Heating Up As Spring Training Returns

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 and Baltimore Orioles—make this 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. 

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

So if you and your family find yourself in Sarasota during two of our nicest months weather-wise, consider hitting up a game in a less crowded stadium.

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, explore CoolToday Park's multiple full-service suites and clubs; a two-level Braves Clubhouse Team Store for Spring Training shirts, hats and novelty items; and an expansive outfield patio area—perfect for a family-fun outing to enjoy a ballgame. 

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

The home opener is Sunday, Feb. 22, with the Braves hosting the Minnesota Twins, and the spring season ends on Tuesday, March 24, against the Tampa Bay Rays. A special game will be take place on Wednesday, March 4, as the Braves play Team Colombia in an exhibition match for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. For the Braves' full Spring Training schedule and to purchase tickets, visit the CoolToday Park site. 

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 8,500.

There's also a clubhouse, two concourses that include food and beverage stands, a cafe and a 2,000-square-foot gift shop. If you ever have to stray from your seat, you won't miss a pitch thanks to the 100 HDTVs located throughout the stadium and an HD LED video board in the outfield. 

The Orioles' home opener for the Spring Training season kicks off on Friday, Feb. 20, with the Orioles taking on the New York Yankees, and runs through Saturday, March 21, against the Philadelphia Phillies.

And on Tuesday, March 3, the Orioles welcome Team Netherlands in an exhibition match for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. For the Orioles' complete Spring Training schedule at Ed Smith Stadium and to purchase tickets, visit the team site.