Heating Up As Spring Training Returns

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

Make your way down south this February and March to defrost those winter-chilled bones as your favorite players warm up those homerun swings. Spring Training practices and workouts are open to the public daily on adjacent practice fields starting in February, while ticketed games during spring training season typically remain at a lower price compared to regular-season MLB tickets throughout March.

So if you and your family find yourself in Sarasota during two of the nicest months weather-wise, consider hitting up a warm-up game in a less crowded stadium. Your odds of potentially meeting your favorite players are higher while spending nine innings enjoying the great outdoors on the Gulf Coast! 

Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park

Every February, Braves Country heads south to North Port, Florida as they prepare for the start of a new baseball season at CoolToday Park. With a capacity to fit approximately 8,000 fans over 50,000 sq. ft. of open green space, explore CoolToday Park's multiple full-service suites and clubs; a two-level Braves Clubhouse Team Store for Spring Training t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts and novelty items; and an expansive outfield patio area—perfect for a family-fun outing to enjoy a ballgame outside of a seat. 

Also outfield, enjoy bites and beverages at Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill, CoolToday Park is open year-round. The open-air, covered restaurant and bar is perched above the left field line and is open all year round. Featuring views of both the ballpark and spectacular sunsets, Tomahawk Tiki Bar and Grill is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal between innings or catch happy hour and weekly live entertainment.

The home season opener kicks off on Sunday, February 23rd, with the Braves vs. Tampa Bay Rays, and will end on Sunday, March 23rd vs. spring trainer neighbor, the Orioles. For the Braves' calendar of games and events at CoolToday Park and to purchase tickets, visit here.

Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium

Often referred to as "Birdland South," Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota also includes the Buck O'Neil Baseball Complex at Twin Lakes Park, which features all of the ballpark amenities to make any athlete feel like they're in the big leagues. This major league facility features about 7,500 seats within the stadium, with standing-room space taking the park's total capacity to 8,5000.

There is also a clubhouse, two concourses that include food and beverage stands, a cafe and a 2,000 sq. ft. gift shop. If you ever have to stray from your seat, don't miss a beat with the 100 HDTVs located throughout the stadium and an HD LED video board in the outfield. 

The Orioles' home opener for the season kicks off on Saturday, February 22nd with the Orioles vs. Pittsburg Pirates, and runs through Friday, March 21st vs the Detroit Tigers. For the Braves' full spring training schedule at Ed Smith Stadium and to purchase tickets, visit here.