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If you are a fan of baseball, and more specifically the Chicago Cubs, then you are going to want to take a trip out to Arizona to see a Cubs spring training game!
These games are so much fun because they are smaller, cheaper and there’s less stress. You’ll also get a sneak peek at new players and even get a chance to meet some of your favorite players!
Spring Training is the preseason to Major League Baseball for all 30 baseball clubs. It usually begins mid-February and goes on until the end of March or early April. Then the regular season begins.
Spring season is split into two leagues in two different locations, the Cactus League and the Grapefruit League. The Cactus League is in Arizona, while the Grapefruit League is in Florida. Some of the teams you’ll find in the Cactus League are the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and of course the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the Grapefruit League you will find the Boston Redsox, New York Yankees, St Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins.
Each team has its own spring training stadium throughout its specific state. In this post, we will talk about the Chicago Cubs spring training at Sloan Park in Arizona!
Sloan Park is the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs. Every year, before Opening Day, the Chicago Cubs players and coaching staff head out to Arizona to get ready for the regular season. They spend a few weeks here as they train and warm up.
Best part? Spring training is open to the public and is a great way for fans to see their team before the regular season starts!
Sloan Park is East of downtown Phoenix in Mesa, Arizona at 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201.
Sloan Park is in a very central area, only 10 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a little less than 20 minutes from downtown and only 5 minutes from Arizona State University!
There are a lot of restaurants and hotels making it super convenient for anyone who wants to watch the Cubs’ spring training at Sloan Park.
Sloan Park is a fairly new stadium and only opened in 2014. It has 15,000 seats, 7 practice fields and sits on about 140 acres. The complex also includes a city park, a workout facility, office space and a large parking lot used for game days.
There are four gates at Sloan Park that work as your point of entry. The gates open 90 minutes before the start of all Spring Training games. It’s always fun to get there early so you can check out the stadium and all the amenities it offers!
A lot of people say they don’t like baseball because it’s “boring” and I’m guessing these people have never been to a live baseball game because there is a lot to do at baseball stadiums and Cubs spring training at Sloan Park is no different!
For example, baseball parks make your first visit special by giving out personalized First Timer’s Certificates. You can get one from Sloan Park at the Fan Services kiosk located near the First Base Gate.
Continue reading to find out all the other amenities Sloan Park has to offer!
One of the coolest things at Sloan Park is the replica sign from Wrigley Field. It’s not as big, but I love that they included this at the Cubs spring training facility. It’s like they have a piece of ‘home” with them in Arizona.
But you want to know what makes it even cooler??? You can CUSTOMIZE IT! Yup, you can pick whatever you want the sign to say. Obviously it has to be appropriate and you are limited to the number of character, but how awesome is that?! I opted to put my Instagram handle – smalltownmayra.
The line to do this isn’t too long, but it really depends on how long people take to tell the operator what to write and then how long it takes them to take pictures. Totally worth it though, to have this special memory of seeing the Cubs spring training at Sloan Park!
Note that this is entirely different from the Sloan Park video board messages.
If you are bringing kids, there is a possibility that they may get bored or not want to stay seated the whole time. Other than walking around, there is also a Kids Zone at Sloan Park to help keep them entertained.
Kids ages 5-13 are allowed in the Kids Zone but must be accompanied by an adult. At the Kids Zone you will find fun baseball related activities. When we were there, they had a mini baseball diamond set up for kids to play their own game!
The Kids Zone is located beyond Center field wall.
Mesa Riverview Park is located right next to the Cubs spring training facility and Sloan Park. The park includes two playgrounds – one for younger children and one for older children. The playgrounds include a 50 ft tall Genesis climbing tower, a 60 ft long caterpillar mesh rope climbing structure, and play panels. On the edge of the park, surrounding the playground, is a 300 ft natural linear climbing wall with a slide entry and fort. There is also a 75 ft kids’ zip line!
Additionally, there are shaded picnic areas with tables, ramadas available for reservations, miles of accessible sidewalks, display fountains, open play areas, restrooms and a splash pad that is available during the summer months!
In the same area as the Mesa Riverview Park, you will also find the new and improved Riverview Lake. This is a five-acre lake bordered by a pedestrian boardwalk and a lake pavilion for events. There are three bridges that can be used to cross over the lake. The lake features urban fishing nodes and a show fountain.
