Heading to Arizona for the Cactus League? Pack Your Paddle!

With Spring Training kicking into high gear in both Arizona and Florida, many baseball fans will descend on the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues in the coming weeks to see how their favorite team is shaping up for the 2024 season.

Both locales are pickleball hotbeds, with courts and sunshine plentiful. What better way to enjoy your trip than by packing that paddle and finding a court in between games?

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We'll focus on Arizona here, with our guide to Florida publishing Friday. Our friends at Bounce (Find courts anywhere with Bounce's pickleball court finder) have compiled the best and most accessible courts nearby big spring training locations throughout the Phoenix metro area.

Glendale (5 locations)

We'll highlight the Chicken N Pickle, located at 9330 West Hanna Lane. It has five indoor and five outdoor courts and boasts lights and food, among other things.

Goodyear (8 locations)

Goodyear boasts one of the premier spots in the area in Pebble Creek Pickleball Club at 16150 W. Clubhouse Drive. That's the good news. The bad news? It requires a membership. Can't hurt to ask if you can get on while you're in town, right?

Mesa (27 locations)

The spring home of the Cubs and Athletics has no shortage of courts. Mesa's Liberty Bell Bank Park boasts 41 courts for a one-time fee. The location is also home to multiple professional tour events and is part of the Legacy Sports Complex at 1 Legacy Drive.

Peoria (9 locations)

Fans of the Padres and Mariners have only a few locations to choose from. Paloma Community Park at 29799 N Lake Pleasant Road is one of the free options in town. There are multiple locations that require membership, so again, no harm in asking.

Phoenix (30 locations)

The City of Phoenix has courts of all types, from indoor rec and community center availability to outdoor tennis courts with painted lines. Pecos Park at 17010 S. 48th St. looks like a great – and free – spot and is very popular.

Scottsdale (22 locations)

If you're staying at The Boulders Resort & Spa, your problem is solved. Their courts look pretty sweet. Scottsdale Community College might be more your speed, with six courts available for a one-time fee.