Chicago Cubs: A Cubs fan takes a tour of the Cactus League

Chicago Cubs: Hohokam Stadium

I went to visit a long-lost relative on Saturday, February 29, as tickets were way more expensive on Saturdays than on any other day for Cactus League games. I went to Sloan Park again on March 1 and on the afternoon of March 2, which was a split-squad day for the Cubs, before heading to my final stop on tour: Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, where the other half of the team was that night. (Yes, two Cubs games in one day!)

Hohokam Stadium is the former home of Chicago Cubs spring training. The Oakland Athletics have taken it over and renovated it. The exterior is decorated in A’s green and yellow; you know before you even walk in that you’re at an A’s game. The stadium is about four miles from Sloan Park, and though it’s city driving, I found it to be relatively easy to get to. Parking was $5 and it was easy to get in and out.

Inside, the scoreboard hovers over the stadium much the same way as it does in Peoria. One difference is that Hohokam Stadium feels much more prominent, especially on a 55 degree, rainy evening where there were a lot of empty seats. Much of the concourse is also blocked from view of the field, also like at Peoria. The stadium, both inside and outside, felt a little clunky, but it still can be a decent place to watch a ballgame.

One thing that stood out to me was the A’s fans, who were more vocally supportive of their team than any other fan base I witnessed during my entire trip. As the A’s beat the Cubs that night, it was one of the few times I felt a little out of place, as the Cubs were well-represented at the other road games I attended.

So that was my 2020 tour of the Cactus League. I would be interested to hear about the experiences of other fans if you have them.