Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Baseball Spring Training in Tampa Bay

Florida’s 2024 Spring Training Baseball season is back and taking its first pitch in February!

Did you know the Florida Grapefruit League has called our beautiful Sunshine State home for 130+ years? In fact, the Washington Nationals were the first to practice in Jacksonville, Florida as far back as 1888! Major League Baseball would eventually return 15 years later to begin a tradition generations of families have experienced in the Sunshine State.

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All of the Florida Grapefruit League teams are set to play a regular spring training season! 15 teams comprise the Florida Grapefruit League, with several teams training close to the Tampa Bay area!

About Spring Training Baseball in Florida and Tampa Bay

Each year, throughout the months of February and March, 15 Major League Baseball teams take to the field across our state as they warm up for the new season and entertain local crowds.

Several teams call Tampa Bay home during the season, including a hometown favorite…the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field on Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

And unique to this year, our hometown team, the Tampa Bay Rays, will be playing at home due to their normal spring training field undergoing repairs after Hurricane Ian.

This is a great way to introduce your child to a favorite team or spend the afternoon together as a family.

When is the Florida Spring Training Season?

The 2024 Florida Grapefruit League Spring Training games will be held Friday, February 23 through Tuesday, March 26. Most of the games typically start at around 1:00 pm. The 2024 schedule is still being finalized and can be found here.

How much are spring training tickets?

Ticket prices vary depending on the game, stadium and where your seat is located. Tampa Bay Rays tickets seem to be the biggest bargain locally, starting at $10 per seat for some games. We’ve also seen as low as $17 per ticket for berm seating at select games.

Parking is extra, so be sure to plan for that as well. In many cases, you’ll be able to pre-purchase parking.

You will want to download the free MLB Ballpark app to access your tickets and parking.

Where to Watch Baseball Spring Training Games in Tampa Bay

There are several stadiums hosting spring training games in Tampa Bay or within a close drive, making it worth the day trip!

Tampa: New York Yankees

Location: Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa
This stadium off of Dale Mabry Highway, not too far from Raymond James Stadium was first built in 1996 and then renovated in 2016. This year is the 27th spring training season for the Yankees at the stadium in Tampa.

You an pick up a Pinstripe Pass for about $35 each + fees which includes general admission to the outfield standing room only area and a 12 oz. domestic beer for those 21 and older, a Pepsi product or Aquafina water. Tickets range from $28-$110.

Port Charlotte: Tampa Bay Rays

Location: Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte
Charlotte Sports Park recently underwent repairs after Hurrican Ian. New additions include a clubhouse, five full fields, and one half-field. They kick off Spring Training season with the very first game on February 24 at 1:05 against the Atlanta Braves.

Dunedin: Toronto Blue Jays

Location: TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin
The ticket prices vary here depending on whether it’s a Premium or Regular Game. Premium games will be held on March 8, 12, 13, 15, and 22. Tickets range from $16-$54.

Clearwater: Philadelphia Phillies

Location: BayCare Ballpark, 601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater
The Phillies have been training in Clearwater since 1947, the second longest an MLB club has trained in its spring training home. Like most of the other stadiums, you will find ticket prices ranging pretty significantly depending on the game. Tickets range from $21-$38.

The Phillies Spring Training home is one of the few stadiums whose concession stand imports the team’s local flavor (Philly Cheesesteaks).

Bradenton: Pittsburg Pirates

Location: LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth Street West, Bradenton 
The Pirates usually have a few different fun themed days on the schedule. Keep checking their page for updated info and special games.

Sarasota: Baltimore Orioles

Location: Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th Street, Sarasota 
You’ll find special themed days for spring training games at Ed Smith Stadium this year including Heroes Day on February 29, and Kids Run the Bases on March 10 and 17 and Fireworks Night on March 23. Tickets typically range from $23 to $43, depending on the game.

Lakeland: Detroit Tigers

Location: Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium,  2301 Lakeland Hills Drive, Lakeland
The Detroit Tigers have called Sarasota their winter home for over 100 years! The stadium has undergone some upgrades and is continuing to make improvements. Some cool new features are the Kids Playground adjacent to the Berm where there is also a 27-foot inflatable Tiger bounce house and whiffle ball field.

Tickets range from $12-$95.

NorthPort/Venice: Atlanta Braves

Location: CoolToday Park, 18800 West Villages Parkway, Venice 
The CoolToday Park is relatively new, first opening in 2019. There is a Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill that is open year-round for lunch and dinner, too! Ticket prices vary here as well with some general admission games range from $20-$70. Become a Braves Beach Club Season Ticket member for fun perks all season like early entry, exclusive events, and more!

Fun Facts About Spring Training in Florida:

• 35 different sites have hosted spring training
• All but 6 MLB teams have trained in Florida
• St Pete and Tampa rank as the most years of hosting spring training games at 88 years. Bradenton and Clearwater come in 2nd with 77 years under their belts and Lakeland is a close 3rd at 76 years.
• The Chicago Cubs first played in Tampa in 1913 at Plant Field, near what was The Tampa Bay Hotel (now University of Tampa)

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