Baseball in February just hits different. You know that feeling when the dry Arizona heat starts to actually feel good instead of oppressive, and the sound of a wooden bat connecting with a ball echoes across a half-empty practice field? That’s the magic. But if you're looking at the 2025 cactus league schedule, you’ll notice things are a little weirder than usual this year. We aren't just talking about the standard "pitchers and catchers report" routine.
The whole calendar has been squeezed and shifted because of some massive international commitments. Honestly, if you don't plan your trip to the Phoenix metro area with surgical precision this time, you might miss the biggest stars before they hop on a plane to Japan.
The Early Bird Gets the... Tokyo Series?
Usually, we expect the heavy hitters to stick around the desert until late March. Not in 2025.
The biggest disruptor on the 2025 cactus league schedule is the MLB season opener in Tokyo. Because the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are headlining that series on March 18 and 19, their Arizona stay is cut significantly short. If you were planning to see Shohei Ohtani or Seiya Suzuki in late March at Camelback Ranch or Sloan Park, you’re basically out of luck.
Those teams are packing their bags and heading across the Pacific while most other squads are still working on their sliding drills.
The action officially kicks off on Thursday, February 20. The Dodgers actually host the Cubs in Glendale to start the whole thing. It’s a sprint, not a marathon for those two clubs. Most other teams follow suit on Friday, February 21, and by Saturday, the 22nd, every single stadium from Surprise to Mesa will be humming.
Where Everyone is Playing: The Stadium Breakdown
Fifteen teams. Ten stadiums. One valley.
The beauty of the Cactus League is that you can stay in one hotel and see every team in the league within a 45-minute drive. You’ve got the West Valley clusters and the East Valley hubs. Here is the layout for the 2025 season:
- Salt River Fields at Talking Stick: This is the crown jewel for many. It’s shared by the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. It’s basically a resort that happens to have a baseball diamond in the middle.
- Sloan Park: Home to the Chicago Cubs. Expect it to be packed. It’s often called "Wrigley West" for a reason.
- Camelback Ranch: You’ll find the Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox here. Huge footprint, lots of walking, but great views.
- Scottsdale Stadium: Right in the heart of Old Town. The San Francisco Giants play here, and the post-game bar scene is arguably better than the game itself.
- Surprise Stadium: Way out west, but worth the trek for the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals. It’s consistently voted one of the best fan experiences.
- Goodyear Ballpark: The Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds share this spot. It’s got that weird giant "The Ziz" statue out front. You can't miss it.
- Peoria Sports Complex: The Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres live here. It’s surrounded by restaurants, making it one of the easiest spots for a day trip.
- Hohokam Stadium: The Oakland Athletics (still the A’s for now, even with the Vegas move looming) play in Mesa.
- Tempe Diablo Stadium: The Los Angeles Angels. It’s one of the older parks, but sitting on the hill overlooking the field is a rite of passage.
- American Family Fields of Phoenix: The Milwaukee Brewers have a beautifully renovated facility in Maryvale.
Why "Spring Breakout" is the Real Draw
If you're a prospect nerd, the 2025 cactus league schedule has a specific window you need to circle: March 13–16.
This is the "Spring Breakout" series. MLB started this recently where they let the top prospects from each organization play each other in a showcase format. Instead of watching a 34-year-old veteran try to find his rhythm, you’re seeing the 19-year-old kid who hits 102 mph.
On March 13, for example, the Cubs’ future stars take on the Dodgers’ prospects at Camelback Ranch. Later that week, the Mariners visit the Guardians in Goodyear. It’s a glimpse into 2027 and 2028, and honestly, the energy in the stands for these games is surprisingly high.
Logistics: The Stuff Nobody Tells You
Parking is a nightmare. There, I said it.
If you think you can roll into Sloan Park or Salt River Fields ten minutes before first pitch, you’re going to spend the first three innings in a dirt lot three miles away. Most games start at 1:05 PM or 6:05 PM local time. If it’s a day game, the sun is your biggest enemy.
The first base side at most Arizona stadiums is the "sun side." You will get cooked. If you want shade, you generally want to look for seats on the third base side or behind home plate, specifically in the higher rows under the overhangs.
Also, keep in mind that Arizona doesn't do Daylight Saving Time. Depending on where you’re coming from, the time jump might trip you up. In March, Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time (the same as Pacific Daylight Time).
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Important Dates to Remember
- February 11-13: Pitchers and catchers report. This isn't for fans, really, but the vibe in the cities starts to change.
- February 20: The Dodgers vs. Cubs opener.
- March 8: The "Civil War" at Camelback Ranch—Dodgers vs. White Sox (co-tenant battle).
- March 13-16: Spring Breakout prospect games.
- March 18-19: The Tokyo Series (Dodgers and Cubs depart).
- March 24-25: The "Crossover" games where Grapefruit League teams like the Braves visit Arizona for final exhibitions.
- March 27: MLB Opening Day.
The Budget Reality
Spring Training isn't the "cheap" getaway it was fifteen years ago.
Hotels in Scottsdale or Tempe during March can easily quadruple in price. If you’re looking at the 2025 cactus league schedule and realize your favorite team is playing in Surprise or Goodyear, look for Airbnbs in Buckeye or Litchfield Park instead of the Biltmore area. You’ll save enough for a few of those overpriced stadium micheladas.
Tickets for marquee matchups—like any Cubs game or a Giants-Dodgers game—will sell out fast. Secondary markets like StubHub or SeatGeek are your friends, but expect a markup. If you want the old-school experience, buy a lawn ticket, bring a blanket, and just accept that you might get a little grass on your shorts.
Planning Your Path Forward
If you are actually going to pull the trigger on a trip this year, do these three things immediately:
- Check the specific departure dates for the Dodgers and Cubs if those are your teams; their Arizona window is much smaller than the others.
- Book your rental car now. The Phoenix rental market during March is one of the most competitive in the country.
- Map out your "cluster" days. Don't try to go from Surprise in the afternoon to Mesa in the evening unless you want to spend two hours in I-10 traffic. Stick to the West Valley (Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear) or the East Valley (Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa) on any given day.
The schedule is out, the desert is waiting, and the rosters are taking shape. It’s time to stop looking at the calendar and start booking the flight.