The premier Scottsdale sports complex – Salt River Fields (SRF) at Talking Stick – is renowned for its state-of-the-art amenities and deep-rooted history. This facility has become a cornerstone of Arizona’s sports and entertainment scene.
First opened on February 11, 2011, SRF debuted as the spring training home for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. Today, multiple Major League Baseball teams utilize the complex because of Arizona’s mild spring climate.
As the first MLB spring training facility built on Native American land, SRF represents a historic partnership between the tribes and MLB. The name serves as a tribute to the Pima and Maricopa peoples since its location is on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Salt River Fields was designed by HKS, Inc., with the vision of being more than just a sports venue. The facility spans 140+ acres and includes 18 practice fields, a stadium that seats over 11,000, 4,800 parking spaces, and numerous training and fitness amenities. Named MLB’s most-attended Spring Training stadium in 2024, SRF attracts nearly 300,000 baseball fans annually.
The design emphasizes openness and integration with the surrounding desert landscape, offering spectacular views of the McDowell and Camelback Mountains. The complex also incorporates sustainable design principles, earning LEED Gold certification – and making Salt River Fields the first LEED-certified spring training facility in the United States.
Over the past 15 years, Salt River Fields has evolved into a year-round destination. The complex now hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals and sports tournaments. Notable events include the Arizona Taco Festival, Spooktacular Balloon Festival, Yoga in the Outfield, Taste of AZ Food Festival, Enchant Christmas and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Expo.
The facility’s growth also increases the number of visitors it attracts every year. In its inaugural season, Salt River Fields set a Spring Training attendance record and it has consistently ranked among the top Spring Training venues in terms of attendance. The complex continues to innovate, recently adding amenities like upgraded seating, enhanced dining options and expanded fan zones to improve the overall experience.
Attractions like OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland opened in 2013, followed by Topgolf in 2016. The Great Wolf Lodge Arizona, featuring a massive indoor water park, debuted in 2019. The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River opened in 2020, and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament launched in 2021. Mavrix, a multifaceted entertainment venue, opened in 2022. In 2023, Arizona Boardwalk expanded by acquiring 48 additional acres for future development, underscoring the district’s continuous growth and appeal.
The facility hosts community events and offers educational programs for schools, allowing students to learn more about baseball and the cultural significance of the land. As Salt River Fields celebrates 15 years of success, it looks forward to continuing its legacy as a premier sports and entertainment district.
In 2026, the Talking Stick Entertainment District will welcome REVERB by Hard Rock Scottsdale, a $60 million music-themed hotel featuring 195 rooms, an outdoor pool, a rooftop bar, and entertainment spaces.
For more information, visit saltriverfields.com.
