MLB has announced the 2027 spring training calendar: all 30 clubs open play on Friday, February 19, with the Cactus League's 15 teams spread across 10 ballparks in the Phoenix metro area. If you are planning a spring training trip to Arizona, the games wrap up in late March and the regular season begins March 25, which means the whole season fits inside a five-week window that books up fast. Here are the key dates, where the stadiums sit, and how to handle airport transportation while the Valley fills with baseball fans. airport transportation options Sky Harbor Terminal 4 arrivals guide airport shuttle pickup zones
Spring Training 2027 Key Dates
Per MLB's announcement, 2027 spring training opens Friday, February 19, with all 30 clubs in action across the Cactus League and Florida's Grapefruit League on day one. The exhibition season concludes with games from Saturday, March 20 through Tuesday, March 23, some of them played at major and minor league parks outside the normal spring sites. The 2027 regular season opens with a game the night of Wednesday, March 24, followed by traditional Opening Day on Thursday, March 25.
- Friday, February 19, 2027: Cactus League opening day, all 15 Arizona teams in action.
- Mid-February through mid-March: the heaviest stretch of weekday and weekend home games across all 10 stadiums.
- March 20-23, 2027: final exhibition games; expect smaller crowds and scattered venues.
- March 24-25, 2027: MLB regular season begins, ending the Cactus League window.
Individual game times are announced closer to the season, and MLB has said its Spring Breakout prospect games return in 2027 with details to come. One lesson from recent seasons: extreme February and March heat can push start times to the evening, as happened when 11 Cactus League games moved to night slots during a March 2026 heat wave, so keep your afternoon plans flexible. arriving at Sky Harbor
Where the Cactus League Plays
The Cactus League's 15 teams play across 10 stadiums scattered around the Valley of the Sun, roughly from Surprise in the northwest to Mesa and Tempe in the east. Tempe to Sky Harbor shuttle The cluster includes ballparks in Surprise, Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa. Scottsdale to Sky Harbor shuttle No stadium is more than about an hour's drive from another in normal traffic, but game-day congestion around the smaller suburban parks is real, and stadium lots that feel roomy in February sell out by the tournament stretch in mid-March. Our Surprise Stadium logistics guide covers the farthest northwest ballpark in detail. Surprise to Sky Harbor shuttle
Getting from Sky Harbor to the Ballparks
Most spring training visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which sits southeast of every Cactus League ballpark. Drives range from about 10 minutes to Scottsdale's closest parks to 45 minutes or more out to Surprise and Goodyear. The catch is timing: rideshare wait times stretch and surge pricing spikes in the hour before first pitch and again after the final out, and rental car counters at PHX see their February queues lengthen as the season builds.
A pre-booked private shuttle fixes the airport leg: your driver tracks your flight, meets you at the terminal, and takes you straight to your hotel or the ballpark with no surge pricing and no counter line. For groups splitting two stadiums in a day, it also removes the question of who stays sober enough to drive the Loop 101 at 4 p.m.
When to Book Airport Transportation for Spring Training
Book as soon as your flights are set. February and March are peak season for Phoenix airport transportation on top of the winter visitor season already in motion, so vehicle availability tightens first and prices follow. A scheduled pickup with flight tracking removes the guesswork if your flight lands early or late, and pre-booking gives you a confirmed plan for the day you arrive rather than a hope that a rideshare is nearby at 11 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does spring training start in Arizona in 2027?
Cactus League play opens Friday, February 19, 2027, with all 15 Arizona-based clubs in action. The exhibition season runs through late March, and MLB's regular season begins March 24-25, 2027.
How many Cactus League teams and stadiums are there?
Fifteen MLB teams train in Arizona each spring, playing at 10 stadiums across the Phoenix metro area, from Surprise in the northwest Valley to Mesa in the east.
When should I book my airport shuttle for spring training?
As soon as you book flights. February and March overlap with Phoenix's peak winter visitor season, so shuttle and rideshare availability tightens and prices climb as opening day approaches.
Is a shuttle or a rental car better for spring training?
A pre-booked private shuttle covers the airport leg door-to-door with no counter lines and no game-day parking scramble. A rental car makes sense if you plan to chase games at multiple stadiums every day, but for airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-ballpark trips, a scheduled shuttle is the simpler plan.
Mapping Your 2027 Cactus League Itinerary: West Valley vs. East Valley
Because the 10 Cactus League ballparks are spread across the Phoenix metropolitan area, mapping out your daily schedule requires understanding Valley geography. The region splits neatly into distinct clusters along major freeways like the Loop 101, Interstate 10, and US-60. If you are catching back-to-back games, grouping your stadiums by geographic region keeps your travel times manageable and ensures you arrive before the first pitch.
