Cubs, Reds to meet at Big League Weekend at Cashman Field

Before the World Series champion Chicago Cubs wrap up their spring training schedule and begin their title defense next year, they’ll make their annual stop at Cashman Field.

The host 51s and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced Thursday that the Cubs will play the Cincinnati Reds on March 25 and 26 for Big League Weekend, marking the 13th straight year — and 16th overall — the Cubs have come to Las Vegas.

This is the third time the Reds will appear at Big League Weekend.

Last year, Cashman Field hosted the Cubs and Mets, with whom the 51s are affiliated. The teams split the series before two sellout crowds.

“We’ve obviously developed a real strong relationship with the Cubs, and I know they’ve been through a couple different ownership groups, a couple different management groups that really enjoy coming to Vegas in the spring,” 51s president Don Logan said. “That relationship is so strong. It’s something special. It’s a good thing that’s worked out well for everybody.”

Scheduling for Big League Weekend was especially difficult because of two NASCAR events (March 11 and 12) and seven college basketball tournaments (March 2 to 11) in Las Vegas, and the World Baseball Classic (March 6 to 22). Game times for the weekend are still to be announced, but ticket packages are available by calling the 51s’ office.

Logan said Big League Weekend can help break up some of the monotony of spring training.

“When you’re sitting in Arizona for six weeks straight, it’s good to get moving around,” he said. “It’s like a practice trip, if you will, so they get to get on a plane and come up here. That helps the preparation for the season.”

The Reds’ Amir Garrett, who attended Sierra Vista High School and Findlay Prep and was drafted out of high school in 2011, and Dilson Herrera, who played for the 51s last season before being traded, might appear in the series, as will Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, a Bonanza product who was named the National League Most Valuable Player on Thursday.

“There’ll be thousands of Cubs jerseys and hats, and there will be hundreds of Reds jerseys and hats,” Logan said. “It just is a real relaxed … fun environment.”

Contact Betsy Helfand at bhelfand@reviewjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @BetsyHelfand