Sarasota is Swinging: Get Ready for Spring Training 2026

Schedules for the 2026 season at Ed Smith Stadium, the spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, and CoolToday Park, the training grounds of the Atlanta Braves, have been officially announced, which means Spring Training 2026 is just around the corner. Start planning your trip to Sarasota and games to attend!

Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park

The Atlanta Braves will return to their offseason home on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, with a game against the Minnesota Twins in North Port's CoolToday Park. The state-of-the-art facility and stadium have been hosting spring training seasons since the Braves' one-game debut in 2019. 

The stadium 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. There are also several sponsored areas to watch the game with 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 one of the several food options, including The Chicken Coop, Fish Camp, the Braves Smokehouse and Greenfields. 

However, the most popular stop by far is Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill, just steps away from the open-seating grass berm in left field. The outfield patio restaurant and bar serves its fair share of Kitchen Sink Nachos, sangria buckets, 1/2-priced burgers 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. 

2026 Home Schedule

The Braves have 16 home games on their 2026 Grapefruit League schedule, including several against the local Tampa Bay Rays, including the final home game at CoolToday Park on Tuesday, March 24.

Atlanta will also host the 2025 World Series runner-up Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, March 5. That comes one day after the Braves play Team Colombia in an exhibition match leading up to the 2026 World Baseball Classic; catch that matchup on Wednesday, March 4.

Single-game tickets are on sale now, or you can 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 drive from CoolToday Park. The hotel covers the basic creature comforts as well as amenities like a lobby bar, heated outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center and complimentary breakfast.

Just over 5 minutes away from the hotel is the historic and natural gem of Warm Mineral Springs Park, a fun way to spend the 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.

Farther west, find a slew of dining and shopping at the newly developed 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, also having been the former spring training home for the Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds and a number of 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 to add additional air-conditioned suites. Standing room space takes the park's total capacity to 8,500. 

Grab your favorite sports snacks and drinks between innings at the two concourses, which include a variety of food and beverage stands, a cafe and a gift shop to bring home Orioles merch with you.

2026 Home Schedule

The Orioles have 17 home spring training games on their 2026 Grapefruit League schedule, with the kick-off game on Friday, Feb. 20, against the New York Yankees. Check the calendar to see when the Orioles play other rivals like the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. Their last game in Sarasota for the season is against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, March 21, before they head back up the coast to play the Washington Nationals to end spring training matches. 

Try to score tickets as the Orioles play Team Netherlands in an exhibition match on Tuesday, March 3, leading up to the 2026 World Baseball Classic. 

Single-game tickets are on sale, as well as Spring Training Birdland Memberships, which includes 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 super-quick commute to the stadium, try staying at Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota. The hotel is just over a mile from the stadium and a few minutes' drive from Downtown Sarasota and Bayfront Park. Enjoy a free hot breakfast, a large outdoor pool and fitness center. The suites are spacious, pet-friendly and great for budget travelers. 

For more of an upscale boutique vibe, voco Sarasota, an IMG Hotel, is about 3 miles away and 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 onsite 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 close to Downtown Sarasota, as well as the Saturday Farmers Market and many cultural attractions, including the theater and museums. 

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 summer sun here. Be sure to carve out time to check out our award-winning beaches, vibrant downtowns, waterfront dining scene and cultural attractions to round out your trip to Sarasota County.