MESA, Ariz. — The start of spring training brings baseball fans from all over the country to catch their favorite teams.
When the Cactus League games officially start, you can almost always catch Sloan Park in Mesa packed full of Chicagoans ready to watch their beloved Cubs prepare for the upcoming season.
The Cubs actually have a long history in Arizona, where the team started training in 1952.
The team began playing in Mesa in 1965, took a one-year hiatus away from Arizona in 1966, came back to play in Scottsdale until 1978 and officially moved into their former Valley home in Mesa, Hohokam Stadium, in 1979.
Often dubbed "Wrigleyville West," Sloan Park has been the home away from home for the Cubbies since 2014.
How to buy tickets
To purchase tickets for games at Sloan Park, head to the Chicago Cubs’ website or call 888-THE-CUBS.
You can also buy tickets at the Sloan Park Ticket Office. the stadium is located at 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy in Mesa. The box office is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and for Sunday game days.
The Sloan Park gates will open 90 minutes before the start of the game on game day.
Where to park
Parking spots at the stadium are on a first-come basis and parking lots open fours hours before game time.
Parking costs $10 for reserved and $5 for general parking, which is located east of the ballpark, per vehicle. Buses and RV parking is $14.
General handicap is available in the stadium's yellow lot. The blue lot in front of the stadium is for reserved handicap parking. For those who need extra assistance to get to and from the parking lot, a shuttle is available to take fans from from the yellow and orange lots.
Ballpark highlights
Sloan Park is often referred to as "Wrigleyville West" and features several things reminiscent of Wrigley Field throughout it, including a replica of Wrigley Field's famed marquee.
And after a Cubbies win, chances are you can catch fans giving the ol' "Go Cubs Go" chant.
As for food, yes, the world-famous Chicago Dog is there.
Nearby restaurants and bars
There's plenty of restaurants to choose from around the park including Tempe Market Place and Four Peaks Brewing Company which are just short drives from the stadium.