Spring Training 2027: Cactus League and Grapefruit League Guide

Spring Training 2027 dates and how the two leagues work

The official Spring Training 2027 schedule has games running from February 19 through March 23, 2027. Regular-season Opening Day follows on Thursday, March 25, 2027, when all 30 teams play. The report dates for pitchers and catchers have not been announced yet, and neither have the first workout days, so anything you read claiming a precise date should be treated with caution.

The preseason is split into two circuits. The Cactus League is based around Phoenix, Arizona, and has 15 clubs. The Grapefruit League is spread across Florida, mostly on the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic side, and also has 15 clubs. Each club trains at a complex with a main stadium plus several back fields, and most share a facility with a neighbor in the same league.

Spring games are exhibitions: starters work in short stints, veterans may sit out, and prospects fill the late innings. That is exactly why they are so relaxing, and why the atmosphere is so different from a regular-season night in July. Browse the full 2027 MLB schedule to see how the exhibition period connects to Opening Day.

Spring Training 2027 in Arizona: Cactus League ballparks

All fifteen Arizona clubs sit within roughly an hour of each other in the Phoenix metro area, which makes the Cactus League the easiest circuit for a multi-game trip. Here is the lineup of stadiums and cities, as currently listed:

The Chicago Cubs in Mesa and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale are traditionally among the busiest draws, while the Seattle Mariners share Peoria with the Padres. Sharing a complex means two teams alternate home dates, so check which club is the host before you book.

Spring Training 2027 in Florida: Grapefruit League ballparks

Florida is more spread out. The drive from Dunedin on the Gulf Coast to Jupiter on the Atlantic side takes a good part of a day, so most fans pick a region and stay there. The ballparks currently listed are:

A neat detail: the Tampa Bay Rays train in Port Charlotte even though their regular-season home is Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, while the New York Yankees work out in Tampa. The Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton are a fine choice for an intimate, small-town feel.

Spring Training 2027 tips: getting close to the players

Autographs and fan access at Spring Training

This is the biggest reason people travel for Spring Training. Fences are low, seats are close, and players often walk between the clubhouse and the back fields in view of the public. Arrive early, stand near the player walkway or along the first-base and third-base lines during batting practice, and bring a clean ball and a marker rather than expensive memorabilia. Be polite, accept a no, and remember that kids with a ball and a smile are usually served first.

Back fields and morning workouts

Many complexes let fans watch drills and minor-league games on the practice diamonds, often at no charge. The schedule changes daily, so ask at the gate. These sessions are where you see pitchers throwing bullpens and prospects trying to earn a roster spot.

Spring Training lawn seats, shade and the sun

Seating is typically a mix of reserved seats and lawn space. Arizona sun is strong even in February, and Florida can switch from hot to stormy in minutes. Sunscreen, a hat and a refillable bottle are more useful than any gadget. Check each ballpark's policy on bags and outside items before you go, since rules differ.

The grass and the ballpark experience

Spring fields are known for lush, freshly cut grass, small crowds and short lines for food. Bring a glove for foul balls, which are plentiful in compact stadiums. For other trip ideas, see our best ballparks guide and the road trip planner.

Spring Training 2027 tickets: how they usually work

Tickets for the Cactus League and Grapefruit League are generally sold game by game, and popular dates against rivals or on weekends tend to sell out first. Club-by-club timing varies, so there is no single on-sale day for the whole circuit. In general, sales open in the winter or early spring, and clubs often start with members or mailing-list subscribers.

Choosing the right Spring Training game

Weekend afternoons, games against a neighboring team and matchups featuring a marquee club are the first to disappear. Midweek games are quieter, which is better if you want space and a relaxed pace. Prices are dynamic in many places and secondary resale exists, so compare options carefully and keep screenshots of your order.

Parking, arrival time and mobile tickets

Most complexes sell parking separately or require advance purchase on busy days, and traffic near the stadiums builds around game time. Aim to arrive an hour or more early. Many clubs now use mobile tickets, so charge your phone and download them before you reach the gate, where signal can be weak.

If you want a heads-up when a game or a club opens sales, use the alert button on this page. You leave your email, and we write when something is announced. You can also tap the tickets button when it appears for a game you like.

Planning a Spring Training 2027 trip: Arizona versus Florida

Why choose Arizona for Spring Training

The Cactus League is compact. You can see two different clubs on consecutive days without hours on the road, and the weather in late February and March is usually dry and warm. Evenings can turn cool in the desert, so pack a layer.

Why choose Florida for Spring Training

The Grapefruit League offers beaches, a broader range of small cities and lots of old-school stadium charm. Rain delays are possible, and traveling between coasts takes time, so build a base near the clubs you want. The Tampa Bay area alone gives you a Gulf Coast cluster with several teams.

Spring Training with a regular-season connection

If you plan to continue to a regular-season game afterward, take a look at the MLB 2027 hub, and keep in mind that Opening Day is March 25. Lodging near the ballparks is in demand through March, so book early and choose flexible rates when possible.

Spring Training 2027 and the CBA: what is uncertain

The collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the players' union expires on December 1, 2026. As of October 11, 2026, there is no new agreement and no lockout. A lockout would be a work stoppage called by owners, and it could delay Spring Training and possibly the start of the regular season. Nothing has been decided. The last lockout ran from December 2021 to March 2022, and while Opening Day was pushed to April 7, the full 162-game schedule was kept.

For you, the practical point is simple: if you book non-refundable travel for February, keep an eye on the news and prefer flexible lodging and refundable fares. Read each ticket's refund policy before paying. Our lockout page tracks the situation, and you can sign up for the alert on this page to be told about any change to the Spring Training schedule.