Mesa celebrates the culmination of a successful 2025 Spring Training season with the Chicago Cubs leading attendance for all Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training and for the 12th straight season in the Cactus League. The Athletics saw a nearly 11 percent increase in attendance.
A total of 227,570 fans passed through the gates of Sloan Park between Feb. 21 and March 25, averaging 12,643 fans at the 18 games played there. The Cubs played before a Cactus League record of 16,161 fans at Sloan Park on March 8 during a game with the Seattle Mariners. The previous record was also held by the Cubs when 16,152 fans at Sloan Park watched the Cubs play the San Francisco Giants on Feb. 25, 2023. Meanwhile, the As saw 82,636 fans pass through the gates of HoHoKam Stadium, averaging 5,903 fans at 12 games. That compares to 63,893 at 12 games last year and an average of 5,324 fans.
"Spring training holds a special place in the hearts of the City's fans, especially those who support the teams and explore the city's hotels, restaurants, bars, and stores," said Mayor Mark Freeman. "The 30 games played here by the Cubs and As generated nearly 20% of the entire Cactus League attendance, a remarkable figure that highlights the Citys popularity as a destination for spring baseball enthusiasts and those seeking to experience all that Mesa has to offer."
"The City works closely with the Cubs and As not just during spring training but throughout the year, and they continue to appreciate the partnership with Mesa in not only providing the best-in-class training facilities for their players but also first-class experiences for the fans attending the games," said Marc Heirshberg, Deputy City Manager.
Nearly 1.7 million baseball fans attended 224 games across the Cactus League this year, marking the fourth straight season for a rise in attendance.