Volunteers bring spring training to life across the West Valley.

Volunteers at Goodyear Ballpark, Surprise Stadium and the Peoria Sports Complex staff gates, ushers and guest services during Cactus League spring training and say their work builds connections with fans and the community.

Volunteers arrive at spring training ballparks well before the first pitch to greet fans, answer questions and support game-day operations. They work long days in roles such as greeters, ushers and guest services at sites across the West Valley. Many volunteers describe the work as demanding but deeply rewarding and say it creates a strong sense of community. The presence of longtime volunteers helps regular fans feel recognized and welcome each season. Where volunteers help: - Volunteers staff Goodyear Ballpark, Surprise Stadium and the Peoria Sports Complex and form the backbone of Cactus League game-day operations. - Sisters Judy Tarkowski and JoAnn Terry often greet fans at the gates at Goodyear and say familiar season ticket holders make volunteering feel like family. - Virginia Swisher serves as co-captain of the Will Call team at Surprise Stadium and helps coordinate schedules, train new volunteers and adapt to ticketing changes. - Rusty Eccleston works mornings at the Peoria Sports Complex, helping on practice fields, answering questions and directing fans; roughly 400 volunteers support Peoria each season. - Peoria Executive Director Rebecca Wright and Surprise coordinator Marcus Wojtkowicz say volunteers add the human connection that turns a ballpark into a community gathering place. Summary: Volunteers keep operations running and help shape a welcoming atmosphere for fans during spring training. Their long-term presence and roles across multiple sites are described as central to the season’s community feel. Undetermined at this time.