While games don’t start for a week or so, there’s still a chance to catch a glimpse of Major League Baseball players on the field at all 13 Florida locations.
Fans can visit the sites for morning workouts at no cost. Spring Training sites are the only place baseball fans can experience workouts in this manner. If you find yourself in a Florida Spring Training host community. Give it a look. You won’t be disappointed.
Atlanta Braves, CoolToday Park, North Port
Fans will have access to the back fields of the CoolToday Park complex, beginning Feb. 16 at 9 a.m. Entry will be granted through Gate 3 or the Green Gate before games begin. The Green Gate will be the only entry point for the back fields on the days the Braves are playing a Grapefruit League game on the main field.
Baltimore Orioles, Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota
Workouts on the back fields at Ed Smith Stadium will be open to the public from Thursday, February 13, through Friday, February 21. Practice times haven’t been announced, but they typically occur from approximately 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ET. It is free to attend, with parking available in the East Lot.
Boston Red Sox, Jet Blue Park, Fort Myers
Workouts are open to all fans at no cost. The Red Sox offer a park tour with an up-close and behind the scenes look at JetBlue Park. Fans and tour guides will be on the field, behind stanchions for this once in-a-lifetime experience. Tour guides will bring you interesting and fun facts and share with you the similarities between Fenway Park and JetBlue Park, along with an amazing view from the Green Monster. On non-game days, tickets are $10 for adults and children 12 and under are free.
Detroit Tigers, TigerTown, Lakeland
Fans are welcome to watch team workouts from designated areas around the back fields at Tigertown. They usually begin between 9:30 and 10 a.m. ET and run through the morning. Admission is free.
Houston Astros, CACTI Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach
Workouts are open to fans at no charge beginning at 10 a.m. ET. This will be the schedule most days. When attending workout sessions, Astros fans can park in the Northwest Parking lot on the northwest side of the complex. Except for the primary stadium which will only be open for games, the entire facility is open to fans to enjoy. Guests may park without charge on days during which only workouts are scheduled. On all game days, there is a $15.00 charge to park whether accessing the lot for workouts or the game.
Miami Marlins, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter
Access for fans, is free to workouts on the backfields of the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex. Complimentary parking will be located in front of the backfield entrance gates for preseason workouts.
Minnesota Twins, Lee Health Sports Complex, Fort Myers
Fans are welcome to attend workouts at the practice fields, located at the Lee Health Sports Complex.
New York Mets, Clover Park, Port St. Lucie
Workouts are free to the public each morning. Timings vary by day, and the team has yet to announce this year’s schedule, but workouts generally happen from mid-morning until around 1 p.m.
New York Yankees, George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
Workouts on non-game days are open to fans and free to attend, beginning Feb. 12. Parking is available in the main Steinbrenner Field lot, also free of charge.
Philadelphia Phillies, BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater
Before games begin, the Phillies work out next door at Carpenter Complex, which is the Phillies’ Minor League training facility. There are four fields there: Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Robin Roberts and Richie Ashburn.
The Phillies often use all four fields for drills, batting practice, etc. The workouts are free to attend. Workout times vary by day, but they typically begin mid-to-late morning and run through early afternoon.
Pittsburgh Pirates, Pirate City and LECOM Stadium, Bradenton
The Pirates have two Spring Training homes in Bradenton. They start the season with workouts at Pirate City (1701 27th Street East) before moving to LECOM Park in downtown Bradenton once the Grapefruit League schedule begins.
Fans are welcome to attend workouts at Pirate City, both for Major League and Minor League camp. Once the Major League camp moves to LECOM Park, Minor League camp fully takes over Pirate City.
St. Louis Cardinals, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter
Fans will have access to watch Cardinals players work out and potentially get autographs at the practice fields behind Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium at 9:00 a.m. Admittance is free. Fan parking is in the grassy areas beyond the outfield fences, and it is also complimentary.
Tampa Bay Rays, Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte
Fans can attend and watch the morning workouts on the practice fields of the Charlotte Sports Park.
Toronto Blue Jays, Dunedin
The Blue Jays are opening up their player development complex, located at 3031 Garrison Road, in Dunedin, from February 17-21. Fans will be able to watch from an assigned area. Fan hours will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. On-site parking opens at 9:30 a.m. and will be very limited.
Washington Nationals, CACTI Ballpark of the Palm Beaches
Morning workouts at the Nationals’ facility are open to fans, normally three hours prior to game time. When attending workout sessions, Nationals fans can park in the South Parking lot on the south side of the complex. Except for the primary stadium which will only be open for games, the entire facility is open to fans to enjoy. Guests may park without charge on days during which only workouts are scheduled. On all game days, there is a $15.00 charge to park whether accessing the lot for workouts or the game.
Once again, keep checking www.floridagrapefruitleague.com for more interesting Florida Grapefruit League Tips and Tidbits. See you at the Ballpark!