Play Ball! MLB Spring Training Scores Big Time in The Local Economy

Spring Training baseball under the warm Arizona sun has been a tradition for devoted fans since 1947, when just two teams, the Cleveland Indians and the New York Giants, came here to prepare for the rigors of the long regular season. Today, 15 teams train in the Phoenix metropolitan area in the greatest concentration of professional baseball facilities found anywhere in the United States. For visitors, the Cactus League couldn't be more convenient, with short drive times between ballparks and a full range of hotel, dining and shopping amenities. Truly, the Cactus League is the premier destination for baseball lovers.

The stats are in and they are good! According to a pair of studies  by Governor Doug Ducey and members of the non-profit Cactus League Baseball Association, spring training baseball has become a driving force in Arizona's economy. The studies estimate spring training teams and the ballparks they play in now annually generate more than $809 million in economic impact for the state.

Celebrate A Day at the Diamond at Sloan Park

Post Date:02/18/2016 10:05 AM

Celebrate the return of spring training baseball with A Day at the Diamond Saturday, Feb. 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, and surrounding areas at the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs.

The FREE event will include numerous fun activities for the whole family:
• Baseball clinics for the kids
• Family fun and games
• Bounce houses and a zip line
• Obstacle course
• Live music featuring Georgia Chrome and Rock Lobster
• Food and beverages for sale at Sloan Park concession stands
• Sports card show
• Chicago Cubs team shop will be open to sell souvenirs
• Chicago Cubs box office will be open and selling tickets to spring training games

Sponsors of A Day at the Diamond include the Chicago Cubs; Visit Mesa; City of Mesa; Mesa Riverview; Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and Extra Innings East Valley.

Public Information and Communications
Contact: Steve Wright
Tel. 480-644-2069 steven.wright@mesaaz.gov

Complete Schedule
http://mlb.mlb.com/chc/mesa/schedule.jsp

college baseball coming to Sloan Park, Feb. 19-21!

Come on out and watch Northwestern University take on the University of Nevada for four games, Feb. 19-21, at Sloan