Swing for the Fences

    Swing for the Fences
    From birria-stuffed pretzels to Elvis-inspired hot dogs dusted in gold, the Cactus League’s 2026 lineup proves the Valley’s spring training stadiums are serving up experiences as memorable as the games themselves. // Photographer Daniel Kwon

    A Cactus League Culinary Tour

    By Shannon Severson

    Spring Training in Arizona’s Cactus League is as much about food as it is fastballs. With perfect spring temperatures and the scent of freshly cut grass lingering in the air, fans line up equally for pregame autographs and novel takes on ballpark classics. We take you on a Cactus League culinary adventure, highlighting must-try bites, beverages and where to find them at some of the season’s top venues.

    American Family Fields of Phoenix

    The Milwaukee Brewers’ springtime home is the only Cactus League ballpark within Phoenix city limits. In true Milwaukee fashion, beer is on the menu with locally owned Greenwood Brewing’s Emera Light Hazy IPA and Herstory IPA, Fate Brewing’s Local Lager and Halfway to Hefen, and Pedal Haus Day Drinker Light Lager, Backpacker NZ IPA and Beach Cruiser Mexican Amber.

    Savor Milwaukee’s famous cheese curds, hamburger-style UFO Sandwiches and Wisco Brat Tacos — crumbled Wisconsin bratwurst sausage served on a corn tortilla with taco toppings. Local food trucks add flair: AZ Acai’s chilled and fruity Brew Crew Bowl and Mozzerepas’ mozzarella-stuffed cornbread are crowd-pleasers. For dessert, award-winning Novel Ice Cream’s rotating flavors like Bourbon Toffee Caramel Crunch are a must-try.

    Group accommodations range from the shaded Poba Party Patio (50–100 guests) to The Courtyard with high-tops and umbrellas. Smaller parties will enjoy reserved picnic tables at American Family Insurance Terrace or the two press-level suites that can be reserved separately or together for up to 30 guests.

    Camelback Ranch

    The Chicago White Sox and World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers share Camelback Ranch, serving up a mix of Windy City and Tinseltown flair with a nod to the desert.

    “Every year we set out to change the game,” says Killian O’Donnell, general manager of Glendale Sportservice. “This year, we’re improving our Wok Off Noodles option, adding house-made broth brewed with Kirin lager and soft-boiled eggs.”

    This spring, O’Donnell says his chefs are introducing the Spicy Southsider Bowl — Ditka sausage embellished with burrito toppings including Hatch chile queso — and, since everything tastes better when eaten out of a mini helmet, elote off-the-cob served in a souvenir team helmet.

    Premium seating ranges from 12-person suites to the all-you-can-eat Bullpen Patio for groups of 10 or more, and the Four Peaks Brewing Deck (20–80 guests) offers all-inclusive weekend game options with deluxe, catered food and soft drinks. Expect Four Peaks Brewing Co. local brews and family-friendly buffet fare. 

    Hohokam Stadium

    The Athletics’ stadium is known for its excellent sight lines from anywhere, including the grassy outfield berms. New local partner 12 West Brewing serves draft options like Zona Pilsner and Hohokam Hazy at the stadium’s Craft Landing patio plus canned selections including Frontside IPA and Super Beaker IPA.

    Fans can feast on smoky barbecue brisket sandwiches topped with chef-curated sauce and coleslaw or a steamy, creamy bowl of macaroni and cheese — plain or topped with brisket or pulled chicken from Hudson’s Barbecue. Inspired by the King himself, The Hound Dog is an Elvis eccentricity topped with peanut butter, jelly, banana chips and edible gold dust. Private hospitality areas feature the blazing spectacle of bananas Foster from Chef Ryan Kagimoto.

    New this season is the Hohokam Hideout dispensing frozen drinks, kids’ beverage bats and boozy buckets for the grownups. Group areas for 30–150 guests include shaded terraces and lounges with patio games and all-you-can-eat packages. 

    Peoria Sports Complex

    Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres fans converge at this stadium’s lively environment with local purveyors and brews, anchored by the Four Peaks Pavilion group seating area above the left-field bullpen.

    Meander through the concourse for a world tour: foot-long corn dogs and hot dogs, gyros, yakisoba, beignets, loaded nachos and stuffed churros. Thai rolled ice cream and cookie sundaes topped with fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies satisfy a sweet tooth.

