There are spring-training games, and there are spring-training games that mean something, even if the stats and results don’t count in the standings. Rivalries games during spring training are exciting — but games sell out, so begin planning now.
Those rivalry games are something to plan around: they tend to sell out (or come close, anyway), so buying tickets in advance is a must, and some planning is required, as the rivals don’t always play in close proximity. Here are our favorite rivalry games to take in during spring training.
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE
BOSTON RED SOX AND NEW YORK YANKEES: The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees each host a game in this noteworthy and always-sold-out spring-training rivalry. Boston hosts a game at JetBlue Park on March 15 (a night game, to boot!), while the Yankees host at Steinbrenner Field on March 5.
NEW YORK METS AND NEW YORK YANKEES: The Yankees and Mets haven’t always faced off in spring training, but they do in 2016. The Mets host a game at Tradition Field on March 9, while the Yankees host at Steinbrenner Field on March 22 (a night game!).
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES AND PITTSBURGH PIRATES: The Phillies and Pirates face off three times this spring. The teams play a home-and-away series on March 7-8, squaring off March 7 at McKechnie Field and March 8 at Bright House Field. The pair will also play March 18 at Bright House Field — a Friday game that should be packed.
CACTUS LEAGUE
CHICAGO CUBS AND CHICAGO WHITE SOX: The Cubs and White Sox each host a game in the Chicago rivalry. The Cubs host on March 12 at Sloan Park, while the White Sox host on March 18 at Camelback Ranch – Glendale.
CINCINNATI REDS AND CLEVELAND INDIANS: The Ohio teams share a spring-training complex, so they see each other often during spring training: March 1, March 2, March 3, March 17, March 26, and March 31.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM AND LOS ANGELES DODGERS: The Angels and Dodgers each host a game in the Los Angeles rivalry. The pair plays at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 9, and at Camelback Ranch – Glendale on March 11. The two teams also play three games in Southern California before the beginning of the regular season: March 31 and April 1 at Dodger Stadium, and April 2 at Angel Stadium.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS AND SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: The Giants and Dodgers each host a game in this long-time rivalry. The Giants host the Dodgers at Scottsdale Stadium on March 6, while the Dodgers host at Camelback Ranch – Glendale on March 27 — a Friday night game worth noting.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS AND SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: The A’s and Giants square off three times in Cactus League action. The Athletics host at Hohokam Stadium on March 14 (a night game!), while the Giants host at Scottsdale Stadium on March 19 and March 21. The two teams also play three games in the Bay Area before the beginning of the regular season: March 31 and April 1 at AT&T Park, and April 2 at O.co Coliseum.
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