Cactus League attendance increased for the fifth straight year in 2026, drawing 1.7 million fans across 237 games in the Phoenix area during spring training.
The total was a 3.4% bump from 2025 and the largest since 2018.
The Cactus League averaged 7,400 fans per game, which was down 169 per day from 2025. The weather helped the overall total, as there were no rainouts during the 2026 spring training season.
“Cactus League attendance has steadily climbed despite challenges beyond our control – a pandemic, a lockout and now a record heat wave,” Cactus League executive director Bridget Binsbacher said. “The appeal of spring training, like baseball itself, is timeless – and nothing compares to experiencing it in our unique and intimate ballparks.”
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Phoenix reached triple-digit highs for eight consecutive days from March 18-25, and teams moved back afternoon games to the evening to help fans brave the heat.
The single-day attendance record came during that hot stretch. On Friday, March 20, 78,638 fans attended Cactus League games in the Valley.
2026 Cactus League attendance quick facts
– The largest crowd of 15,788 came on Sunday, March 15, for a meeting between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park.
– The Chicago White Sox averaged 5,155 fans for this year’s biggest percent jump in Cactus League attendance (12.9%).
– The Cubs led in average attendance (12,644 fans per game) for the 13th straight season.
Cactus League attendance by year
Year Total attendance (games) Average per game 2026 1,753,849 (237) 7,400 2025 1,695,480 (224) 7,569 2024 1,630,436 (216) 7,548 2023 1,565,182 (216) 7,246 2022 728,626 (135) 5,397 *season shortened by MLB lockout 2021 446,905 (208) 2,149 *capacity restricted due to COVID protocols 2020 949,113 (143) 6,637 *season suspended March 12 due to COVID 2019 1,737,975 (220) 7,900
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