The West Valley cluster features four ballparks located just off the Loop 101 or I-10, making it possible to hop between venues without crossing the entire metro area. Meanwhile, the Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa complexes anchor the East Valley, surrounded by vibrant nightlife, dining, and resort districts.
West Valley Ballparks and Teams
- Surprise Stadium (Surprise): Home to the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. Located in the far northwest Valley, easily accessible via US-60 or Loop 101.
- Peoria Sports Complex (Peoria): Shared by the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners.
- Camelback Ranch (Glendale): Home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. Situated near the Loop 101 and Camelback Road.
- Goodyear Ballpark (Goodyear): Spring home for the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, located in the southwestern Valley off I-10.
East Valley and Central Ballparks and Teams
- Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Scottsdale): Shared by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, sitting on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale.
- Scottsdale Stadium (Scottsdale): Spring home of the San Francisco Giants, located right in the heart of downtown Scottsdale.
- Tempe Diablo Stadium (Tempe): Home of the Los Angeles Angels, positioned near I-10 and Broadway Road with views of "A" Mountain.
- Sloan Park (Mesa): The sprawling Chicago Cubs complex in west Mesa, known for its Wrigley Field replica touches.
- Hohokam Stadium (Mesa): Home of the Oakland Athletics, located in central Mesa.
- American Family Fields of Phoenix (Phoenix): Milwaukee Brewers spring home, located off Camelback Road in west-central Phoenix.
Cactus League Logistics Comparison
Deciding how to navigate between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), your hotel, and the various ballparks depends on whether you prefer driving yourself or leaving the navigation to a professional driver. Review the comparison below to find the right fit for your travel style:
| Transportation Mode | Airport Transfer (PHX) | Game-Day Parking & Traffic | Group / Multi-Game Trips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Booked Private Shuttle | Door-to-door service with real-time flight tracking and zero wait lines. | No parking scramble or designated driver worries; drop-off right at the gate. | Ideal for families and groups hopping between West Valley and East Valley fields. |
| Rideshare (Uber / Lyft) | Subject to terminal pickup zones, surge pricing, and high demand peaks. | Surge pricing spikes immediately following the final out; long wait queues. | Can become expensive and unpredictable when splitting games across distant cities. |
| Rental Car | Requires shuttle to rental car center, counter queues, and vehicle pickup. | Must navigate crowded stadium lots; designated drivers required if enjoying ballpark beverages. | Provides maximum flexibility if exploring remote Arizona cities outside the metro area. |
Weather and Spring Training Planning Tips
Phoenix spring training weather is legendary for its mid-70s to low-80s afternoon temperatures, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors escaping cold winters elsewhere. However, early-season games in late February can bring brisk evening temperatures once the sun dips behind the light towers, making layers essential for night matchups.
Conversely, late-season games in March can occasionally spike into warmer territory. As noted during recent heat waves, afternoon game times can occasionally shift to evening slots to protect players and fans. Keep your itinerary flexible, stay hydrated across the open-air concourses, and apply sunscreen generously even during the cloudier February afternoons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Spring Training 2027
Which teams play in the West Valley?
The West Valley ballparks include Camelback Ranch in Glendale (Dodgers and White Sox), Peoria Sports Complex (Padres and Mariners), Surprise Stadium (Royals and Rangers), and Goodyear Ballpark (Guardians and Reds).
How far apart are the Cactus League ballparks?
All 10 stadiums sit within about an hour's drive of each other in normal traffic. Driving from a West Valley park like Surprise to an East Valley park like Mesa takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes via the Loop 101 or I-10.
What is the weather like during spring training?
February and March in Phoenix typically feature sunny skies with daytime highs ranging from the low 70s to low 80s. Evenings cool down quickly once the sun sets, so bringing a light jacket or sweater for night games is always recommended.
How do I get Cactus League tickets?
Tickets can be purchased directly through individual MLB team websites, the official Cactus League site, or the respective stadium box offices. Purchasing well in advance is strongly advised for weekend matchups and high-profile teams like the Cubs, Dodgers, and Giants.
Should I rent a car or book an airport shuttle?
If you plan to stay settled near your hotel and visit nearby ballparks, a pre-booked private airport shuttle eliminates rental car counter lines, parking fees, and designated-driver dilemmas. A rental car is best if you plan to explore remote parts of Arizona outside the Phoenix metro area.
How can I contact Airport Shuttle of Phoenix for my 2027 trip?
You can reach us at our Phoenix headquarters located at 4600 E Washington St Ste 300, Phoenix, AZ 85034, or call us at (480) 710-3441. We provide 24/7 private transportation to any address, hotel, or ballpark in the Valley on your schedule.
