Expert Insider's Guide to Arizona Cactus League Ballparks, Autographs, and Culinary Highlights
Buy me some craft beer and Sonoran Hot Dogs, I don’t care if I never get back
By Charlie Vascellaro
PLEASE NOTE – As of March 12, 2020, the remainder of the Cactus League Spring Training season was cancelled. For updates, visit https://cactusleague.com/.
Major League Baseball’s spring training overlaps with spring break, evoking that timeless thrill of playing hooky during a relaxed afternoon at one of Arizona’s charming Cactus League ballparks.
Spring baseball in Arizona embodies hope, rebirth, and renewal for players and fans alike. Amid evolving developments, classics endure—like the foothills of the Twin Buttes framing the outfield at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
This season, the Los Angeles Angels bolstered their lineup with All-Star third baseman Anthony Rendon alongside Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, who held the third and fourth spots for eight years. At 28, Trout is locked in through the next decade; Rendon, 29, through 2026. MLB’s Duo Power rankings hailed them as potentially the game’s best teammates.
Tempe Diablo Stadium (Los Angeles Angels)
Opened in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots’ spring home (later the Brewers), Tempe Diablo Stadium (2200 West Alameda Drive) is the Cactus League’s longest continuously operating ballpark and a local icon. The Angels have called it home since 1993, with a contract through 2025.
The sloped front parking lot and outfield lot fill fast, but street parking abounds in the nearby office park, with rickshaw bikes offering cheap rides.
Arrive early for autographs: Angels practice on the west-side field, then walk to the main diamond. Visitors enter via the outfield lot at right field. Both teams often sign along the foul lines pre-game.
- Inside, hit the Tempe TapRoom on the third-base concourse for a crisp Sunbru Kölsch-Style Ale from Four Peaks Brewing Company or other local brews. The left-field concourse features tacos, BBQ, and pizza, but don’t miss the signature nachos in an Angels batting helmet—perfect for game-wear (beer levels permitting).
For happy hour vibes, try the Lobby Lounge or Top of the Rock at Marriott Resort Phoenix Tempe at The Buttes for scenic relaxation amid traffic.
Tempe’s craft beer scene thrives nearby: Pedal Haus Brewery (730 S. Mill Ave.), Huss Brewing Co. (1520 W. Mineral Rd.), The Shop Beer Co. (922 West 1st St.), Four Peaks Brewing Company (1340 E. 8th St.).
The Taste of Tops beer bar (403 W. University Dr.), tied to Tops Liquors, rotates 31 draft beers and hundreds bottled. Arizona Brewery Tours’ “One Hop at a Time” shuttles hit local spots (public/private options available).
The Cactus League features 15 MLB teams across 10 ballparks in a 35-mile radius—five east, five west of Greater Phoenix.
Hohokam Stadium (Oakland A’s)
In its third iteration, Hohokam Stadium (1235 N. Center St.), opened 1997, got a 2015 overhaul when the A’s replaced the Cubs (tenants since 1977). Ample grass lots off Center Street; smaller paved one upfront.
Post-game, snag visitor autographs at the right-field bus stop; A’s exit first-base clubhouse. Pre-game, catch them at Lew Wolff Training Complex (Fitch Park).
Concourse hits: Oakland Dog (green chile mac, cheese, bacon) at Oakland Links; California Dog (guac, tomatoes, jack) nearby. Ike’s Love & Sandwiches (Oakland staple) sits by the first-base cocktail bar.
Post-game: Cellar Pub at Sun Devil Liquors (235 N. Country Club Dr., Mesa) or Original Blue Adobe Grill (144 N. Country Club Dr.) for Hatch chiles and New Mexican fare.
Salt River Fields (Arizona Diamondbacks & Colorado Rockies)
The first MLB facility on Native land, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (7555 N. Pima Rd.) has hosted D-backs and Rockies since 2011. Named best spring park of the decade by Ballpark Digest.
Open morning practices (9 a.m.–noon) across 12 fields offer prime autograph spots amid cacti-labeled paths doubling as a public park.
Concourse stars: 101 Cattle Co.’s peanut butter-bacon-jalapeno burger; Sonoran BBQ pork carnitas; bacon-wrapped Sonoran hot dog. D-backs/Rockies crafts along baselines; new Malibu Rum patio by left field.
Post-game: Backyards Patio Sports Lounge (9261 E. Via de Ventura), a staff favorite.
Scottsdale Stadium (San Francisco Giants)
Recent upgrades include Charros Lodge expansion and a 10,000 sq ft clubhouse/event center. The 1956 footprint fosters intimacy, with pre-game autographs by dugouts; post-game via Gate B.
Dan and Charlie’s BBQ scents the concourse; garlic fries and Anchor Steam/Lagunitas evoke San Francisco.
Pre/post-game: Karsen’s Grill (7246 E. 1st St.) for Southwestern eats, a haunt for fans, umps, and staff.
Sloan Park (Chicago Cubs)
In its seventh season, Sloan Park (2330 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Mesa) feels fresh amid Riverview amenities. Paid lots plus free parking/trolley from Mesa Riverview/Tempe Marketplace.
Autographs line the clubhouse-to-park path.
Windy City bites: Italian beef, Chicago dogs, foot-longs by Wrigley marquee replica. “Mark the Beer Guy” slings Old Style behind home.
Brew bastion: Arizona Wilderness (721 N. Arizona Ave., Gilbert), Goldwater Longbow Taproom (5942 E. Longbow Pkwy.), Barrio (5803 S. Sossaman Rd., Mesa). Los Dos Molinos (260 S. Alma School Rd.) for fiery New Mexican.
West Side Highlights
Peoria Sports Complex (15707 N. 83rd Ave., Mariners/Padres since 1994). American Family Fields of Phoenix (3805 N. 53rd Ave., Brewers, renovated). Surprise Stadium (15960 N. Bullard Ave., Rangers/Royals). Camelback Ranch (10710 W. Camelback Rd., Dodgers/White Sox). Goodyear Ballpark (933 S. Ballpark Way, Indians/Reds).
About the Author
Author, traveler, historian, bibliophile, bartender, and lifelong baseball fan, Charlie Vascellaro discovered Arizona MLB in junior high, sparking lifelong passion. A former 20-year Arizona resident, he takes annual pilgrimages from Baltimore. His work graces Cactus League programs, Phoenix, Arizona Key, ASU Alumni, Washington Post, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, MLB.com, and Smithsonian’s Museum of the Native American. A NINE conference speaker and Road Scholar instructor for 15 years.
