A guide to MLB spring training travel — the Cactus League in Arizona and the Grapefruit League in Florida, how to plan a trip, and how it works. Evergreen guide from Chasing Stadiums.
Spring training is divided into two leagues by geography: the Cactus League, whose teams train in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area within a short drive of each other, and the Grapefruit League, spread across Florida. The Cactus League's compact geography makes it especially easy to see multiple teams in one trip.
Spring games are played at smaller complexes with intimate seating, so tickets and access feel different from the regular season. Pick a league, base yourself centrally (Phoenix for the Cactus League), and build a few days around the teams you want to see — always checking the official spring schedule first, since dates are set each year.
For the Cactus League, Phoenix is the natural hub and also home to the Diamondbacks' Chase Field. In Florida, the Grapefruit League pairs with the Rays' and Marlins' home markets. Use the Chasing Stadiums guides to plan and track your visits.
Spring training is held each February and March, before the regular season. Check the official spring schedule for exact game dates, which are set each year.
They are the two MLB spring training circuits: the Cactus League trains in the Phoenix, Arizona area, and the Grapefruit League trains across Florida.
The Cactus League is the more compact — its complexes are clustered around Phoenix within a short drive of each other, making it easy to see several teams in a few days.