Camelback Ranch-Glendale Travel Guide

If you’re a baseball fan heading to Arizona, you really ought to swing by Camelback Ranch-Glendale, the spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. This 141-acre campus packs in 10,000 stadium seats and another 3,000 lawn spots, letting you catch games in a way more laid-back setting than you’ll find during the regular season. For over a decade now, this place has let fans get closer to their favorite players than you ever could at a big-league game.

Arizona weather can be a beast, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. If you’re coming on a hot day, try to grab tickets in the shaded sections along the first base side. The stadium’s wide concourses and solid food choices make it easy to grab a bite as you wander. Also, if you’ve got a kid under two, you don’t need a ticket for them as long as they sit on your lap.

Camelback Ranch isn’t just about baseball. The spot makes a great base for checking out resorts and cactus-studded golf courses nearby. You can sample local eats or hit the shops between games. Honestly, spring training here feels more like a full vacation than just a baseball trip.

Overview of Camelback Ranch-Glendale

Camelback Ranch-Glendale gives baseball fans a top-notch spring training experience, all set in a desert-inspired landscape with plenty of facilities for both players and visitors.

History and Background

Camelback Ranch opened in 2009 and became the shared spring training home for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. The designers really tried to blend the complex into the Sonoran Desert, using native plants and materials everywhere.

Before this place existed, the Dodgers trained in Vero Beach, Florida at “Dodgertown,” and the White Sox worked out at Tucson Electric Park in Arizona.

Building Camelback Ranch marked a big moment for Arizona’s Cactus League. The focus stayed on fan experience and player development, with the architects pulling inspiration straight from the desert surroundings.

Location and Accessibility

You’ll find Camelback Ranch on 141 acres at Ballpark Boulevard and Camelback Road in Glendale, Arizona. That puts you right in the Phoenix metro area, so getting there from pretty much anywhere in the Valley of the Sun is easy.

If you’re driving, you’ll see plenty of parking. Public transportation exists, but honestly, it’s not as convenient as just taking your own car.

With several resorts and golf courses close by, you can easily mix baseball with other vacation fun. Lots of visitors book hotels in Glendale or Scottsdale during spring training.

Spring training runs during February and March, and the weather is usually warm and sunny—perfect for baseball, if you ask me.

Camelback Ranch Facilities

The 141-acre baseball complex features a main stadium seating 10,000 fans, plus room for 3,000 more on the grassy berms. No matter where you sit, you get a solid view of the action.

The rest of the complex includes:

• 12 practice fields (6 for each team)
• Walking trails linking everything together
• Two ponds and water features
• Dedicated practice areas for pitchers and catchers
• Batting cages and conditioning spots
• Clubhouses and admin buildings for both teams

The Dodgers hang out on the west side, while the White Sox claim the east. Desert-landscaped walkways connect everything, so you can explore between games.

Food-wise, you’ll find the usual ballpark eats and a few regional specialties. Team shops sell plenty of Dodgers and White Sox gear.

Spring Training at Camelback Ranch

Camelback Ranch lets fans get up close to Spring Training action. This modern spot serves as the preseason home for two storied MLB teams, all under that warm Arizona sun.

Cactus League Overview

Every spring, the Cactus League draws 15 MLB teams to Arizona. Games run from late February through March, and you can get way closer to the action than you ever could during the regular season.

Camelback Ranch-Glendale stands out with its 10,000 stadium seats and 3,000 on the lawn. At 141 acres, it’s one of the biggest complexes in the league.

Tickets cost a lot less than regular season games. You’ll often find seats starting around $20, with lawn spots even cheaper. It’s a great deal for families.

The weather usually cooperates, but don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. Most games start in the early afternoon when it’s not too hot.

Dodgers Spring Training Experience

The Dodgers’ side of Camelback Ranch has six practice fields that mimic Dodger Stadium. This setup helps players get ready for the regular season.

You can watch Dodgers players practice on the back fields before games—sometimes you’ll get closer to the action than during the games themselves. Practices kick off around 9:30 AM.

Autograph hunters do well here, especially along the rails near the practice fields. Players seem more relaxed and open during spring training.

The Dodgers’ training area includes a two-acre lake and walking trails that make it a pretty nice walk between fields.

White Sox Spring Training Experience

The White Sox share the facility but keep their own vibe, with practice fields set up like Guaranteed Rate Field. Their side has special areas for pitchers and defensive drills.

White Sox fans can check out exclusive viewing areas during workouts. The best time to catch players is early, around 9:00 AM.

The team hosts special fan events, like meet-and-greets with White Sox legends and current players. It’s worth checking the schedule before you visit.

The White Sox Club near their practice fields sells exclusive memorabilia and team gear. You can often watch pitchers warm up right up close during bullpen sessions.

Tickets and Seating Options

Camelback Ranch has a bunch of ticket options and seating choices for spring training games, so there’s something for every preference and budget.

