11 Cactus League games change start times due to Valley heat

PHOENIX – In response to a record heat wave moving into the Valley, the Cactus League moved 11 games to more appealing times as a safety precaution.

Temperatures could surpass 100 degrees as early as Wednesday. Individual teams are in charge of their own schedules during spring training, and many have taken advantage of that autonomy. 

As of Monday, 11 Cactus League games had been moved:

Wednesday: Royals vs. Rangers at Surprise Stadium, 6:05 p.m.

Thursday: Giants vs. Rockies at Salt River Fields, 6:10 p.m

Thursday: Angels vs. Royals at Surprise Stadium, 6:05 p.m.

Friday: Giants vs. Rangers at Surprise Stadium, 6:05 p.m.

Friday: Cubs (split squad) vs. Athletics, at Hohokam Stadium, 6:10 p.m.

Friday: Reds vs. Cubs (split squad) at Sloan Park, 6:05 p.m.

Friday: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields, 6:10 p.m.

Friday: Mariners vs. Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark, 6:05 p.m.

Saturday: Athletics vs Dodgers at Camelback Ranch-Glendale, 11:05 a.m.

Saturday: White Sox vs. Reds at Goodyear Ballpark, 6:05 p.m.

Saturday: Cubs vs. Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex, 6:10 p.m. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, half of this year’s remaining spring training games are scheduled for no earlier than 5 p.m.

Before this heat wave, the earliest day of the year that the official high in Phoenix reached triple digits was March 26, 1988. That is the only time Valley temperatures have ever reached 100 degrees in March. And Friday’s forecast is for 105 degrees at Sky Harbor International Airport, with some services predicting as high as 108. The earliest the official high has hit 105 previously was on April 20, 1989, according to weather.gov.

This isn’t the news most Arizonans or visitors want to be hearing, especially dedicated baseball fans who plan on attending one of the Cactus League’s remaining spring training games. 

Cactus League spokesperson Andrew Bagnato said those involved with Arizona spring training typically brace themselves for unexpected rain, which often results in games getting canceled altogether. Despite Arizona’s reputation for heat, few attendees brace for these temperature extremes.

“This particular case is unprecedented,” Bagnato said. “We’ve had to deal with rain over the years, and that’s usually the most significant weather impact, but in terms of heat, this is a new one.”

Some ballparks are making adjustments to their game-day policies to allow fans to bring in water or other drinks. Due to constant updates, fans are advised to check a stadium’s game-day policies before arrival. 

“The Cactus League’s No. 1 priority is the health and safety of all involved,” Cactus League executive director Bridget Binsbacher said in a statement on Monday. 

As another week of spring training gets underway in the desert, ballpark staff members are doing everything in their power to make sure fans don’t miss a single game. 

“Our staff at our ballparks are incredible,” Bagnato said. “The way they’re able to adjust is amazing. With our facility staff, we feel like one of our calling cards is that when it’s game time, they’ll be ready, and that’s going to be the case again this week.”

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