Spring training always feels like a reset button. New faces. New hope. New storylines. For the Washington Nationals, that reset once again begins at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The 2026 season marks the ninth straight year the Nationals have trained at CACTI Park, their spring home since 2017. Pitchers and catchers report on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the first full squad workout set for Monday, Feb. 16. From there, Grapefruit League play picks up quickly.
The Nationals open spring training games on Saturday, Feb. 21 with split-squad action, including a home matchup against the Houston Astros at CACTI Park. A few other dates are worth circling as well. Washington will host a Team Venezuela World Baseball Classic exhibition on Wednesday, Mar. 4, and the Spring Breakout prospect showcase comes to West Palm Beach on Thursday, Mar. 19.
CACTI Park is a shared complex between the Nationals and Astros, located at 5444 Haverhill Road. The Nationals’ side of the facility sits on the south end, and on workout days fans can walk the grounds and watch practices up close. It is one of the best parts of spring training and something many first-time visitors do not realize is allowed.
Tickets for spring training are already on sale through the Nationals’ official site. Seating choices depend on what kind of day fans are looking for. The lawn offers the most laid-back option. Bring a towel or blanket, settle in and enjoy the game. No chairs are allowed. The Club Level Party Deck provides shade along with access to a semi-private cash bar and grab-and-go food. The Patio features picnic-table seating near the third base side and gives fans a social setup with solid views of the field.
Parking is straightforward if you know where to go. Find general parking in Lot F on the south side of the complex, with entrances off Haverhill Road and Military Trail. Plugging in 5001 Military Trail or 5100 Haverhill Road on your GPS usually makes getting in easier. Parking costs $12 in advance and $15 on game day, with buses and RVs priced at $25. ADA parking is available in Lots A, C and D, with shuttle assistance offered when needed.
A cashless venue, CACTI Park’s parking, tickets, concessions and merchandise all require card or mobile payment. The bag policy is strict but manageable, permitting clear bags up to 16 by 16 by 8 inches, along with small clutches and medical or diaper bags. Policies can change depending on the event, so traveling light remains the safest move. Fans may bring one clear plastic water bottle up to 20 ounces, which helps in the Florida heat.
Gates typically open about one hour before first pitch, and getting there early is worth it. Spring training is the easiest time of year for fans to get close to players. Autographs are not permitted during games, but players often sign before first pitch on the adjacent practice fields. Fans hoping to get something signed should arrive when the facility opens and head there first. Batting practice usually starts about two hours and 25 minutes before game time, around 10:10 a.m. for 1:05 p.m. games and 3:10 p.m. for 6:05 p.m. games.
The Nationals will also bring “Nats Spring Training Live!” to Duffy’s Sports Grill on Clematis Street on Feb. 22, Mar. 1, Mar. 8 and Mar. 15. The show starts at 7 p.m. and is hosted by Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler. It offers an easy postgame stop for fans, with a 10 percent discount available for anyone wearing Nationals gear.
Whether you’re making the trip to West Palm Beach or watching from home, spring training at CACTI Park is where jobs get won and Nationals baseball comes back into focus.