*Florida is a springtime hotspot
*Yankees, Red Sox, & Braves are big draws
*Plenty of savings & other fan accommodations
For enthusiasts of waving goodbye to winter, the arrival of spring marks a season filled with ballpark cuisine, sun dresses, & frothy beverages, signaling a shift to warmer sunnier days. For the players & fans of the Grapefruit League, these sentiments are no different. Fans escaping the tail-end of winter’s bite exodus in droves to Florida for one of America’s most cherished pastimes: Spring Training.
The convenience of having the MLBs finest located in one area means fans can enjoy games at each stadium without massive travel planning, and more importantly, massive spending. And while America’s economy continues to recover from a sleeping grandpa behind the wheel of the presidency (thanks Sleepy Joe), savings are of the utmost importance when thinking of entertainment, for all family & friends.
With that being said, let me give you a brief overview of the stadium parking prices, some of the savings offered, and the teams that grace them.
Grapefruit League Offers Savings For Spring Training Fans, From Parking to Entertainment
The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches:
Established as the new base for the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals in 2017, is situated in West Palm Beach. Due to the lack of nearby alternatives, the stadium’s parking lot, charging $10 per vehicle, is the sole parking option, necessitating early arrival for the best spots.
Champion Stadium:
Part of Walt Disney World’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, has hosted the Atlanta Braves since 1998. Offering two parking lots with no charge, its location within a major theme park means it experiences significant traffic, advising early arrival on game days.
First Data Field:
Nestled on the scenic Treasure Coast in Port St. Lucie, serves as the New York Mets’ spring training ground. Fans can park on a grassy area behind the stadium for $10 and there is plenty of family-themed entertainment.
George Steinbrenner Field:
Located in Tampa, the GSF stands as the New York Yankees’ spring venue, renowned for its premium facilities and higher ticket costs. Parking is available for $10 per vehicle in the grass lots of Raymond James Stadium, conveniently located across the street.
Charlotte Sports Park:
Located in Port Charlotte, the spring site for the Tampa Bay Rays, features family-friendly entertainment such as a playground, but also has an adult-oriented tiki bar (for the wombats in the group) with parking available in two lots at $10 per vehicle.
Ed Smith Stadium:
Affectionately known as “Birdland South,” Sarasota’s ESS is the Baltimore Orioles’ spring home. Parking on-site costs $10, though nearby “unofficial” lots offer cheaper alternatives, which can help when trying to save a buck on your entertainment budget.
Spectrum Field:
Clearwater has been the Philadelphia Phillies’ spring base since 2002, and is among the “less old” stadiums. Parking is scarce and priced at $10 per vehicle, but more affordable $5 parking under tree shade is available at NE Coachman Park, a brief walk away.
Dunedin Stadium:
Steeped in history since 1930 and the Toronto Blue Jays’ sole spring training site, is located in a residential section of Dunedin. Neighborhood parking varies from $5-$10, with the stadium’s limited parking costing $15 per vehicle.
Hammond Stadium:
Located in Fort Myers and inspired by Churchill Downs, Hammond Stadium is where the Minnesota Twins prepare for the season. With ample parking at $10, exiting through the back gate is suggested to avoid post-game traffic.
Joker Marchant Stadium:
Home to the Detroit Tigers and located in Lakeland, the JMS received a $37-million facelift in 2016. Parking is available for $10 at the stadium or for $5 at the Christ Lutheran Church across the street.
Roger Dean Stadium:
Located in Jupiter, accommodating the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals, offers multiple parking options at $10 ($25 for RVs), with free garage parking for season pass holders.
LECOM Park:
Located in Bradenton, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ venerable spring training site over 90 years old and recently renovated, offers limited parking with variable pricing, though season ticket holders enjoy a $2 discount.
Jet Blue Park:
Located in Fort Myers and mirroring Fenway Park with its own “Green Monster,” JBP is the Boston Red Sox’s spring training hub. Onsite parking costs $10 per vehicle, with an alternative lot a quarter-mile away providing easier access for $5.
