Shaded Seating at Sloan Park

What You Need to Know About Shade at Sloan Park

Sloan Park captures the spirit of Chicago in the middle of Mesa, complete with a replica of the Wrigley marquee and the Cubs’ home dugout sitting on the third-base side. The park holds 15,000 fans and is the largest Spring Training stadium in terms of capacity.

The large canopies are not just for looks. They were specifically designed to handle the Arizona heat by projecting shade deep into the grandstand.

How Shade Moves During the Day

The stadium faces northeast, which means the sun tracks behind the third-base grandstand as the afternoon progresses. At a 1:05 PM first pitch, the sun is high and slightly to the south, casting shadows over the back rows of the home side.

As the game moves into the 3rd and 4th innings, the shade moves down the the grandstand, covering the Cubs’ dugout and eventually the pitcher’s mound. The first-base line (visitor side) and the right-field berm are the last to find relief, staying in the sun until the late innings.

Stick to the Home Side 3rd Base for Shade

If you want to avoid any chance of sun, aim for row 10 or higher in the 100-level sections on the third-base side.

• Sections 107 – 188: This is the heart of the shade that is largely blocked by the large canopy above. By sitting on the Cubs’ side (107 – 112), you ensure the sun is behind you, making it easier to see the game without a glare. The first-base side sections 113 – 118 are also covered by the roof. If you sit on the upper rows, you should be fine for the entirety of the afternoon.

• Sections 102 – 106: At around 2:30, these sections will see full relief from the sun.

• Budweiser Rooftop: A great destination for those who want to wander. It stays shaded and offers a cooler breeze than the lower-bowl seats.

Evening and Night Games

While rare, evening games at Sloan Park are a highlight. For an evening start, the sun sets behind the third-base grandstand, so you won’t have to worry about looking into the sun.

However, the desert temperature can drop 15–20 degrees as soon as the sun goes down. Because the large canopy can trap rising cool air, the stadium can feel surprisingly brisk by the 7th-inning stretch.

Night games are perfect to see in the general admission area on the lawn. While there is no cover or trees, by evening it should be cool enough to enjoy a great night game.