Mesa Daily News Roundup

Arizona Baseball Museum readies grand opening

Mesa is stepping into the spotlight for baseball history this week as the new Arizona Baseball Museum prepares for its grand opening at the Mesa Historical Museum campus in the historic Lehi School complex. Housed in the old auditorium, the museum will be the first in Arizona devoted entirely to the state’s baseball story, from early military teams to the rise of the Cactus League.

A public grand opening celebration is set for Saturday, February 21, with family-friendly activities and special programming at the museum on North Horne Road. The museum will operate as a permanent attraction, giving locals and visitors a new way to explore the game’s roots in Mesa just as spring training begins.

Cactus League descends on Mesa ballparks

Spring training is about to bring thousands of fans back to Mesa’s ballparks as the Cactus League opens its 2026 schedule on Friday, February 20. The Oakland Athletics will train at Hohokam Stadium, just north of downtown, while the Chicago Cubs return to Sloan Park on the city’s west side.

Games will run through late March, with day and early evening start times. City officials and tourism partners expect the usual boost for nearby restaurants, hotels, and short-term rentals, especially around the stadium corridors. Residents near both facilities should plan for heavier traffic on game days and give themselves extra time for commutes.

America250 library events on tap tonight

As part of the city’s America250 initiative, Mesa Public Library is hosting a classic album discussion group this evening from 6 to 7 p.m. at the branch on South Eastmark Parkway. The ongoing series blends music appreciation with a look at different eras of American culture in the lead-up to the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.

The America250 planning effort, led by city officials and community partners, includes a calendar of talks, children’s programs, and history-themed activities at libraries and cultural venues across the city. Events will build toward a large July 4, 2026 celebration branded as the Arizona Celebration of Freedom.

What to know today

With baseball season and special events converging, Mesa residents can expect a busy stretch of traffic near Hohokam Stadium, Sloan Park, and key library branches. Checking event schedules before heading out and using transit or carpooling where possible can help ease congestion.

Sources

https://www.azfamily.com/2026/02/09/arizona-baseball-history-museum-open-this-month/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arizona-baseball-museum-grand-opening-celebration-tickets-1982047239649

https://www.arizonabaseballmuseum.org/

https://nationaltoday.com/us/az/phoenix/news/2026/02/15/valley-baseball-takeover-your-guide-to-2026-spring-training

https://www.visitmesa.com/things-to-do/spring-training/athletics/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloan_Park

https://www.mesaaz.gov/Activities-Culture/America-250