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What's not to like about a trip to Arizona in late winter? You can see your favorite players in more intimate settings and for lower prices, and take some time to explore the desert Southwest when most days are sunny, with temperatures in the balmy 70s. The Cactus League's spring training games are centered around Phoenix, and run from Feb. 21 to March 24. You can buy tickets online before you go.
Some of the teams also offer special “fan experience packages,” such as the Indians Player/Broadcaster Meet & Greet, where you get an hour to meet two or three players and a member of the Indians broadcast team, take part in a Q and A with them and get their autographs, for $105.
There's plenty to do in the area when you're not watching games: Downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt Row features independent boutiques and top-notch coffee shops. Mesa is home to the Arizona Museum of Natural History, where you'll find everything from massive dinosaur skeletons to displays about our solar system. And, just north of Phoenix is Scottsdale, home to Taliesin West, the former desert home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright that's now an architecture school, a National Historic Landmark, and a beautiful spot to visit. Also in Scottsdale: Check out the second-floor hallway at Hotel Valley Ho for old photos of Marilyn Monroe, baseball star Ted Williams and other celebrities.
Some basics on where to catch each team in action:
Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale
About six miles from Scottsdale Stadium, which the San Francisco Giants call home every training season, this park was built in partnership with Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community on Native American land. It's a huge complex spread over 140 acres, with different seating areas for games, including 4,000 lawn seats, and a range of concessions. Try the berry kabobs for a sweet treat; chocolate-covered strawberries and bananas on a stick (there are other good vegetarian options, including wraps, salads and bean burritos).
Chicago Cubs
Sloan Park in Mesa
The stadium is one of the largest of the spring training facilities, offering Cubs fans a rooftop, left-field party deck that's an homage to Wrigley Field, the Cubs’ beloved home field, and grassy berms that can hold some 4,200 people. Food options, which are a little pricier than at other parks, include Chicago-style hot dogs and pizza (of course), Polish sausage and plenty of beer.
Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers
Camelback Ranch in Glendale
A short drive northwest of Phoenix, Camelback Ranch is surrounded by a park with a two-acre lake and walking trails. Inside, you'll find a large, grassy berm behind the outfield walls, with space for 3,000 general admission patrons — just bring extra sunscreen, because there's little shade. If you're tired of hot dogs (or “Dodger Dogs,” as they're called during Los Angeles's games), try tamales, burritos or pastrami sandwiches. You're quite close to the Gila River Arena, home of the NHL Arizona Coyotes, so you might be able to catch a hockey game, too.
