The Tampa Bay Rays baseball team plays in Florida’s Grapefruit League during spring training which is typically the end of February through early April. The Rays have trained at Port Charlotte's Charlotte Sports Park since Feb. 2009. Following are six tips for making the most of your Tampa Bay Rays spring training experience.
Tip #1, Reserve Seats Early for Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training
The stadium has a capacity of 7,500 with fixed seating, standing only admission and berm seating. Guarantee seats to high profile games, such as against the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, by reserving tickets soon after they are available for sale which is usually in January. Season ticket holders receive priority for seat selection followed by Rays Insiders (free to register) and the general public. Seats located in the 200 sections are in the shade. Standing only and berm seating tickets are the most affordable (2010 prices were $8 during the week and $10 for Fridays and Saturdays) and if reserving, bring a blanket and sunscreen to enjoy the game on the grassy areas.
Tip #2, Catch a Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training Practice
If visiting mid-February before spring training games begin, head over to the Charlotte Sports Park to watch the Rays practice on the back fields. Pitchers and catchers usually report days before the rest of the squad and practices are usually conducted in the morning. Afterward, many Rays players will interact with fans to sign memorabilia and pose for photos. Admission is free.
Tip #3, Arrive to a Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training Game Early
Part of spring training fun is the interaction fans can have with major league baseball players. The Charlotte Sports Park’s configuration allows fans to get close to the players with opportunities for autographs and photos before and after the game. The stadium opens 90 minutes before each game.
Tip #4, Take a Walk on the Charlotte Sports Park's Boardwalk
The stadium has a boardwalk enabling fans to walk around the entire field without missing any baseball action. Before or during the game, walk the boardwalk for a different field perspective and stop by the bullpens to see pitchers warming up. Enjoy a drink at the tiki bar in left-center field. Pull up a stool, pony up to the railing facing the field, and enjoy the game while sipping a beer.
Tip #5, Have Patience When Leaving the Baseball Game
Following the game, thousands of fans are attempting to leave at once. Law enforcement controls the flow but rather than sitting in traffic, talk about the Rays’ performance at the tiki bar which stays open an hour after the end of the game. Or, following an afternoon game, take a walk in the Tippecanoe Environmental Park located at the back of the Charlotte Sports Park parking lot. Wildlife frequently seen include osprey, Florida Scrub-Jays and gopher tortoises.
Tip #6, Dine Like a Ray During Spring Training
There are many decent restaurants in the Port Charlotte area to grab a bite before or after a game. Tampa Bay Rays players have been seen at several area restaurants with these being the most popular:
- Joe Cracker Sportsgrille – Conveniently located across from the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, this restaurant offers a trolley service on game day so fans don’t need to deal with parking. Although a casual hangout, entrees demonstrate creativity and flavor. (1020 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte; Tel: 941-258-3444)
- River City Grill – Several members of the Tampa Bay Rays have been seen dining at this stylish restaurant including Evan Longoria and Manager Joe Maddon. The Rays manager is a frequent visitor to the eatery. He befriended restaurant owner Doug Amaral and invited him to be the assistant to the manager during the March 29, 2010, game against the Boston Red Sox. (131 West Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; Tel: 941-639-9080)
Getting to the Charlotte Sports Park
Port Charlotte and the spring training home of the Rays are about a 90-minute drive south of Tampa. From Tampa, drive south on I-75 to Exit 179 toward North Port/Port Charlotte and turn right on Toledo Blade Blvd. Turn right onto El Jobean Rd./SR-776 and the Charlotte Sports Park is 2 miles on the left. (2300 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte; Tel: 941-743-2425).
For a list of things to do in the Port Charlotte area, read "Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training".
Jennifer Huber - A 20-year veteran of the tourism industry, Jennifer's career path began during college when she followed the hiking path in Yellowstone ...
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