Going to see a Cubs spring training game at Sloan Park is really affordable compared to going to see a game during the regular reason.
Of course, ticket prices will vary on where you want to sit, but you can expect ticket prices to range from $9-$40. Children 2 years or younger can get into a Cubs spring training game for free (without a ticket) but they must be seated on a parent’s lap and not take up a seat.
There is no re-entry at Sloan Park, meaning if you leave the stadium, even with a ticket, you will not be allowed back in. So don’t forget to bring anything you might need!
There are about 9,200 fixed seats, 4,200 lawn seats, and 1,600 party deck/hospitality seats in six different categories. Prices will vary depending on what area you want to sit and the demand of the game, usually dependent on the opponent.
The above Sloan Park seating map shows the main seating options. I’ll go into more detail below.
However, if you have a large party or want something more comfortable, Sloan Park also offers luxury suites and 2 party decks with catering.
I feel that reserved seat tickets are what most people will get for a Cubs spring training game at Sloan Park. These tickets are for the infield, outfield, and bullpen area. These are the seats we got when we went, we sat in the infield reserved seats and had a great view!
Are you looking for shaded seats? Good idea! Although spring training starts in the Winter, you are in Arizona and the sun is hot! Sloan Park is an outdoor stadium, with no retractable roof like Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. After a little bit, you are going to want some shade!
Shaded seats would depend on the time of day but normally go for infield reserved seats, rows closer to the back. These ones are definitely under the coverings. That is where we sat and we were very comfortable.
If you are wanting shaded seats at Sloan Park, do not sit in the lawn seating. However, if you are looking for something more relaxing, or want an area where your kids can lay down and play, then lawn seating could be perfect for you.
You are allowed to bring blankets, towels and stadium seats (the cushions) to use on the lawn. Elevated lawn chairs, such as folding chairs, or anything with legs is prohibited as it could block others view of the field.
Lawn seating is open seating on a first come first serve basis.
The Budweiser Rooftop is an elevated patio located behind the lawn in left field. This rooftop area is exclusive and can be rented out for private events. The Sloan Park Budweiser Rooftop can fit 1,000 people and is also available for general admission.
Along with rooftop seating, fans who choose to sit in this area will also have their own dedicated concessions and restrooms. There are large umbrellas set up, and chairs can be moved, so you don’t have to worry about sitting in direct sunlight. You can still access the rest of the park even if your tickets are for the Budweiser Park.
However, this area is strictly reserved to those who buy a specific ticket to this area. I remember when we went, there was a Sloan Park employee checking for wrist bands before allowing anyone to go on top. It is also possible that there was a private event going on.
There’s something about a baseball game that just makes a hot dog taste that much better! Pair it with a beer and I am ready for 3 hours of baseball! There are a lot of different food options to try when you go see the Cubs spring training at Sloan Park.
As any ballpark, you will find regular fan favorites, such as hot dogs, burgers and chicken tenders. There are plenty of stands throughout the stadium and they all go pretty fast. This is great so you don’t miss out on any of the action of the game!
Now if you are looking for some Chicago inspired food without having to go out to Chicago, then you are in luck because the Cubs spring training is bringing some to their Arizona home at Sloan Park.
To get a Chicago-style hot dog check out Windy City Dog Stand located at the stadium’s concourse. For a Chicago burger, check out Burger Prime, also at the stadium’s concourse. And for a Chicago-style pizza, head to A Taste of Chicago Stand located at the Centerfield concourse and Home Plate concourse.
Towards the Center Field Gate and the Kids Zone, there is an area called the Citrus Grove. This area is filled with food trucks, offering different types of food. This is a great option for anyone who is not in the mood for regular ballpark food.
Some of the food trucks that you will find there offer foods such as mexican, pretzels, and ice cream.
I’m not sure if these food trucks change each game, so it’s a good idea to make sure to always walk by and check it out!
If you enjoy alcoholic beverages while you watch a game, then not to worry because Sloan Park has you covered. There are many places throughout the stadium for you to grab a beer or a cocktail.
Along with vendors walking around, small stands in the walkways, and concessions stand, there are two main bars located on opposite ends of the stadium to get a larger variety of cocktails. One is the Hornitos bar and the other is the Jim Beam Bourbon Bar. Just a heads up, even though there is more staff working these bars, lines do tend to be a little longer here so just make sure you are patient.
Please drink responsibly and make sure you tip your bartenders!
