Take note—game-day fun starts well before the first pitch is thrown. Since Cactus League’s “early” games don’t start until 1 p.m., your crew has plenty of time for a morning pick-me-up.
Consider a round of golf at the esteemed TPC Scottsdale—home of the WM Phoenix Open—or an invigorating hike through the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Then hit up the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar at Hash Kitchen or savor an elevated breakfast at posh eatery The Henry.
Every Cactus League stadium showcases a can’t-miss offering unique to that field. Here’s a sneak peek at the top ballpark amenities at five of them.
American Family Fields of Phoenix
Home to Milwaukee Brewers
It’s all about the Wisconsin eats here, such as cheese curds, bratwursts, and Leinenkugel’s brews.
Camelback Ranch–Glendale
Home to Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers
The interactive game-day “Name that Artist” contest challenges fans to identify music artists from clips played in the stadium. Winners collect exclusive prizes from brand-new VAI Resort.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Home to Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies
Welcoming more than 300,000 fans each Cactus League season, this stadium boasts great seats with incredible views of the field and surrounding mountains such as Camelback, the Four Peaks and the McDowells.
Surprise Stadium
Home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers
This fan-friendly ballpark features batting cages on the main concourse, making it easy to watch players practice their swing.
Tempe Diablo Stadium
Home to Anaheim Angels
Considered one of the best ballparks for snagging player autographs, the stadium offers two stakeout options: in the parking lot near players’ batting practice or along both outfield lines during the game.
No matter if your group’s post-game style is laid-back chill or amped-up thrill, you’ll find myriad ways to keep the fun going after the final inning.
For a relaxed setting to toast a local brew, visit Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. known for utilizing desert ingredients in its creations, or 12 West Brewing, whose three locations feature the full lineup of the brewery’s small-batch beers.
Take things up a notch with smart cocktails and stunning views at sophisticated nightspots like Diablo Rooftop at Phoenix’s Cambria Hotel or Outrider Rooftop Lounge, whose seventh-floor perch overlooks the lively Old Town Scottsdale scene.
If extreme excitement is more your speed, book an off-road ATV tour with Stellar Adventures, put the pedal to the metal at Octane Raceway’s high-speed kart racing, or sharpen your axe-throwing skills at Lumberjaxes Bar & Grill in Tempe.
Burgers and brats at the ballpark are all well and good, but when it comes to a first-class night out with the guys, the Valley’s got you covered.
Two of the area’s most renowned steakhouses—Dominick’s in Scottsdale and Steak 44 in Phoenix—offer prime cuts of beef, an outstanding raw bar, and expertly made martinis. The menus at both restaurants are rivaled only by their upscale, see-and-be-seen atmospheres.
Conclude dinner with a visit to a swanky cigar lounge. Churchill’s is staffed by knowledgeable employees who can guide you through the impressive selection while Fox Cigar Bar pairs its cigar inventory with a diverse whiskey menu. Fine Ash Cigars at Glendale’s Westgate Entertainment District features ample seating, including a patio ideal for people-watching.
For late-night eats that keep the classy vibe going strong, try these nightlife hot spots: Culinary Dropout, The Beverly, Citizen Public House, and The Lobby Bar at Global Ambassador Hotel.
The second-best thing about Cactus League season—besides a nonstop schedule of daily baseball games, of course—is the Valley’s enviable spring weather.
Take advantage of cool mornings and bright, sunny afternoons with a daytrip to surrounding areas, such as Sedona for helicopter and jeep tours, Cave Creek for horseback riding, and Camp Verde for kayaking the Verde River.
However you and the guys choose to live it up, remember to savor every minute. As a character in the film Eephus says when another player describes the eephus pitch (a curveball so slow it confuses the batter, making him lose track of time): “That’s kind of like baseball. I’m looking around for something to happen, then poof! Game’s over.”
Time flies during Cactus League Spring Training season.