How to Buy Game Tickets

You can snag tickets for Camelback Ranch a few ways. The official MLB website is your safest bet. If you’re more old-school, you can buy tickets at the box office on game day, but the big matchups go fast.

Season ticket packages give you the best value and top seats if you’re planning to hit multiple games. These usually go on sale months ahead of spring training.

Single-game tickets are up for grabs online or by phone. The Ticketmaster app makes it easy to buy and store your tickets on your phone.

For the best shot at good seats, order at least two weeks before you go. Weekend games and games against popular teams sell out quickly.

Luxury Suites and Premium Seating

Camelback Ranch offers 12 luxury suites if you want to splurge. These suites are air-conditioned, come with premium food and drinks, private restrooms, and killer views.

There’s also a party deck for groups—great for company events or big family gatherings.

Club seats give you another premium option with wider seats and better sightlines. You’ll get access to exclusive concessions with shorter lines.

If you want to be close to the field but keep it casual, check out field-level seats along the baselines. You’ll be near the action and still get some shade for those sunny games.

Dodgertown Experience

The Dodgertown area at Camelback Ranch nods to the Dodgers’ old Florida spring training home. You’ll spot memorabilia displays that celebrate Dodgers history all over this section.

Sometimes, special ticket packages let you into Dodgertown practice areas to watch morning workouts. It’s a more personal way to see the players.

Walking paths connect the Dodgertown fields to the main stadium. Take a stroll before the game—you might spot some players getting ready.

You can take photos throughout Dodgertown, which is perfect if you’re hoping to snag autographs or just want a good stadium backdrop.

Getting to Camelback Ranch-Glendale

Camelback Ranch is super easy to reach by car, with clear routes from the highways and free parking at the stadium. You’ll find it at 10710 W. Camelback Road in Glendale, Arizona.

Directions and Transportation

To get there by car, just take Loop 101 to the Camelback Road exit (#5), then head west for about a mile and a half. The stadium will pop up on your right past 107th Avenue. The spring training facility is easy to reach from anywhere in the Phoenix area.

If you’re flying in, Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) is the closest big airport, about 18 miles away. Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport is another option if you’re coming in from elsewhere.

Public transportation is pretty limited, so renting a car is your best bet. Uber and Lyft both run in Glendale and can get you to and from the stadium.

Parking at the Stadium

One of the best things about Camelback Ranch? Parking is totally free for everyone. That’s rare for pro sports.

Parking lots open two hours before game time. Just follow the parking attendants and law enforcement for the quickest way in and out.

Several lots surround the stadium, and signs make it easy to find your way. Handicap-accessible parking sits in the closest spots to the gates.

If you’re coming for a big game, get there early—lots can fill up even though there’s plenty of space. The layout makes walking to the entrance pretty straightforward.

Fan Experience and Amenities

Camelback Ranch has a bunch of features that make spring training more fun. The ballpark mixes practical stuff with cool chances to interact with players, all set in a desert-inspired environment.

Concessions and Dining Choices

Food at Camelback Ranch is classic ballpark fare. Concession stands are accessible to all fans, including those with disabilities. You’ll find the usual—hot dogs, nachos, cold drinks—at stands all around the park.

Some fans have noticed the food options haven’t changed much in years. As one regular put it, it’s “same food, same between inning music,” and it feels like “time stood still here for 5-8 years.”

If you want to save some cash or just stay cool, bring water and snacks (if allowed), especially for those hot afternoon games. Prices are about what you’d expect at any stadium, so keep that in mind.

Autographs and Player Interaction

The 141-acre Sonoran Desert-inspired facility gives you a bunch of chances to meet players. Spring training is way more laid-back, so players are often easier to approach than during the regular season.

For the best shot at autographs:

• Get there early, right when gates open
• Hang out near the practice fields before games
• Bring your own pen and something to sign
• Be patient and polite

Lots of fans score signatures along the baselines before games. The smaller stadium makes everything feel more personal than at a big-league park.

Kids usually have the best luck with autographs, so if you’ve got young fans with you, bring them to the front of the crowd.

Exploring Camelback Ranch Grounds

Camelback Ranch isn’t just about baseball. The 141-acre complex draws you in with Sonoran Desert-inspired landscaping and plenty of spots to check out before or after catching some spring training action.

Walking Trails and Orange Grove

Walking the trails at Camelback Ranch, you’ll wind through lovely grounds and get peaceful views of the Arizona landscape. The paths connect different parts of the facility, so you can wander around at your own pace.

You might not expect to find an orange grove here, but it adds a splash of green to the desert. On hot days, the grove gives you some much-needed shade, and when the trees bloom, the air smells amazing.

While you’re exploring, you’ll come across a fish-stocked lake—a nice surprise, honestly. It’s both a scenic spot to chill out and part of the facility’s water recycling system.

The trails highlight the Sonoran Desert’s natural beauty and make it easy to get around the whole place.

Practice Field Access

Camelback Ranch has several practice fields where you can get up close to players during spring training workouts. Before games, these fields usually open to the public, so you get a behind-the-scenes look at pros getting ready for the season.

