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In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to prepare for the 2026 baseball pre-season.
What is spring training? Discover the history and unique, fan-friendly atmosphere of the MLB pre-season.
Key dates for spring training 2026: Mark your calendar for February and march with our list of essential dates, from full squad workouts to opening day.
The Grapefruit League (Florida): Explore team locations across the sunshine state and tips for navigating the Florida circuit.
The Cactus League (Arizona): Learn why the density of the phoenix metro area makes it a paradise for fans wanting to see multiple games in one day.
World Baseball Classic 2026: Understand how this international tournament will change the spring training landscape and where you can catch the WBC action.
How to attend and save: Get practical tips on scoring tickets, booking diamond-designated hotels and using your AAA Membership to save on travel and gear.
For baseball fans, nothing beats the feeling of late February. The snow is melting, the days are getting longer and pitchers and catchers are finally reporting for duty.
This year, spring training 2026 is shaping up to be much more than just a warm-up for the regular season. The energy is amplified by the return of the World Baseball Classic (WBC), adding a layer of international competition to the usual relaxed atmosphere of the pre-season. Whether you are planning a trip to the sunny stadiums of Florida or the desert landscapes of Arizona, here is everything you need to know to get the most out of MLB spring training this year.
expect more this season...
A AAA Membership can help you save on everything you need for spring training, from rental cars to get to the game to discounts on team merchandise.
Spring training is a pre-season tradition where Major League Baseball teams head to warm-weather states to prepare for the upcoming regular season. It allows new players to audition for roster spots and established veterans to get back into playing shape.
The vibe is totally different from regular-season games. The stadiums are smaller, bringing fans much closer to the action. You can often see players signing autographs along the sidelines and the general atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.
The league is split into two primary locations based on geography:
The Grapefruit League: Located in Florida.
The Cactus League: Located in Arizona.
Brightline train in front of West Palm beach hub
If you love humidity, beaches and baseball, the Grapefruit League is the place to be. Spread across Florida, this league hosts half of the MLB teams. It serves as the training ground for many East Coast and Midwest teams.
Several fan-favorite teams call Florida home for the spring. Here are a few notable clubs and where you can find them:
Atlanta Braves: Catch them at CoolToday Park in North Port.
Detroit Tigers: They play at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.
Houston Astros: Based at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach.
Miami Marlins: Located at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter.
Minnesota Twins: They train at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.
Philadelphia Phillies: Fans eager to see the Phillies spring training schedule should head to BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater. It is widely considered one of the best fan experiences in the league.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Head to LECOM Park in Bradenton.
Tampa Bay Rays: You can find them at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte.
Because Florida is geographically larger than the Phoenix metro area, catching a "doubleheader" (two games in one day at different stadiums) requires a bit more driving than in Arizona. However, the travel is often made easier by options like the Brightline rail system.
Learn how you can get from Orlando to Miami in one easy trip using the Brightline train, plus even more stops and sights along the way.
Ride the RailsFor those who prefer dry heat and desert mountains, the Cactus League in Arizona is a baseball paradise. The unique advantage of the Cactus League is density; all 15 teams train within the Greater Phoenix area, meaning you can easily see a Dodgers spring training game in the afternoon and drive 20 minutes to see another team play that evening.
Here is where you can find some of the marquee teams in the desert:
Chicago Cubs: They draw massive crowds at Sloan Park in Mesa.
Chicago White Sox: Also at Camelback Ranch in Glendale.
Colorado Rockies: Located at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.
Los Angeles Dodgers: They share a facility at Camelback Ranch in Glendale with the White Sox.
Milwaukee Brewers: Based at American Family Fields of Phoenix.
Texas Rangers: They play at Surprise Stadium in Surprise.
The biggest storyline for 2026 is the return of the World Baseball Classic. This global tournament features the best players from around the world competing for their home countries.
This event runs concurrently with standard spring training, meaning many star players will leave their MLB camps in early March to join their national teams.
If you want to catch WBC action alongside standard spring training games, you are in luck if you are in Florida or Texas. The 2026 venues include:
Pool play: Miami (Florida), Houston (Texas), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Tokyo (Japan).
Quarterfinals: Split between Miami and Houston.
Final round: Hosted in Miami.
Don’t miss out on any of the spring sports action. From PGA to NHL, get trusted access to stadium seats using your AAA Membership.
Get Spring Sports TicketsPlanning a trip to spring training can be affordable if you know where to look. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your trip.
When it comes to getting tickets for spring training, you want a source you can trust. AAA has you covered. Tickets for spring training are generally cheaper than regular-season games, but prices can still spike for popular teams.
AAA Members can get trusted member access when purchasing tickets online at AAA.com/Baseball.
Booking your stay early is essential, especially with the crowds drawn by the WBC finals.
AAA hotels: Search for the AAA Diamond designation to ensure your hotel meets high standards for quality and service. Plus, members get exclusive rates when booking through AAA.
Rental cars: Need a ride to the stadium? AAA Members can save on rental cars with Hertz, often including perks like a free additional driver.
Can’t make the trip? You can still catch the action. AAA Members can often get special rewards with DIRECTV , ensuring you can access televised spring training 2026 action or the World Baseball Classic.
Before the first pitch is thrown, make sure you are wearing your team's colors. Whether you are looking for a classic jersey or a new cap, you can often find discounts and cash back at Fanatics and MLBShop.com when you shop the AAA Dollars Online Mall.
The 2026 season promises to be historic. With the relaxed charm of the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues combined with the high-stakes intensity of the World Baseball Classic, there has never been a better time to be a baseball fan.
expect more this season...
A AAA Membership can help you save on everything you need for spring training, from rental cars to get to the game to discounts on team merchandise.
