Sarasota in Full Swing: Get Ready for Spring Training Season

Are you a fan of America's favorite and oldest pastime? Sarasota County is proud to have two Major League Baseball teams—the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park and Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium—make this part of Florida their home base for Spring Training, the short season that offers big-league fans a chance to see both well-known stars and up-and-coming prospects in an intimate setting.

In February and March, head south to defrost those winter-chilled bones as your favorite players warm up their swings. Practices and workouts are open to the public daily on adjacent practice fields starting in February, while ticketed games throughout the Spring Training season are typically priced lower than regular-season MLB tickets.

Schedules for the 2027 Spring Training Season have been announced—which means it's time to start planning your ballgame itinerary.

Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park

Come February, the Atlanta Braves will return to their offseason home-away-home at CoolToday Park, their state-of-the-art facility and stadium in the Venice-North Port area since 2019. 

CoolToday Park includes a two-level Braves Clubhouse Team Store for your game-day merch, plus an expansive press box for VIP viewing. Grab a seat on the 50,000-square-foot open green space or in one of the 7,473 fixed or general admission seats. The two-level seating in the park features two luxury suites and a 1st- and 3rd-base special ticketed terrace with access to air-conditioned space, a full-service bar and 650 seats. Several sponsored areas also offer prime-time viewing!

A spacious concourse walkway wraps around the entire stadium, with numerous drink rails installed so fans can stop and watch a few at-bats from almost anywhere—maybe on their way to grab a ballpark bite at Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill, an open-air restaurant just steps away from the open-seating grass berm in left field. 

The outfield patio hangout serves daily happy hour, plus menu favorites like Kitchen Sink Nachos, Smash Hit Burger, Cheesesteaks, sangria buckets and a home-run Rum Punch. Good news is: if you find yourself back in Sarasota another time of year—craving a burger and Sharkfries—Tomahawk is open year-round for lunch and dinner, with weekly live music and events. 

Home Schedule & Ticketing

The Braves will kick off the season with an exciting opener on Friday, February 19th against the Baltimore Orioles. Their last home game for Spring Training is set against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, March 21st.

Keep checking the 2027 Grapefruit League schedule for times and single-game tickets of upcoming Spring Training games. One you don't want to miss is a home field match-up between Florida's own Tampa Bay Rays.

Local fans can also become a Braves Beach Club season-ticket holder. This grants you exclusive benefits that include everything from pre-sale opportunities, access to better seats and early entry to discounts on merch, invitations to special events and more. 

Stay & Play Close By

Looking for a spot close to the action? Check out the Hampton Inn and Suites North Port, located a short minute's drive from CoolToday Park. The hotel offers basic comforts and amenities like a lobby bar, heated outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center and complimentary breakfast.

Just over 5 minutes from the hotel is the natural gem of Warm Mineral Springs Park, a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon on your trip. The average water temp of the springs is 85 degrees, providing a bounty of therapeutic benefits and recreation. There's also a motel here if you'd prefer a more unique, local stay.

Just a mile down the road from the stadium, find a slew of dining and shopping at Downtown Wellen Park. From boutique shops and weekly live music at the outdoor amphitheater to all-day eateries and amenities such as paddling, a splash pad and playground, families can easily spend an entire day enjoying the scene here. If you're around during the weekend, don't miss the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market.

Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium

The Baltimore Orioles will also be back at their longtime offseason home—Sarasota's Ed Smith Stadium, also known as Birdland South. Built in 1989, it has a national reputation as a premier baseball facility and was the former spring training home for the Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds and several Minor League Baseball teams.

Located just off I-75 and less than 2 miles from Downtown Sarasota, it's the ideal spot for sports fans and visitors to the area. The 53-acre stadium underwent renovations in 2008 to refurbish its 7,428 spectator seats, clubhouses and add additional air-conditioned suites. Standing room space takes the park's total capacity to 8,500. 

While you’re waiting for the first pitch, you can shop for team gear at the Orioles Official Team Store, and try to snap a photo with the Oriole Bird, who’s been the team’s mascot since 1979.

Grab snacks and drinks between innings at the two concourses: The Orioles Fit Grill on the upper-level concourse features healthier alternatives to the traditional ballpark junk food, and Café 54 inside the home-plate entrance to the ballpark, slinging sandwiches, wraps and other items, which can be enjoyed at your seat or in a climate-controlled setting if you need a break from the Florida sun. 

Home Schedule & Ticketing

As mentioned, the Orioles will kick off their season with the Braves on Friday, February 19th. Check the calendar for the 2027 Grapefruit League schedule to see when they play other rivals like the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. Their last home game of Spring Training is against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, March 20th, before they head back up the coast to play the Washington Nationals to end spring training matches.

Check the site for single-game tickets to come on sale, as well as Spring Training Birdland Memberships, which include exclusive benefits such as seat selection for all home games, discounts on suite rentals and ticket pricing, preferred parking and early entrance.

Stay & Play Close By

For a quick commute to the stadium, try staying at Coral Pointe Sarasota. The boutique hotel is about 5 miles from the stadium and about a 15-minute drive from Downtown Sarasota and Bayfront Park. Enjoy a free hot breakfast, fitness center, zero-entry pool and spacious suites that are pet-friendly and great for budget travelers. 

For another boutique vibe, voco Sarasota, an IMG Hotel is a touch closer, with the stadium about 3 miles away. A stay here also gets you closer to the downtown and beach scene. The hotel is newly renovated with contemporary interiors and decor, plush bedding, spa-inspired bathrooms and a new on-site restaurant, Offshore Tapas and Wine Bar. 

Take advantage of your close proximity to Lido Key and St. Armands Circle. Lido's beaches are a pleasure for anyone seeking sun, sand and surf, while the nearby Circle is a standout destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. You'll also be in reach of the year-round Saturday Farmers Market and many cultural attractions, including the theater and museums. 

Fun Facts About Spring Training in Sarasota 

• Sarasota has hosted five MLB teams in a century of Spring Training visits from players, coaches and fans—and it's all thanks to a man named "Mugsy" during the Roaring Twenties. Spurred on by his friend John Ringling, Mugsy saw the potential for big money, and he wanted a piece of the action.
• Sarasota entered the Grapefruit League in 1924 when Payne Park was built to seat about 3,400 spectators. Over the next 60 years, three Major League teams held Spring Training at Payne Park, including the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.
• In 1989, Ed Smith Stadium was built as the new home for the White Sox, where they came for Spring Training until 1997. By 1998, the stadium became the offseason training grounds for the Cincinnati Reds until 2008, then the Orioles in 2010, where they remain today.
• Today, Florida’s Grapefruit League consists of 15 Major League teams. Ten of these teams now train and play in the Gulf Coast Florida region, within a 90-minute drive from Sarasota.
   

Plan Your Winter-Spring Getaway

Whether you're a die-hard Orioles fan, a loyal Braves supporter or simply a baseball enthusiast, Sarasota County has double the chances to enjoy a great American pastime. 

But beyond the ballparks and peanuts, there's a world to explore under the endless sun here. Be sure to carve out time to explore our award-winning beaches, vibrant downtowns, waterfront dining scene and cultural attractions to round out your trip.