The 141-acre campus includes:

• Full-sized baseball diamonds
• Batting cages for swing practice
• Bullpen areas where pitchers warm up
• Conditioning fields for team drills

Players typically start morning workouts around 9:00 AM. If you want a good spot along the fences, come early! It’s the best way to watch fundamentals and see teammates interact.

Practice areas feel just like the main stadium, so players can prep in a game-like setting. Fans, meanwhile, get a much more intimate baseball experience than you’ll find during the regular season.

Nearby Attractions and Things to Do

Camelback Ranch-Glendale puts you near plenty of options beyond the ballpark. The area has everything from shopping and food to outdoor fun and local culture.

Events and Activities in Glendale

The Westgate Entertainment District sits just a few minutes away, packed with attractions and city-wide events all year. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and a concert venue—perfect for keeping the day going after a game.

If you’ve got kids, the Drive-In Glendale offers a throwback movie night under the stars. Bring blankets and snacks for a cozy evening.

Golfers can tee off at nearby cactus-studded golf courses, which blend challenging play with those classic desert and mountain views.

In the fall, brave souls can test their nerves at Fear Farm Sports & Entertainment Complex, one of Arizona’s biggest haunted attractions.

Exploring Scottsdale

Scottsdale is about a half-hour away and brings a different vibe. You’ve got upscale shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square—think luxury brands and unique boutiques.

Old Town Scottsdale mixes Western charm with modern art. It’s fun to stroll through the galleries, jewelry shops, and Western wear stores—it’s all walkable and pretty lively.

The Desert Botanical Garden shows off Arizona’s desert plants along five themed trails. You’ll see thousands of cacti, succulents, and wildflowers.

If you like hiking, head to Camelback Mountain for trails with sweeping valley views. Echo Canyon and Cholla trails each offer something different, so pick based on your experience. Definitely start early to beat the heat.

Local Dining and Haus Murphy’s

La Bona Pasta in Litchfield Park serves up homemade Italian dishes in a relaxed, cozy spot. Their pasta and friendly vibe are great for family dinners.

Haus Murphy’s is Glendale’s go-to for German food—think schnitzel, bratwurst, and homemade spätzle. Grab a seat in the beer garden and enjoy imported brews in hefty steins.

If you want something quick near the stadium, Alta Mar does fresh seafood with a Mexican twist. Their shrimp cocktail and fish tacos are worth a try.

Westgate Entertainment District has a range of dining—from casual sports bars to upscale spots—so whether it’s before the game or after, you’ll have options.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Visiting Camelback Ranch means thinking ahead about Arizona’s climate and the baseball schedule. A little planning can really make your trip smoother (and cooler).

Best Times to Visit

The sweet spot for Camelback Ranch-Glendale is Spring Training—usually late February through March. You get great baseball action and nice weather.

Weekday games tend to be less crowded. If you want a laid-back vibe, shoot for Monday to Thursday.

Early March usually gives you the best combo of good weather and plenty of games. As mid-March rolls around, teams start locking in their rosters, so you could catch more big-name players.

Arrive early—about two hours before game time—if you want to watch batting practice or maybe snag an autograph. A lot of fans say the pre-game is just as fun as the game itself.

Weather Considerations

Arizona’s desert climate means you need to prep a bit for your Camelback Ranch visit. Even in spring, temps can swing a lot during the day.

Morning games: Bring layers—mornings can be chilly (50s-60s°F) but warm up fast.

Afternoon games: Get ready for heat that sometimes hits the 80s or 90s°F. Don’t forget:

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• A wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• A refillable water bottle

For shade during afternoon games, look for seats on the first base side. The third base side bakes in the sun most of the day.

Rain hardly ever shows up in spring, but it’s smart to check the forecast. Occasionally, wind will kick up dust—maybe toss a light scarf or bandana in your bag.

Useful Resources and Planning

Getting ready for Camelback Ranch is easier with the right info. Here are some resources that’ll help you plan your spring training trip.

Official Websites and Apps

The Camelback Ranch official website is your best bet for up-to-date info about stadium events, ticket sales, and facility details. You’ll find seating info, including the 10,000 stadium seats and 3,000 lawn seats.

For broader planning, check out the Glendale Visitor Center website. They’ve got destination guides, travel brochures, and Arizona maps to help you get around.

The MLB Ballpark app is super handy for digital tickets and stadium info on the fly. Download it before your trip to get real-time updates about games, promos, and any facility changes.

Contact Information

Got a general question about Camelback Ranch? Just call the main office at (623) 302-5000. The staff there can help you out with stadium policies, accessibility, or booking special events.

If you need info about tickets, skip the main line and call the box office at (623) 302-5099. For groups of 15 or more, the group sales team is ready at (623) 302-5062.

Thinking about visiting during spring training? Don’t wait too long—accommodations and tickets tend to disappear fast. For stuff that’s not urgent, shoot an email to [email protected].

You’ll also find the visitor information desk right at the main entrance, where folks are happy to help during games and events.