Return of MLB spring training brings tourism boom to Arizona, Florida

Major League Baseball's spring training has returned to Arizona and Florida with the first preseason games taking place in the last few days and baseball fans from around the country flocking to sunny locales to see their favorite teams get ready for the season ahead.

Each year before the regular season begins, MLB teams head to Arizona and Florida for more than a month to prepare for the season ahead with each state hosting 15 MLB squads. Teams that hold their preseason camps in Arizona play each other in the Cactus League, while those based in Florida compete in the Grapefruit League.

Last year marked the first time in three seasons that fans were able to fully partake in spring training. In 2020, the onset of COVID-19 compelled the cancelation of spring training about three weeks after it began, and MLB teams limited crowd sizes in 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic. Then in 2022, spring training was delayed and then shortened due to a labor dispute between franchise owners and the MLB Players Association over their contract – making the 2023 season the first spring training in several years with full fan participation.