Spring Training in Florida, Let’s Play 2!
Spring training in Florida is a cherished tradition for baseball fans, with ballparks hosting Major League Baseball teams throughout the state. It is a magical time for baseball fans. From February to March, teams from all over the country gather in the sunshine state to prepare for the upcoming season. With ballparks spread across the state, there is no shortage of options for fans to catch a game or two. From Wikipedia, here is a rundown of each ballpark and the team that calls it home:
FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches – West Palm Beach, Home of the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals, this stadium opened in 2017 and can seat up to 7,700 fans.
Clover Park – Port St. Lucie- Formerly known as First Data Field, this stadium is home to the New York Mets and seats 7,160 fans. The stadium is also home to a popular tiki bar.
LECOM Park – Bradenton- Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, this stadium has been renovated several times since its opening in 1923 and can seat up to 8,500 fans.
George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa- Home of the New York Yankees, this stadium can seat up to 11,000 fans and features a replica of the iconic Yankee Stadium facade.
Charlotte Sports Park – Port Charlotte – Home of the Tampa Bay Rays, this stadium can seat up to 6,823 fans and features a unique outfield tiki bar. Due to Hurricane Irma damage, the Rays are playing their games at Tropicana Field in St. Pete.
Ed Smith Stadium – Sarasota- Home of the Baltimore Orioles, this stadium underwent a $31 million renovation in 2011 and can seat up to 7,500 fans.
Hammond Stadium – Fort Myers- Home of the Minnesota Twins, this stadium underwent a major renovation in 2015 and can seat up to 9,300 fans.
JetBlue Park – Fort Myers -Home of the Boston Red Sox, this stadium can seat up to 11,000 fans and features a replica of the Green Monster.
Cool Today Park – North Port- Home of the Atlanta Braves, this stadium opened in 2019 and can seat up to 8,000 fans. It features a modern design and a variety of food options.
TD Ballpark– Dunedin- In early 2019, construction began on a newly renovated TD Ballpark and will continue to be home to the Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training and the Dunedin Blue Jays under a new 25-year lease agreement between the Blue Jays, the City of Dunedin.
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Jupiter- Home of the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals, this stadium can seat up to 7,000 fans and features a variety of amenities, including a tiki bar and a playground for kids.
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland Home of the Detroit Tigers, this stadium can seat up to 8,500 fans and features state-of-the-art facilities, including upgraded seating options and a 360-degree concourse.
BayCare Ballpark– Clearwater- Opened in 2004 and is the home of Phillies Spring Training and the Low-A Southeast League Clearwater Threshers. The Phillies have been training in Clearwater, Florida, since 1947, the second-longest affiliation between a major league club and its spring training home in baseball.
In conclusion, Florida is home to some of the most beautiful and historic ballparks in the country. Baseball fans can enjoy the beautiful weather, delicious food, and competitive games as they travel across the state to visit each stadium. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, spring training in Florida is a must-see experience.
As Ernie Banks said, “Let’s Play 2!”
Photos from Deposit Photos