Goodyear officials unveiled an expanded slate of events, renovations and promotions at Goodyear Ballpark as the city prepares for the 2026 spring training season, which will feature new college baseball games, facility upgrades and an ambitious game schedule.
John Brown, assistant general manager of Goodyear Ballpark and business development, gave the City Council a preview of the upcoming season, highlighting what he described as one of the most robust spring training schedules the venue has hosted.
The season will begin even before Major League Baseball teams take the field, with the ballpark hosting the Desert Invitational on Feb. 13 in partnership with Major League Baseball. The collegiate doubleheader will feature Kansas State against the University of Iowa at 1 p.m., followed by Penn State facing the Air Force Academy at 6 p.m.
Brown said the event will serve as a kickoff to spring training, which will include 30 games in 30 days, five night games and a World Baseball Classic matchup featuring Cuba.
“We’re very excited about our schedule,” Brown told council members.
Fans attending games in 2026 will also see several upgrades throughout the ballpark. Brown said a new left-field landing area will be one of the first features visitors notice upon entering the gates. The space is designed as a group seating area accommodating between 40 and 120 people and will also be available for individual ticket sales when not reserved by groups.
Suites at the ballpark have been renovated with upgraded leather seating, expanded countertop space, additional storage and larger televisions. Brown said the updates are intended to improve comfort and enhance the overall fan experience.
Food and beverage offerings will also expand this season, including the introduction of a “Desert Heat Burger” at the Burgertopia concession stand and additional healthier menu options alongside traditional ballpark fare.
Several popular promotions will return, including an opening day schedule magnet that doubles as a picture frame, a St. Patrick’s Day pint glass featuring both the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, and an Ace mascot-themed stress ball. Kids Run the Bases events will begin Feb. 28, and Senior Stroll days are scheduled for Feb. 25 and March 4.
Brown said information on tickets, group sales and the full spring training schedule will be available at GoodyearBP.com.
City officials said the expanded spring training season supports broader tourism goals as Goodyear looks to capitalize on sports-related travel.
Wendy Bridges, Goodyear’s economic development director, told the council that the city’s Office of Tourism, launched in July 2025, has completed its first-year objectives months ahead of schedule by focusing on foundational work, industry coordination and targeted promotion.
“This first year was really about laying the foundation,” Bridges said. “And we’ve accomplished everything we set out to do, and even a little bit more, in about half the time.”
The Office of Tourism operates within the city’s economic development department and serves as Goodyear’s official destination marketing organization. Much of its funding comes from Proposition 302, a state tourism program supported by hotel taxes and rental car surcharges. Because the program is designed to drive overnight visitation, most of Goodyear’s allocation is used to promote spring training at Goodyear Ballpark.
“Spring training is the big draw,” Bridges said. “But sports tourism and tournament tourism are absolutely something we can grow.”
In addition to sports-related travel, the city is targeting small-group meetings and business travel to support year-round hotel occupancy. The tourism office has launched a quarterly tourism roundtable with hotels and hospitality partners and developed an expanded dining guide for visitors.
The city has also received approval to become an official Arizona Visitor Information Center and is evaluating potential locations near high-traffic freeway corridors. Council members discussed preparing for increased visitation tied to the planned opening of a Buc-ee’s travel center in Goodyear, which officials described as a potential tourism catalyst.
Looking ahead, Bridges said the city plans to expand consumer-focused marketing efforts promoting spring training, sports tourism, outdoor recreation and weekend travel.
“This allows Goodyear to be intentional and responsible in how we grow tourism,” she said.
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James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
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