soft drinks and bottled water. Contact the ballpark directly for individual ticket availability and pricing.

Where to sit: The Sonoran Desert-inspired Camelback Ranch covers 141 acres and includes seating for 3,000 on the lawn and 7,000 seats throughout the structure. Because it was built facing southeast — the opposite of every other Arizona ballpark’s orientation — the sun is pretty much a straight down presence, especially in the afternoon. Although shade is scarce, seats beneath the press box and upper level party deck as well as the ones beneath the suites get at least some shade.

Discounts: Active and retired military and seniors may purchase discounted tickets for Sunday-Wednesday games, based on availability, on the day of the game at the box office only.

Autographs: Grab a spot along the outfield lines, outer edge of the dugouts or end of the grandstand. Early arrivals can be rewarded at the practice fields a few hours before first pitch.

Parking: Free parking for 5,000 vehicles in two lots.

Details: 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix. 623-302-5000, mlb.com/camelback-ranch.

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Peoria Sports Complex

Who plays here: Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.

Insider tips: Peoria Sports Complex was the first two-team spring training facility in baseball. This year marks the ballpark’s 30th anniversary, so there will be a special giveaway promotion for Peoria residents, who can enter while at the game. At the First Base Concourse area, a new large-scale mural by local artist BacPac incorporates signature elements of baseball and both of the team's home cities and their second home of Peoria.

Food and drink: Quench your thirst with snacks and local brews at the Four Peaks Pavilion. Grab portable bites from Ben’s Pretzels and LuLu’s Sorbetto, and get satiated with a cup of Ivar’s Clam Chowder. Buy a 32-ounce souvenir cup at regular price and enjoy $1 refills throughout spring training. Bring your appetite to the third base food court and wrap your hands around the foot-long Ruthian Hot Dog, which is appropriately named after the Sultan of Swat, who was known for his larger-than-life personality and his affinity for hot dogs.

Family time: Young fans can join the new Junior Rangers kids club. Head to Peoria Cove and its Shipyard, a ship-themed play area with a splash pad, slides and climbing apparatus, plus a mini-baseball field for kids to play out their big game dreams.

Where to sit: New this year is a partially shaded group social area on the outfield lawn called the Oasis. Shaded seating is in Club sections 305-319 and Upper Box sections 200-215. Shade also can be found in sections 217 and 219, but is limited to rows HH and above.

Meet-and-greets: Head to Autograph Alley on the right field concourse for your best shot at getting your favorite player’s John Hancock.

Discounts and promotions: Check the ballpark website for Hometown Hero dates that honor veterans, active-duty military and first responders with 25% off any ticket with proper ID at the ticket windows, up to four tickets per game. Fans who attend wearing a uniform also get $2 off all other games during the season, up to four tickets per game. Peoria residents can purchase up to four tickets per game at up to a 25% discount.

Parking: $5 ($10 for RVs).

Details: 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. 623-773-8700, https://www.peoriasportscomplex.com.

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American Family Fields of Phoenix

Who plays here: Milwaukee Brewers.

Insider tips: The former Maryvale Ballpark underwent a massive renovation before debuting as American Family Fields of Phoenix in 2019. With 7,000 seats plus a picturesque outfield berm, the ballpark has a recessed playing field and shaded concourse that provides an unobstructed view of the action. The legendary sausage race takes place in the middle of the sixth inning.

Food and drink: Lots of Wisconsin-esque fare awaits. The most famous is The Bratcho — kettle chips topped with bratwurst and nacho toppings. Keep an eye out for cheese curds and barbecue sandwiches, too.

Where to sit: The lush outfield lawn is a perennial favorite, especially for families.

Parking: $10. Enter the stadium parking lot on 51st Avenue, between Osborn and Indian School roads.

Details: 3805 N. 53rd Ave., Phoenix. 623-245-5500, https://www.mlb.com/brewers/spring-training/ballpark.

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Tempe Diablo Stadium

Who plays here: Los Angeles Angels.

Insider tips: Home to a loyal and traveling fan base, Angels Nation East sits in the shadow of Twin Buttes, which makes for picturesque environs. With a commitment to host the team through at least 2035, a planned renovation will feature a new, three-level building on the third-base side of the stadium to house a new home team locker room, more suites, Angels offices and a team store. A second phase will bring a new concourse with a 360-degree experience and improvements including new shade structures and modernized restrooms.

Food and drink: Nachos in a souvenir Angels helmet is required snacking. Keep an eye out for changing selections spanning pizzas and burritos. Feel free to bring your own munchies in a clear 1-gallon bag. No knives allowed — do your slicing at home.

Where to sit: This roofless venue offers little shade. If you’re lucky to snag something in the upper rows on the first-base side you’ll find respite from the trellised roof over the concourse.

Autographs: Hang out along the railing between the dugout and the foul pole on both sides of the field up to 45 minutes prior to game time to ask your favorite player or coach for an autograph. Just be sure to return to your designated seat at the 45-minute mark as a courtesy to fans with tickets in this area. Post-game, Angels fans may have luck toward the right field line next to the tunnel that leads to the clubhouse, where players and coaches may sign as they head in.

Parking: $10. An additional $30 for vehicles longer than 20 feet.

Details: 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe. 480-350-5205, https://www.tempe.gov.

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Scottsdale Stadium

Who plays here: San Francisco Giants.

Insider tip: The ballpark is in the heart of downtown Scottsdale. Past the gate it feels like its own world with a manicured landscape that boasts an expansive green lawn and more than 200 trees.