    “Our concessionaire, Levy Restaurants, works with subcontractors — food trucks and local restaurants — who produce unique, novelty food items in a turnkey way because they do it year-round all over Arizona,” says Blake Englert, City of Peoria’s venues and recreation manager. “We prioritize variety and have a well-deserved reputation for that; it takes a village to make it happen.”

    Elevated experiences include the brand-new Club Level with shaded and comfortable oversized seating behind home plate, in-seat service from the exclusive Cactus & Coast menu, a full bar, bottomless ballpark favorites and concierge amenities. The relaxed social vibe of the Sun Cruiser Oasis beneath the scoreboard features chic patio furniture, drink vouchers at the personal bar and excellent sightlines for groups of up to 45.

    Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

    Salt River Fields is the go-to for Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies fans seeking ballpark memories and tasty fare like Green Chile Smash Burgers with melty pepper jack cheese and hot honey drizzle or the Texas Dog topped with ranch beans, coleslaw, barbecue sauce and a pickle.

    “Each year, we introduce new items to explore the creative side of what stadium food can be,” explains Robert Brackett, district general manager of OVG Hospitality. “We focus on bringing fresh and fun ingredients to the fans and on the overall fan experience, ensuring every part of the game creates a photo-worthy memory.”

    The new Chicago Cheesesteak pairs well with selections from the Beers of Arizona stand that exclusively features State 48 craft brewers — including San Tan Brewery, Mother Road, The Shoppe, Huss Brewing and Phoenix Beer Co.

    Families will enjoy the Cold Stone Kids Fun Field with Wiffle ball batting practice, an ice cream cart brimming with frozen treats and the chance to run the bases postgame on Sundays. Amenity-filled, air-conditioned luxury suites and shaded party decks accommodate groups of varying sizes.

    Scottsdale Stadium

    The springtime home of the San Francisco Giants is nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale and pairs special events with bold food choices: Navajo tacos on fry bread, smoked pulled pork tortas and Giant foot-long dogs and Maxwell Street Polish sausages. Loaded mac and cheese topped with smoked brisket — served in a souvenir helmet — and Giant Bavarian pretzels with sweet or savory dipping sauces are new season highlights.

    Special promotions range from Dog Days to Arizona State University Day and Youth Baseball and Softball Day. Suites with food packages seat up to 20, and the Riot Hospitality Deck can host up to 250 with all-inclusive hot dog and brat packages.

    The Scottsdale Charros Lodge, available for select games, is a shaded VIP patio with complimentary drinks and local chef collaborations. Proceeds — which now total more than $21 million — support local charities and schools.

    Sloan Park

    Photographer Daniel Kwon

    Cubs fans come for the sun and stay for the food at Sloan Park. New culinary items include crispy carne asada elote fries; green chile bison burgers; Windy City nachos piled with seasoned Italian beef, pickled red onions, sport peppers and giardiniera and served in a souvenir helmet; Sonoran dogs and walking tacos layered into individual bags of Doritos. Dessert lovers will enjoy the warm decadent brownie sundae topped with crunchy pretzel pieces and Chicago’s own Garrett popcorn.

    For a viewing experience unique to the Cubs, the outfield, second-level Budweiser Rooftop features open seating at high-tops and tables along with fixed seating at the front; all is first come, first served. A special ticket affords access to this sun-drenched spot with an unforgettable vantage point. Another memorable experience for fans 13 and younger is running the bases after Sunday home games, weather permitting.

    Surprise Stadium

    The Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers share space at Surprise Stadium, voted best overall MLB spring training facility in a recent reader’s choice survey. Its Hometown Dogs pay tribute to Arizona and the two home teams with a cactus pico de gallo-topped Arizona Dog, the Texas Dog with chili and queso blanco, and the Kansas City Dog smothered in pulled pork, coleslaw and homemade pickles.

    A new heavy hitter enters the lineup this year: the Birria Grand Slam Pretzel — a sandwich-style meal filled with slow-braised birria beef and melted cheese tucked into a warm tortilla and topped with pico de gallo, cilantro cream and fresh jalapenos. The Signature Cactus Margarita — reposado tequila with agave and pear — is served in a custom-etched, reusable cocktail shaker. Brewery partners include Four Peaks Brewing Co., Boulevard, Huss Brewing Co., Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada.

    The Budweiser Legends Deck has VIP club-level seating, private bar service and premium catering from local restaurants.

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