Baseball season is back. The Cactus League kicked off Thursday in Peoria with a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. 

Founded in 1947, the Cactus League annually draws fans from across the country to Arizona in February and March.

According to Cactus League Executive Director Bridget Binsbacher, around 60% of fans attending spring training games in 2023 traveled from out of state. They generated $418 million for Arizona’s GDP, according to an ASU study. 

Binsbacher urges local fans to look to individual venues for potential discounts. 

“Look for what's happening at those facilities. Look for resident discounts. The first two weeks of the season are typically the lightest attended so that's the best opportunity for local residents to get great tickets before out-of-state visitors hit the Valley for spring break,” Binsbacher said.

The Arizona Diamondbacks' first matchup is Friday against the Colorado Rockies.