Food and drink: Come with an appetite to savor popular offerings such as garlic fries and brisket, pulled pork and barbecue chicken sandwiches. Wash them down with a beer or two, like the home team's own Anchor Steam.

Where to sit: The grassy lawn is the place to be. Secure your spot early in left field to score shade under a collection of mature trees. As far as actual seating, Rows 3 and higher in sections 300-306, 309 and 310 get awning coverage.

Parking: Free garages are nearby, off Second Street at Drinkwater Boulevard, Second Street and Brown Avenue, and Third Street and Craftsman Court. There are more if you don’t mind walking. Be aware that some enforce a time limit. The city offers free shuttle service to and from games. For updated schedule and locations, visit https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/trolley.

Details: 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale. 480-312-2580, https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/scottsdale-stadium.

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Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Who plays here: Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

Insider tips: The first American sports facility built on tribal land, Salt River Fields is also the first LEED Gold-certified sports venue of its kind in the nation. Tributes to its roots include history of the Pima and Maricopa people throughout, restroom signs in Maricopa, Pima and English and the park’s signature feature: a roof modeled after a traditional Native American ramada that’s composed of two overlapping decks behind home plate positioned so that nearly all fans in the grandstand sit in shade all afternoon. It also features cacti and other native desert plants. The 11,000-seat stadium opened in 2011. There are 13 fields split between the two teams. Light travelers not carrying any type of bag can use the Express Lanes at each entry gate and get to their seats — or their favorite concession stands — that much faster.

Food and drink: Have fun with the appropriately shaped snack at Mustache Pretzels or trek to Home Plate Hot Dogs for the signature Sonoran Dog, a quarter-pound hot dog wrapped in hickory-smoked bacon, grilled and served on a freshly baked bun and topped with pico de gallo, pinto ranch beans and a mayo drizzle. Find libations at The Malibu Rum Bar, Michelob Ultra Terrace or Casino Arizona/Talking Stick Resort Diamond Bar in the centerfield plaza. New additions worth seeking out include Rusty Taco, Cremily Ice Cream Stand and Yanikeke Empanadas’ sweet and savory handhelds.

Family fun: Located on the main concourse in right field, bring the kiddos to test out the newly upgraded turf at the Cold Stone Fun Field, where they can take Wiffle ball batting practice and run the bases. Afterward, they can cool off at the Cold Stone Creamery Cart with their favorite frosty concoctions. Wonder how fast your pitching game is? Find out at the new Fast Pitch Inflatable, which is open to all ages.

Where to sit: There isn’t a bad seat in the house. Families may opt for the grassy area that’s economical and allows open space. The 100 Level Baseline seats have just 12 rows and offer the best views of either baseline. Stay alert as you are in active foul ball territory.

Autographs: Head to the backfields or along the first and third baselines before the game for your best shot.

Parking: $7-$20 for the 4,000 spaces among six lots. Shuttle service to the gates will be available.

Details: 7555 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. 480-270-5000, https://saltriverfields.com.

Sloan Park

Who plays here: Chicago Cubs.

Insider tips: When Sloan Park opened in 2014, it felt like Wrigleyville West, with a pair of light towers that replicate those at Wrigley Field, an outfield berm fashioned to match the original iconic bleachers, the brick backstop and famous replica of the Wrigley Field sign — perfect for selfies. With a 15,000-person capacity, it’s the largest venue built for spring training. Oh, and if you don’t already know the words to “Go Cubs Go,” get ready to pull it up on your phone — fans break into song after every Cubbies victory.

Food and drink: Peruse a mix of Midwest and Southwest eats. Hit up the Portillo’s Cart for a Chicago hot dog or Italian beef sandwich. Or wander around and find pizza and Polish sausages.

Where to sit: Sections 110-166 get shade. Those who wish to stretch their legs have lots of space to do that on the concourse that spans the grandstand from foul pole to foul pole. Get lots of sun at the back of the berm in right and left fields.

Family time: Adventure awaits at neighboring Riverview Park. Stroll the path that connects the parks and find 300 feet of rock-climbing walls, a 50-foot climbing tower, splash pad and more play equipment.

Parking: $10.

Details: 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa. 480-668-0500, https://www.mlb.com/cubs/sloan-park.

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Hohokam Stadium

Who plays here: Oakland Athletics.

Insider tips: This is one of the more intimate Cactus League settings so A’s fans are more likely to get an up close and personal view of players. The bullpens are in right field with the A’s pitchers camped out in the pen closest to the playing field. For fans of visiting teams, only a chain link fence stands between you and the visitor’s bullpen. Want to feel what it’s like to step up to the plate? You can with a live HD view during batting practice.

Food and drink: The popular Mustache Pretzels and crowd-pleasing Chick-fil-A offer items to satisfy your cravings. Look for hot dogs with creative toppings like green chile mac and cheese and fun sandwiches.

Family time: The Stomper Kid Zone in center field entertains fans 12 and younger with tee-ball, baseball Skee ball and an honorary Stomper's Teammate certificate for their efforts.

Where to sit: More than half of the seating bowl is shaded for the entire game. Seek out covered patios for an even more laid-back vibe. Crave some rays? The berm is your spot.

Autographs: It can be tricky, but those who camp out behind the dugout may be able to score one before game time. After the game is over, fans of the visiting team can try their luck out by the right field fence, where the team buses are parked. For home team fans, head to the concourse outside of the clubhouse door and wait for the players to exit.

Parking: $5.

Details: 1235 N. Center St., Mesa. 877-493-2255, https://www.mlb.com/athletics/spring-training/ballpark.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Spring training 2023: All the MLB Cactus League stadiums in Arizona