MLB Spring Training 2024: Everything You Need To Know

John Glynn, Director of Public Relations

I have loved baseball ever since I can remember. I remember the earthquake during the 1989 World Series, I remember Matt Cain's perfect game. I remember 2010, 2012 and 2014. As a diehard San Francisco Giants fan, I remember it all. And I love it.

My family started traveling to Spring Training in Scottsdale to see the Giants in the early 2000s, and I was hooked. Warm winter days, America’s favorite pastime, an iconic stadium hotdog, cold beer (when I was old enough to indulge) and my family...it was perfect. So perfect, that I moved my own family here nearly 15 years ago, and now play hooky with my two sons, going to as many Spring Training games as our hearts desire! When the time came, I asked my wife to marry me in the lounge at Don & Charlie's. For those unfamiliar, this steakhouse was the ultimate baseball hangout—especially for Giants and Cubs fans— and was known as much for the food as the incredible collection of historic baseball memorabilia covering every inch of the establishment. On any given day after the games were over, you'd see Dusty Baker holding court at the bar, Bud Selig and Henry Aaron dining on ribs together… As a guest, you’d catch glimpse of famous icons like Will Clark, Bob Brenly - everyone was there.

Spring Training has been has been in my blood for years, and it is an annual tradition for so many in Arizona since the Cactus League’s creation in 1947. With that quick nod to the past, we now all look to the future and how to get the most out of the 200 games being played this season. Whether you are a seasoned Spring Training veteran, like myself, or don’t know that a foul ball is, I’ve got you covered with all the insider tips you need to know to getting the most out of your trip to leave you singing, “take me back to the ballgame!”

TOP 4 MUST-DOS FOR ANY ARIZONA SPRING TRAINING FAN

1. Select Accommodations

Hosting 15 Major League Baseball teams at 10 stadiums across the Valley of the Sun, Scottsdale is a baseball fan’s paradise – and The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is absolutely the best place in town to stay. Here, you're less than a 20-minute drive to Old Town Scottsdale, the home of Scottsdale Stadium, where the San Francisco Giants play, but you're also centrally located and close to the freeway to dart off and see the Royals in Surprise, the Dodgers in Glendale, the Angels in Tempe or the Padres in Peoria. The resort is expansive, comfortable, and has all the amenities you're looking for – unparalleled dining, both on property and nearby, diverse bars with beautiful open-air patios and light bites, and world-class shopping if you forget something at home or want to freshen your look for spring. Fairmont Scottsdale's concierge staff is incredibly knowledgeable and will always point you in the right direction, offer expert advice, or secure restaurant reservations. You're away from the bustle and late nights of Old Town, but you still feel like you're in the middle of the action. And you just might run into a baseball icon or two at breakfast while staying at the resort!

2. Make A Plan

Your time goes by quickly if you don't stay on top of it. Know what games and stadiums you want to see in advance. The Giants recently completed a renovation at Scottsdale Stadium, as did the A's at Hohokam. The Cubs' new stadium in Mesa, Sloan Park, is a masterpiece; as is the new stadium in Glendale that the Dodgers and White Sox share. As Spring Training has grown in popularity, tickets are becoming scarcer – especially in 2023. Don't wait until you get here to buy your tickets and map out your days! One of my favorite ways to enjoy the company of my friends and family is by purchasing the lawn seats – bring a blanket, water and sunscreen – for the ultimate alfresco sports experience.

If you’re a diehard fan like I am, maximize your chances of meeting players and coaches by attending a practice, which is completely open to the public between 9am – 12 pm. This timeframe allows you to watch the players hone their skills in real time, and see the coaches and scouts and media working on the sidelines. But make sure you don’t come empty-handed! Bring your ball and a sharpie for your favorite player to sign your memorabilia. However, there are plenty of options sold directly at the stadium for you to spring for as a souvenir. Pick up some official merchandise at your favorite team's stadium. Pro tip: These items only come out this time of year, and once they're sold out, you won't expect a restock until next year.

3. Southwestern & Spring Training Icons

Even though iconic Don & Charlie's has closed, there are still landmarks that any baseball fan, or their companion, will enjoy. Make a day out of your time spent in Old Town Scottsdale and enjoy many of the incredible wonders of this vibrant city center that is flashy, fun, and simply Southwestern. However, if you are wiped from all the fun spent at the stadium, we don’t blame you! Come back to The Princess for a little rest and relaxation and a festive feast at one of our five signature restaurants at the resort.

While Scottsdale is busy enjoying 80 degree days while most of the country is still scraping ice off their windshields, this is also a great time of year to lounge at one of the 6 sparkling pools at The Princess, play a round of Golf at the famous TPC Scottsdale’s Championship course – the host course of the WM Phoenix Open, where the pros play – and explore the Sonoran Desert’s many wonders on the trails of one of the many hikes nearby in the McDowell Mountain Range.

4. Watch For Up & Comers

While it’s great seeing those members of the team whose stats you repeat as effortlessly as your own las name, it’s equally as exciting to see legends being made in front of your eyes - especially toward the end of the spring season. Someone you've never heard of is going to fight hard to eke out that final roster spot, and it's magic to see. Guys you've never heard of are running out grounders, diving for balls, working the count—all in games that don't really matter, just for the opportunity to catch on. It's thrilling to watch as the regular season progresses to see where these players end up. Sometimes, they're a flash in the pan, and other times they make meaningful contributions to the team you love.

One final expert tip…There are certainly characters in every ballpark, but Derrick Moore, known by many sports fans takes the cake. When you hear "Lemonade, lemonade, like grandma made" in a bellowing baritone, you've gotten the full experience. Don't buy lemonade from anyone else, the man is a true artist.

Spring training season of 2024 begins February 22nd, and runs to March 26th.

Game on & plan your visit now!