MLB Spring Training 2026: Cactus vs. Grapefruit Dates & Best Ballparks for Fans

Victoria Guerra | January 7, 2026

Action shot of a Spring Training baseball game.

When does MLB Spring Training start? In 2026, the official preseason begins Friday, Feb. 20, followed by a full slate of action Saturday, Feb. 21. That means your first real “Major League Baseball is back” weekend hits fast, so locking plans early matters if you want the best mix of seats, hotels, and start times. Get set for the trip and grab your MLB Spring Training tickets at Event Tickets Center.

The 2026 Season Kickoff: Your Spring Training Primer

Spring Training games start fast in 2026: a limited slate Friday, Feb. 20, then a full schedule with every club playing Saturday, Feb. 21. From there, the cadence is classic late-February-through-March baseball, leading straight into Opening Day, with day games that are easy to build around if you’re traveling with family or friends.

Two calendar twists can shape your itinerary. The big twist is the World Baseball Classic ramp-up: MLB teams will face WBC national teams in exhibitions on March 3 and March 4. Then, the Spring Breakout prospect showcase runs March 19-22, which is perfect if you want to say you saw the next star before the rest of your group chat. You will also see curveballs, including late-camp crossover matchups and a stop in Las Vegas on March 7-8.

Cactus vs. Grapefruit: Which Spring Training Trip is Right for You?

Cactus League and Grapefruit League both deliver sun and baseball, but the vibe is different. Your Spring Training locations decision is mostly about geography: Arizona parks cluster around the Phoenix area, while Florida spreads games across coastal and inland towns.

Arizona is the “one home base” play, with short drives that make double-dipping games a realistic option. Florida leans road-trip, with more driving but more variety if you want beaches, theme parks, or a change of scenery between games. In 2026, both states will also host special schedule wrinkles like World Baseball Classic tune-ups, so you can pick based on logistics, not fear of missing out. Start with MLB, then let your must-see team and your off-field plans pick the league.

The Desert Diamond Circuit: Navigating the Arizona Games and Ballparks

For an Arizona long weekend, base in Phoenix, Tempe, or Scottsdale and plan an easy three-park “triangle.” The Los Angeles Dodgers hold camp at Camelback Ranch Stadium, a modern shared complex with multiple practice fields and plenty of parking that makes arriving early feel worth it.

Add the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa for a 15,000-seat, big-league-style atmosphere that draws some of the Cactus League’s biggest crowds, then finish with the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town for a walkable, classic stop.

The Sunshine State Spread: Teams, Dates, and Top Spots in Florida

Florida trips are easiest when you choose a hub city, then drive in one direction per day instead of crisscrossing the state. The Boston Red Sox play at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, a popular replica with a Green Monster-style wall that makes the place feel familiar fast.

If you want a three-stop route, fly into Tampa for the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field, head west to Fort Myers, then close on the Atlantic side with the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, shared with the Miami Marlins. The Cardinals are scheduled for 29 Grapefruit League exhibition games there from Feb. 21 through March 22, 2026, so it’s easy to find a date that fits.

Choosing Your Seat: Optimizing View and Shade

Spring Training parks are intimate, which is great for sightlines but tough on sun exposure. Expect lower bowls, berm or lawn seating in the outfield, a few shaded sections near home plate, and limited upper levels.

Rules of thumb that usually hold: the first-base side and higher rows near a roofline often provide better cover, while berms are budget-friendly but typically the most exposed. Families who want room to move may like berms or corner sections, strategy-minded fans should sit behind home plate, and autograph seekers do well near dugouts or along foul lines.

Gameday Essentials: Parking, Amenities, and Day-of Tips

Aim to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before the first pitch so you can park, clear security, and still catch warm-ups. Many Arizona parks use on-site or adjacent lots, but parks in downtown-style areas can rely on nearby garages and civic lots, so the earlier the better. Florida is a mix of on-site parking and overflow options, and some venues add shuttles on busier days.

Expect a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with easier access for photos or autographs than most regular-season stadiums. Assume mobile-only ticketing, plan for clear-bag rules, and bring sun protection plus a sealed water bottle or small soft cooler if allowed. Policies change, so check your team or ballpark Spring Training info page before you go.

The Pitch is Ready! Get Your 2026 Spring Training Tickets Today

MLB Spring Training tickets go fastest for shaded seats, weekend games, and back-to-back days that make the trip feel packed. Pick between the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues, then buy MLB Spring Training tickets through Event Tickets Center and enjoy a close look at America’s Pastime before Opening Day.