Saving on spring training in Arizona
Spring training in Arizona is not only a great opportunity to catch a baseball game, but it’s also a chance to save money with deals and discounts.
PHOENIX — Spring training in Arizona is one of the best deals in sports, but there are still some smart ways to save even more.
Looking for a great way to spend the day with family and friends – cheering on your favorite baseball team? Spring training in Arizona is one of the best deals in sports, but there are still some smart ways to save even more.
It’s time to Play Ball – and locals and out-of-towners alike are already flocking to Cactus League ballparks.
When it comes to the cost, first-time attendees Javier and Regina Salcedo are going into Tempe Diablo Stadium knowing they will likely spend a fraction of the cost of attending a regular-season game.
“Probably less than 60 bucks,” he said.
“Well, drinks and food… and then the tickets itself,” she said.
“I guess it would depend on how much we drink,” he said with a smile.
From start to finish, including tickets, parking and food, Jay Hendricks, visiting from Texas, says it’s well worth it.
“Hotel and all, let’s say $500 dollars, that’s pretty cheap,” he said.
Some fans like Debbie Gerughty, who’s been attending games for 40 years and Phyllis Sachs, visiting from Oakland, want the VIP experience.
“We don’t scrimp on sitting way out in the outfield,” said Gerughty. “We like to be on the infield and see the players and action up close.”
“The tickets can go from $25 up to $150,” she said. “It is for me, the ultimate experience.”
“We bring our own snacks, our peanuts, our popcorn, our waters, so we do save a little bit,” said Sachs.
While others, like Travis Smith from Gilbert, plan to go on a budget.
“Do a midweek game and wait for the day of to buy your tickets,” he said. “We bring our own waters, save on the $7 waters.”
The truth is, there are so many opportunities to get the most for your money.
Cactus League Executive Director Bridget Binsbacher says there are plenty of ways to save.
“There are promotions for local residents… for veterans, for seniors, so many activities for kids,” she said.
When it comes to making memories and family experiences, Binsbacher says nothing beats Spring Training in Arizona.”
Binsbacher recommends sitting in the lawn area.
Most Cactus League stadiums have general admission grass berm seating well beyond the outfield fence, and those tickets, often between $10-$20, give you a laid-back, picnic-style experience.
“In some cases, you can get as low as a $5 lawn seat,” said Binsbacher.
It’s also a good idea to go on a weekday. Those games are usually cheaper than weekend games, sometimes by $15-$25 a ticket, depending on where you go.
“The higher demand teams’ games, obviously, those prices can be higher than the less demanding games, so that can vary,” she added.
Check the team websites directly – some teams offer promotional days, group discounts or early-bird deals through their own sites rather than third-party sites.
If your parking is not included in the ticket price, park off-site and walk or rideshare. That could save you between $15-$25, depending on the stadium you’re headed to.
And in some cases, you can bring your own food and drinks.
In fact, many Cactus League stadiums are permissive about bringing in sealed water bottles and snacks.
Overall, spring training is a pretty fan-friendly experience, and you can usually get pretty close to the field and players regardless of where you sit, so saving money doesn’t mean sacrificing much.
“Bring sunscreen, a ball cap, a glove for sure, you might catch a homerun out in the berm or a foul ball,” said Binsbacher. “You want to be ready!”
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