Look, the desert sun is no joke. I've seen fans show up to Camelback Ranch-Glendale in February thinking it's going to be a mild "winter" day, only to leave looking like a boiled lobster. If you are hunting for dodger spring training tickets, you're probably mostly worried about the price or seeing Shohei Ohtani take batting practice. But honestly? Where you sit and when you buy matters way more than just "getting in the building."
Arizona in the spring is baseball heaven. It's also a logistical puzzle. The Dodgers share their facility with the White Sox, and while the atmosphere is laid back, the ticket market is anything but.
The Camelback Ranch Sun Trap
Most stadiums in the Cactus League are built so the sun sets behind the grandstand. Not Camelback. This place faces southeast. That’s the opposite of almost every other park in the state. If you buy tickets on the third base side because you want to be near the Dodgers dugout (which is on the third base side), you are basically signing up to bake for three hours.
If you want shade, you have to be strategic. You’ve basically got two real choices:
- The first base side (Sections 103-115), specifically rows 10 and above.
- The very back rows of the sections under the press box.
I’ve sat in the lawn seats many times. They’re cheap, usually starting around $30 depending on the opponent. It's a vibe. You bring a blanket, you grab a Dodger Dog, and you relax. But there is zero shade. None. If you go that route, bring a hat and more sunscreen than you think you need.
Timing the Market for 2026
We are currently in January 2026. If you haven't looked at the schedule yet, the Dodgers kick things off on February 21 against the Angels over at Tempe Diablo Stadium. But the real action is the home opener at Camelback Ranch on February 23 against the Mariners.
🔗 Read more: Why Your Choice of a Ladies Pink Fishing Rod Actually Matters for Your Hook-Up Ratio
Single-game tickets are officially on sale now through the Camelback Ranch-Glendale website and MLB.com. I've noticed a lot of people wait until they arrive in Phoenix to buy at the box office. Don't do that. For marquee matchups—like when the Cubs come to town on February 28—those tickets will be gone or marked up 300% on the secondary market by the time you land at Sky Harbor.
The "Special Experience" Premium
For the 2026 season, the Dodgers are leaning hard into these "All Access" packages. They just announced a few that include things like a walking tour of the facility and a reception with Dave Roberts. These aren't cheap. We're talking $575 to $675 per person.
The February 28 package against the Cubs is already listed as sold out on some platforms. It includes a meet-and-greet with a current player and a "postgame catch" on the field. It’s a lot of money, but for a die-hard fan who wants to see the back-fields where the real development happens, it’s one of those bucket-list things.
Where the Value Is (and Isn't)
If you're looking to save a few bucks, keep an eye on the "split-squad" days. On February 28, the Dodgers are playing two games at once: one against the Cubs at home and one against the Rangers in Surprise.
Usually, the "home" split-squad game gets the bigger stars, but the "away" game tickets are often significantly cheaper. You might find tickets for that Rangers game in Surprise for under $30, while the home game at Camelback is creeping toward $80 for decent seats.
- Avoid Row 1 in the 100-levels. This sounds counterintuitive. You’d think the front row is best. But the cross-aisle is right in front of you. People will be walking past your face the entire game. Row 2 or 3 is actually a much better view.
- The Legends Deck. If you have the budget, this is the only fully shaded area in the park. It’s along the first base line and has its own food.
- Parking is Free. One of the few wins for fans! Camelback Ranch has plenty of free parking, but it's a dirt lot. Your rental car will be dusty. Just accept it.
Autographs and Player Access
The beauty of the Glendale facility is the lake. Yes, there's a literal lake. The Dodgers' practice fields are separated from the White Sox fields by a water feature and a walking path.
If you want autographs, the stadium isn't the best place. The best place is the path between the clubhouse and the practice fields. Players usually walk this path between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM before the afternoon games. It's free to watch the practices on the back fields. You don't even need a game ticket for that part.
Just remember: these guys are working. They have a schedule. If a player is walking fast with his head down, he's probably late for a meeting. If they're lingering near the fences, that's your shot.
Making the Most of the Trip
Basically, don't overschedule yourself. Traffic in the West Valley (Glendale, Peoria, Surprise) can be a nightmare during rush hour. If the game ends at 4:00 PM and you’re trying to get back to Scottsdale for dinner, you’re going to be sitting on the I-10 for an hour.
✨ Don't miss: Philadelphia Eagles on Twitter: The Chaos, The Memes, and Why You Can’t Look Away
Kinda makes sense to stay on the West side or just hang out at the Tanger Outlets or Westgate nearby until the traffic dies down.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the 2026 schedule immediately for "Split Squad" dates to find cheaper away-game tickets.
- Book first-base side tickets (Sections 103-115) if you are traveling with kids or anyone sensitive to the heat.
- Download the MLB Ballpark app now. Camelback Ranch is a digital-ticket-only facility; they won't take a printed PDF at the gate.
- Arrive at the back fields by 9:00 AM on a morning when the Dodgers are playing at home if you want the best chance at seeing players up close without the stadium crowds.
The 2026 Spring Training season is short, running until March 24 before the team heads back to LA. If you haven't secured your spot yet, the inventory for the weekend games is already thinning out.