The Cactus League is on the cusp of returning to its pre-pandemic glory, with attendance figures inching closer to the million-plus mark. Despite facing numerous challenges in recent years, including significant rain-outs, a Major League Baseball lockout, and pandemic restrictions, the league has seen a remarkable four-year streak of attendance increases. This year, spring training and tourism officials are optimistic about building on this success, aiming to welcome back baseball fans from across the country. With nearly 1.7 million attendees in 2025, the Cactus League has seen a 4% increase over the previous year and a roughly four-fold increase since the pandemic's lowest point. This puts the league practically at the pre-pandemic level of just over 1.7 million attendees, with only about 43,000 attendees behind the 2019 season. The league's success is further highlighted by the return of the Commissioner's Trophy, which typically boosts attendance for clubs that play in the World Series. The 2026 schedule promises to be an exciting one, with the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers making rare visits to Arizona for Cactus League training. The season will conclude with a handful of games, including the Tigers facing the Colorado Rockies and the Yankees taking on the Chicago Cubs. Additionally, select Cactus League teams will host World Baseball Classic teams from the U.S., Mexico, Great Britain, Italy, Cuba, and Brazil. The economic impact of spring training on the Valley of the Sun is significant, with out-of-state visitors spending over $400 million in Arizona in 2023. The Arizona Office of Tourism is working to maximize and grow the positive economic impacts delivered by these visitors, encouraging them to explore more of the state between games. With the Los Angeles Dodgers' back-to-back World Series victories, officials are hoping for a jump in attendance at Camelback Ranch-Glendale this year. The Cactus League is a baseball fan's paradise, with 10 unique ballparks located within an hour's drive. So, get ready to welcome the return of baseball and the carefree fun of Cactus League games!
