Arizona’s Cactus League, a spring training hub for Major League Baseball, has grown dramatically since its start in 1947. What began with a handful of teams in the desert has transformed into …
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Arizona’s Cactus League, a spring training hub for Major League Baseball, has grown dramatically since its start in 1947. What began with a handful of teams in the desert has transformed into one of the state’s most important annual events, impacting everything from local businesses to tourism.
Each spring, games at various ballparks across the Phoenix metropolitan area draw large crowds, Arizona’s spring training has become a central part of the state’s tourism industry, with fans coming from all over the country to watch their favorite teams.
“Arizona has been a destination for fans from across the country and today we’re considered a mega event,” said Bridget Binsbacher, executive director of the Cactus League. “What makes it so different from practically any other mega events is that this happens every year. It’s four weeks long and it covers the entire valley, touching every aspect of the state.”
In 2023, the economic benefits of the league were estimated in by a study from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, stating that the season generated $710.2 million in economic activity for the state. This spending includes visitors who come specifically for the games and also local business benefits, such as sales at hotels, retail shops, and restaurants. The league supports 5,893 jobs and contributes millions in state and local taxes, further solidifying its economic importance.
Goodyear Ballpark, for example, has hosted approximately 30 spring training games every season since its opening in 2009, attracting nearly 2 million fans over the years. This influx of visitors boosts local businesses and other nearby attractions.
Bruce Kessman, Goodyear Ballpark’s General Manager said it strengthens
Goodyear’s reputation as a welcoming community.
“This influx of fans not only boosts local businesses but also highlights Goodyear’s vibrant community, enhancing its reputation as a welcoming destination for fans across and outside of the country,” said Kessman.
The league began in 1947 with the Chicago Cubs in Scottsdale and quickly expanded as teams discovered the advantages of preseason training in Arizona’s warm, dry climate. Today, 15 teams participate in spring training in the Phoenix area, spread across 10 stadiums.
American Family Fields of Phoenix, hosting the Brewers
Camelback Ranch-Glendale, hosting the White Sox and Dodgers
Goodyear Ballpark, hosting Clevland and Cincinnati
Hohokam Stadium, hosting the Oakland Athletics
Peoria Sports Complex, hosting the Mariners and Padres
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, hosting the Diamondbacks and Rockies
Scottsdale Stadium, hosting the Giants
Sloan Park, hosting the Chicago Cubs
Surprise Stadium, hosting the Royals and Rangers
Tempe Diablo Stadium, hosting the Angles
As the league and its attendance rates grew, so did the need for more modern facilities. These stadiums are a mix of city-owned and publicly funded parks that serve not only for spring training but for year-round community use.
“All of our facilities, for the most part, are owned by municipalities, so they’re assets in the communities,” Binsbacher said. “The relationship and the partnership we have with these municipalities is critical.”
From tournaments to minor league games and community events, these facilities provide benefits that extend well beyond the spring training season.
“We’re always talking about not just what happens every spring training, but what happens in the offseason and how these facilities are going to support the communities with signature events, tournaments… that happen all year long,” said Binsbacher.
As Major League Baseball changes rules and demands, the Cactus League shifts too. In 2025, certain stadiums will be testing new technologies like an automated strike zone. But as much as it continues to evolve technologically, the Cactus League remains rooted in its mission to provide memorable experiences for both fans and teams.
“As an organization, we continue to look forward. We try to reflect on what we’ve learned in the past and use it to continue and to propel into the future,” said Cactus League President Jeffrey Meyer.
The Cactus League’s growth isn’t just about bigger crowds or more teams, Meyer says it’s about the love of sport and service to the community.
“It continues to grow, and it’s just wonderful to see it flourish in the memories that we’re creating for families. It’s pretty incredible to watch,” said Binsbacher.
Major league preseason games will be played from Thursday, Feb. 20 through Tuesday, March 25. Visit CactusLeague.com for more information.
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