The Phoenix area’s annual hosting of the Cactus League (MLB Spring Training) is almost here

The Cactus League as we know it now has been in its current format since 2010 when the 30 teams split home base between Florida and Arizona. The Phoenix area now hosts 15 MLB teams from mid-February until late-March every year.

There are 10 stadiums in the Cactus League. Only five teams, the Chicago Cubs, Anaheim Angels, San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, and Milwaukee Brewers have a stadium all to themselves.

There are five other stadiums that have two teams apiece sharing space each Spring. From the west valley in Goodyear stretching to the east valley in Mesa, there are games not far away from the majority of residents.

The newest stadium in the league belongs to the Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa. It opened in in 2014. The oldest current stadium, opened in 1969, resides in Tempe at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The Angels have played there since 1993.

This year some teams will also be playing countries from the World Baseball Classic. Teams like Italy, Asia, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico will be in competition.

For this reason, Cactus League games will start a bit earlier this year. Saturday, February 25th is the first day of action for most teams.