3 reasons you should catch a Texas Rangers spring training game in 2025

This time next week the Texas Rangers will open up their 2025 spring training schedule like they've done every year since 2003, in Arizona at Surprise Stadium.

The history of spring training can is quite an amazing read. It started in the late 1800s and believe it or not began in Hot Springs, Arkansas of all places. In 1913, the Grapefruit League in Florida was founded and 34 years old the Cactus League followed. As of 2018 both leagues were split at an even 15 teams where it stands right now.

In 2024, spring training brought a total of 3.3 million fans, up 15.6% from years prior and brings in millions of dollars to both states. It's not surprising as people love good weather, baseball and limited-edition events.

Here's why you should consider making the trip to Arizona this spring for some Rangers baseball.

The fan experience at spring training is unmatched

If you've never been to a spring training game the best way I can describe it to you is a combination of a college baseball environment, the entertainment of a minor league baseball game and the talent level of Major League Baseball.

Surprise Stadium in particular is a gem of a ballpark. It might not blow anyone away in terms of amenities and modern-day features but the 10,500 capacity stadium does a lot with a little. There's a free parking, a variety of seat options, an area for kids to run around and a team shop to get some new gear.

On top of the features of the stadium is the widely different access than a regular season game. If you get there a few hours early, make your way to the Rangers practice field and watch the players stretch, warm up or take batting practice. Then if you're lucky you might be in the right place at the right time for an autograph or photo with your favorite player.

Bring a blanket and enjoy lawn seating in the outfield, eat some ballpark food and enjoy some Rangers baseball.

Seeing up and coming talent/getting a preview of Rangers 2025 roster

When you go to a spring training game you feel like you are part of the conversation in terms of roster construction and the young players in the minor leagues.

Prior to the 2023 season, I actually went to one of Jacob deGrom's first spring starts with Texas, getting to watch him warm up, throw his pre-game bullpen and see a few innings of action. Last year, I got to see Wyatt Langford get his feet wet in professional ball and see Jack Leiter strike out Eloy Jimenez.

This year, make a point to pay attention to a few young stars, most notably 18-year-old phenom Sebastian Walcott, fireballer Marc Church and Malcom Moore. Of course, also watch the veterans and get that much more excited for the regular season ahead.

Location, location, location

I may be a bit bias, having spent six years in Phoenix but that area is wonderful.

The Cactus League setup in Arizona is truly the best setup among the two states that host spring training. Among the 15 teams that play their spring ball in Arizona, there is minimal travel involved to get from one stadium to the next. For example, for an out-of-towner spending a week in Phoenix you can attend 4-5 games at different stadiums and stay within a 10-15 minute radius.

Now the unfortunate thing about that is Surprise Stadium is perhaps the furthest stadium, located about 25 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. The next closest stadium is Goodyear Ballpark, the home of the Cinicinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians.

But the Phoenix metro area is a perfect location to be. You can attend a game in the afternoon and explore the local area in the evening. If you do want to take a day off from baseball you can take it easy in the area or even make a day trip up north to Flagstaff or Sedona.