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There are few traditions as dear to the Valley as Spring Training. Players and catchers report to Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix and other cities around the Valley and for a month our community gets to experience the baseball in its most exciting form.

This year, we are celebrating with all of the region the Opening Day of the new Cubs Stadium in Mesa. A state-of-the-art facility, complete with a major community park, opened to the public and for the Cubs yesterday.  A record breaking crowd of 14,000+ locals and tourists turned out for the Cubs first game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The new stadium also includes more lawn seating so thousands can bring blankets and picnic during the perfect March afternoons.

Every spring, thousands of tourists descend on the Valley to take part in this tradition. The Cactus League legacy in the Valley is part of our community’s pride and our history. For more than 60 years, the Cubs have made Mesa their home. Mesa invested in this ballpark and retained the historic team’s Spring Training operations.

Already, thousands of jobs were created during the construction of the stadium and now millions of dollars will be spent in the coming weeks by tourists attending these games. This new Wrigleyville West complex will soon include a hotel and more retail uses. The park outside the stadium provides a year round destination for families to enjoy.

Congratulations to Mesa, Mayor Smith, and the Chicago Cubs on a grand slam opening day!

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