Alright, you have your tickets, you’ve picked out a seat and you’re ready to see a game! Yay!
Now before you go see the Cubs spring training at Sloan Park, there are some policies that you need to be aware of. There is nothing worse than getting to your destination and having security turn you back. Let’s make sure you are prepared and can enjoy the game!
I’m going to highlight some of the more important policies but you can see the full list here.
Bag policies are always in question, regardless of what event you are going to. And Cubs spring training at Sloan Park is no exception.
Normally, clear bags, regardless of size, are always accepted in Arizona venues. However, Sloan Park is now implementing a size restriction. Backpacks and bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches are NOT permitted. Hard-sided coolers, regardless of size are not allowed.
Bags, such as wallets, purses, drawstring bags, fanny packs, lunch bags, and soft-sided coolers smaller than 16 x 16 x 8 inches are permitted. Bags are subject to inspection. Exceptions include medical bags and diaper bags.
Some of my favorite stadium approved bags for sporting events include:
This Lululemon fanny pack is perfect for carrying just your essentials, such as your ID, cards, cash, and keys.
Need room for more things? This clear bag will hold more than just your essentials and is approved at numerous sports stadiums.
For something a little chicer, this small cross-body purse is perfect to hold all your things and make a fashion statement!
Don’t want to spend all your hard earned money on ballpark priced food and drinks? Luckily in Arizona you don’t have to, there are ways to save money.
Sloan Park allows you to bring your own plastic bottled water as long as it hasn’t been opened. Let me reiterate and say that you can ONLY bring in water, sodas and other beverages, even if unopened, are not permitted.
They also allow a personal amount of food in a small disposable bag. This does not mean you can bring a whole bag of Doritos! However, if you put a small amount into a Ziploc bag, that will be allowed in.
No glass bottles, cans, alcoholic beverages, thermoses or hard-sided coolers of any kind may be brought into Sloan Park.
Usually, outside of Arizona stadiums, such as Sloan Park, you will find vendors selling sealed water bottles and snacks that are the appropriate size to bring in. Bring some cash and save some money!
Before you leave your car and head to the gate, make sure you do not have any of these items on you. This list is in addition to what I’ve already mentioned above.
To see the full list, you can go here. When in doubt though, it’s better to just leave the item at home. You don’t want to risk being asked to leave or being turned away at the gate.
Most people choose to drive themselves to Sloan Park, however, you can also use rideshare options or public transportation.
If you will be driving yourself, you do not need to worry about not being able to find parking, as the parking lot for game day at Sloan Park can accommodate nearly 5,000 vehicles! There are six parking lots available throughout the 140 acres area.
You do not need to buy a parking pass beforehand, you can just purchase one on game day. They are generally $10 per vehicle and must be cashless, so make sure you have a credit or debit card ready!
There is no reserved parking but rather on a first-come, first-served basis so make sure to get there early if you want a spot closer to the stadium! If you require ADA parking, look out for the Blue Lot.
Tailgating is allowed! Parking lots open four hours prior to the start of the game.
If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages at the Cubs spring training game, ensure you have a designated driver or use an alternative form of transportation to get home. Do not drink and drive.
Alternatively, there are many hotels close to Sloan Park that you can book a room at so you can enjoy the Cubs spring training game more comfortably.
I’ve listed the two closest hotels for your convenience! Both are within walking distance from Sloan Park.
The Courtyard Mesa is a 3-star hotel and only 0.2 miles from Sloan Park and 4 miles from the Mesa. The property is dog friendly and has plenty of parking.
Other hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, hot tub, and 24-hour gym. There are also on-site restaurants.
Check for availability at Courtyard Mesa at Wrigleyville West here.
The Sheraton Mesa is a 4-star hotel and is 0.1 miles from Sloan Park and 7 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with a complimentary shuttle.
Parking is also complimentary. Some of the other amenities at Sheraton Mesa are a gym, outdoor pools, hot tub, a business center and on-site restaurants.
Check for availability at Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West here.
Baseball is my favorite sport and I am so happy I got to experience a spring training game! Living in Arizona, I’m also lucky that Phoenix is not too far of a drive and that we were able to go seeing as spring training only takes place in two states.
Now I can’t wait for the regular season to begin!
XO,
Mayra
Ps. After watching a Cubs spring training game, don’t forget to take a quick trip north of Phoenix and visit Montezuma Castle National Monument!
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