Ah yes, spring training. I've been photographing it since 1977 however never in Arz, only in Florida. The first year I went, a season ticket was $45. Now one game box seat is that or more. It's now so overpriced, IMHO.

As far as photography, I know in Florida, it has gotten near impossible. There is netting and security fences everywhere now. If you do sit in the OF for a game, try a wider angle shot with the pitcher in motion and the infielders all in proper position. However, getting along first or third base and getting the classic shot of the hitter striking the bat on the ball or right after a full swing and looking up at the ball is now tough with all the netting. I used to take a monopod, but no longer do that because of the IBIS in my camera and lenses. On sunny days, you're shutter will be plenty fast, even at ISO 64 or 100.

My advice depending on the stadium and what they allow or don't, go to the back fields before the regular game and watch practice. Even there they have put up extra security fences and even screens so that you cant see as much in certain parks but not all. I know even in the same facilit like the one in West Palm, the Astros side has much easier viewing positions than the Nationals side. The Nats put up green screens which make it tougher for photos than the As as


The only time I had issues getting a camera in was soon after 911. The checked everything. Most places if not all still check camera bags but I've been never been turned away for a certain lens. Football yes, and at major league stadiums yes, but so far not spring training. But again, that can change at all time, so the advice to call is good advice.

In years past, yes, I'm old, I could sit on the same bench on a back field with Andre Dawson and Larry Walker and listen their chats during BP. I could watch coaches give instruction from only a few feet away while working on foot work ect for infielders, but those days are long passed.

However, at least in most places in Florida, the better access to players by far is on the back fields for photos. I have for the most part stopped going to the games. I go early in spring and watch intra-squad games or the better minor league games for free. Even after the major league games start, the minor league games are free on the back fields and many times you get the big league guys getting extra at bats in those games and bullpen pitchers getting work in. That's when you get much better access for photos, again IMHO.

Here are a few all taken on back fields in recent years. All were taken during practice on back fields over the years except for the Aaron Judge, which was before they put up the netting along the base lines. I have thousands of images from spring training and 90% of my best were during practice, not games. The access is much better there and not nearly as many people crawling around, though it has gotten far more crowded in recent years even in the back fields. After covid, they again did more security so it's nothing like it was even before Covid, but try the back fields if photos are what you're after. And you can still hear the banter with the players for your video.

1) You can call any ball park you want in Arizona and ask them that question. Those rules sometimes change even mid season, I have always done this prior to flying out to Goodyear AZ.
2) You can get as close as your seat allows, there are no special privileges for us amatures. Pre game is a different matter, go down to the field railing and try your best, before the game players work our on other fields and sometimes you can get close then, when players come off those practice fields they sometimes will sign autographs and pose for selfies and pose for photographers. You should check this out, best times are hours before a game. You need to do your OWN homework here.
3) Again, most stadiums I have shot in do not allow any tripods or monopods, but again, this is a question best asked from the stadium itself as most have their own rules regarding photographic equipment.

Many ballparks/arenas forbid cameras with replaceable lenses, as they are "for the professional photographers". And you may be asked to take it back to your car. You will need to check with the place you plan to go and use it. Pocket cameras and cell phone cameras usually are not a problem.

You will also need to do the same for using a monopod or tripod at the venue, as they will interfere with other visitors there. My guess is you will probably be told no on those, but it never hurts to ask first.

Asking the venue first is always the safest way to do it, and making note of who you spoke to and in what department in case there is an issue when you get there.

Hope it works out for you.