# Tailgate Tips for a Cactus League Spring Training Baseball Game *By James Hills — Updated July 2023* Spring Training tailgating is different that football tailgates in the fall. Here, it's more relaxed, more casual and frankly more about hanging out and bonding as guys than it is a showcase of extravagant cooking and over-the-top decorations. Spring Training tailgate parties are special because for most of those in attendance, it's a pilgrimage. It's a time when friends travel across the country to hang out, share stories, and have an amazing experience that will live on as memories for years to come. We just came back from Cactus League Spring Training in Phoenix and here are our tips to make the most of your spring training tailgating experience. ## Get There Early and Park Close To the Game While you are never going to have a long walk from the parking spot to the game at most Spring Training Stadiums, by getting there early you’ll be able to park as close to the stadium entrance as possible. This isn’t like your favorite mega stadium back home with 10’s of thousands of paved parking spots. While each stadium is different, the general rule is that there are some paved spots and the rest of the parking area is on grass or dirt fields. If you plan to set up tables or grills for your spring training tailgate then you want to make sure to arrive early! Since each stadium is run independently, parking fees vary as well, but generally, these fees are low ($5-$10) or free. ## You Can Easily Go In and Out of the Stadiums Most stadiums I’ve visited during Spring Training allow you to easily go in and out. This allows for fantastic pre-gaming as well as taking your own version of the seventh inning stretch during the middle of the game. Honestly, prices of beverages aren’t that bad inside most of the ballparks, but unlike MLB stadiums, the selection of adult beverages is generally not as diverse. Plus, we love ice-cold mike’s Hard Lemonade because it’s the perfect refreshing drink to cool down from the 90+ degree Phoenix heat. ### Norwegian Encore Is The World's Best Ship For A Guys Getaway Norwegian Encore cruise ship is our top pick for the ultimate guys weekend getaway at sea. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ejF3rNrY9csxRKuFHk5h3g.1482) ### 7 Ways to Experience Vietnam: From River Cruises to Motorcycle Adventures Seven ways to explore Vietnam on a guys trip, including Mekong river cruises, Ha Giang motorcycle adventures, Phu Quoc beach resorts, war history tours, and Ha Long Bay cruises. Seven ways to experience Southeast Asia's most compelling destination. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ejF3rNrY9csxRKuFHk5h3g.1041) ### 12-Day Vietnam Discovery Tour A 12-day Vietnam tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City covering Halong Bay, Hoi An, Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. Ideal for first-time visitors. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ejF3rNrY9csxRKuFHk5h3g.559) ### Seattle, Juneau & Canadian Coasts Cruise Experience the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest on this 7-night cruise. Explore vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes as you sail through iconic destinations. Virgin Voyages (affiliate) [View Sailing Details](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ejF3rNrY9csxRKuFHk5h3g.503) Promoted by FlowAds ## Make Sure to Protect Yourself from the Sun The sun is deceptively strong in Phoenix and you’ll want to be prepared so make sure that you also have plenty of water, sunscreen and an extra hat to help protect your skin. Sunglasses are a must here as well. Getting a sunburn is not a good souvenir to take back from a [guys weekend trip](https://www.mantripping.com/guys-weekend.html)! ## Snacks Not Grills Spring Training tailgate parties generally aren’t for grilling brats or elaborate game day favorites. Instead, it’s more of a pre-game opportunity to hang out together and share a few adult beverages. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have something to eat though. Keep it fun and in the spirit of the game by stocking up on baseball classics like Cracker Jacks, peanuts, Red Vines etc. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/HZ0IzR3TTuK3uaR8r932LA.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/HZ0IzR3TTuK3uaR8r932LA.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/HZ0IzR3TTuK3uaR8r932LA.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/HZ0IzR3TTuK3uaR8r932LA.2396) Promoted by FlowAds To take it to the next level though, you might want to even bring out some local favorites such as Vitners chips and popcorn if you are attending a Cubs game, or Lawson’s Chip Dip if you are headed to an Indians game. Many favorite regional snacks are available online now, or simply ask one of the guys to load up before heads down to Spring Training. ## Always Make Sure to Have a Designated Driver Arizona has extremely tough drunk driving laws and they can arrest you even if your BAC (Blood Alcohol Count) is below the national standard of 0.08. Because of this, even though you are drinking responsibly, please pick someone to be the designated driver. ## Pick the Right Stadium for Your Tailgate Party One of the great things about visiting Arizona Cactus League for Spring Training is the incredible diversity of stadiums to visit. Unfortunately, not all are created equal but we might have found our favorite one. To an extent, your choice of stadiums to visit will be dictated by visiting your home field at least once. Beyond that however, you should pick a stadium that balances good opportunities for pre-game tailgating as well great food and drinks inside. ***That’s why our pick for the best Cactus League Stadium for Tailgating is Scottsdale Stadium!*** Not only is it located extremely close to most of the resort properties, including a couple of paved parking lots right next to the stadium itself, but they serve ice-cold mike’s inside the park too! Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 22 July 2023 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Fall Guys Weekend Ideas In Southwestern Idaho Oct 31, 2016 [Fall Guys Weekend Ideas In Southwestern Idaho](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/fall-guys-weekend-ideas-in-southwestern-idaho.html) #### We've Found Your New Home Base: Basecamp Hotel Tahoe Oct 05, 2015 [We've Found Your New Home Base: Basecamp Hotel Tahoe](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/we-ve-found-your-new-home-base-at-basecamp-hotel-tahoe.html) #### Egypt's Red Sea Resorts: Dive, Golf, and Desert Thrills for a Guys Trip May 28, 2025 [Egypt's Red Sea Resorts: Dive, Golf, and Desert Thrills for a Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/egypt-beach-resorts-guys-trip-getaways.html) ### Related Articles #### Psychics, Sacred Vortexes, & Nine Places That Even Skeptics Will Enjoy Visiting on a Guys Trip [Psychics, Sacred Vortexes, & Nine Places That Even Skeptics Will Enjoy Visiting on a Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/metaphysical-guys-trip-destinations.html) #### Three Spicy Cocktails to Shake Up National Cocktail Day [Three Spicy Cocktails to Shake Up National Cocktail Day](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/three-spicy-cocktails-to-shake-up-national-cocktail-day.html) #### Five Reasons THC Drinks Belong in Your Outdoor Adventure Kit [Five Reasons THC Drinks Belong in Your Outdoor Adventure Kit](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/thc-drinks-outdoor-adventure-kit.html) #### Cocktails for Cinco De Mayo: 18 Drinks That Celebrate the Spirit of Mexican Culture [Cocktails for Cinco De Mayo: 18 Drinks That Celebrate the Spirit of Mexican Culture](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/cocktails-for-cinco-de-mayo-beyond-classic-margaritas.html) #### 8 Apple And Harvest Cocktails That Travel From Mexico And Hawaii To The Mainland [8 Apple And Harvest Cocktails That Travel From Mexico And Hawaii To The Mainland](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/apple-harvest-cocktails-for-fall.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Tailgate Tips for a Cactus League Spring Training Baseball Game](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/tailgate-tips-for-a-cactus-league-spring-training-baseball-game.html)* **Tags:** Arizona Guys Trip Ideas, Phoenix Guys Trip Ideas, Baseball, Travel Ideas, Drinks, Scottsdale Guys Trip Ideas