Every spring, 15 Major League Baseball teams head to Florida for spring training, where they practice and play exhibition games before the regular season begins. The 2026 spring training season in Florida runs from February 20 through March 24, giving you over a month to watch your favorite teams prepare for the upcoming season.
Florida has hosted spring training for over 100 years. This tradition draws millions of fans each year.
The Grapefruit League is what people call the group of teams that train in Florida during spring training. These teams practice at stadiums across the state, from the Gulf Coast to the Tampa Bay area and the Treasure Coast.
You can watch games almost every day during March. See players up close in smaller stadiums than you would during the regular season.
Planning a trip to Florida spring training lets you enjoy more than just baseball. You can visit multiple ballparks in different cities, explore local attractions, and experience the warm Florida weather.
Whether you want to catch a few games or build a full vacation around spring training, Florida offers plenty of options for baseball fans.
Key Takeaways
- Florida spring training runs from February 20 to March 24, 2026, with 15 MLB teams playing in the Grapefruit League across multiple Florida cities
- You can buy tickets to watch games at smaller stadiums where you get closer access to players and a more personal baseball experience
- Spring training offers you the chance to combine baseball with Florida vacation activities like visiting beaches, restaurants, and local attractions near the ballparks
Grapefruit League Overview
The Grapefruit League brings 15 Major League Baseball teams to Florida each spring for training and exhibition games. Eight teams come from the American League, and seven represent the National League.
What Is the Grapefruit League?
The Grapefruit League is MLB’s official spring training circuit in Florida. You’ll find 15 teams spread across the state, training at ballparks along the coastlines and inland areas.
These teams use February and March to prepare players for the regular season through practice sessions and exhibition games. Spring training games begin on February 21 each year.
The teams play against each other in a schedule that runs until late March, when the regular MLB season starts. You can watch major league stars work on their skills in a more relaxed setting than regular season games.
The ballparks seat fewer fans than major league stadiums. This gives you closer access to players and a more intimate baseball experience.
Grapefruit League vs. Cactus League
MLB splits its spring training between two leagues based on location. The Grapefruit League operates in Florida with 15 teams, while the Cactus League hosts the remaining 15 teams in Arizona.
Florida offers coastal training sites and humid conditions. Arizona provides desert weather and drier air.
Your choice between the two depends on your preferred climate and travel plans. The Grapefruit League covers more geographic area.
Teams train from the Gulf Coast to the Treasure Coast and throughout the Tampa Bay region. The Cactus League teams stay concentrated in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, making it easier to visit multiple stadiums in one day.
Both leagues offer the same spring training experience with exhibition games and player development. The main differences are weather patterns and stadium locations.
History of Spring Training in Florida
Florida has hosted spring training since the late 1800s. Teams first traveled south to escape cold northern winters and start their preparation early on warm fields.
The Grapefruit League became the official name for Florida’s spring training circuit. The name references Florida’s famous citrus industry.
Teams built permanent training facilities across the state as spring training grew more popular. Many current ballparks were built or renovated in recent decades.
These modern facilities include practice fields, training rooms, and fan amenities that didn’t exist in earlier spring training sites.
Florida Spring Training Teams and Ballparks
Fifteen Major League Baseball teams train across Florida’s Grapefruit League, with ballparks spread from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Ocean. These teams are grouped by region, making it easier for you to plan your spring training visits.
Tampa Bay Area Teams
The Tampa Bay region hosts five MLB teams during spring training. The New York Yankees train at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, a facility that mirrors Yankee Stadium’s design and seats over 11,000 fans.
The Philadelphia Phillies use BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, located near the Gulf beaches and popular with visitors who want to combine baseball with beach time. The Toronto Blue Jays play at TD Ballpark in Dunedin.
The Tampa Bay Rays train just south at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte. The Pittsburgh Pirates hold their spring training at LECOM Park in Bradenton, a historic facility that dates back to 1923.
This area gives you the most concentrated spring training experience. You can visit multiple ballparks within a 30-minute drive.
Southwest Florida Teams
The southwest region features five teams along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Boston Red Sox train at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, a ballpark built to replicate Fenway Park’s famous Green Monster wall.
The Minnesota Twins share the Fort Myers area at Hammond Stadium in the CenturyLink Sports Complex. The Atlanta Braves moved to CoolToday Park in North Port in 2019.
The Baltimore Orioles train at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Both ballparks offer modern facilities with excellent sightlines for fans.
The Detroit Tigers use Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, positioned between Tampa and Orlando. This location works well if you plan to visit central Florida attractions alongside spring training games.
Southeast Florida Teams
Three teams train on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The Miami Marlins play at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, sharing the facility with the St. Louis Cardinals.
This setup creates a unique partnership where both teams use the same training complex and ballpark. The Houston Astros train at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, which they share with the Washington Nationals.
These dual-team facilities let you catch games from four different MLB teams in just two locations. Both ballparks are relatively new and include state-of-the-art training facilities.
The New York Mets hold spring training at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, further north along the coast.
Central Florida Teams
Central Florida is home to one spring training site. The Atlanta Braves previously trained in this region before moving to North Port.
Currently, no teams maintain permanent spring training facilities in the Orlando metro area. The region occasionally hosts exhibition games at various stadiums throughout the spring.
Most spring training action concentrates along the Gulf Coast and southeast Atlantic coast. You’ll find the best selection of teams and games in the Tampa Bay area and southwest Florida regions.
2026 Spring Training Schedule and Key Dates
The 2026 spring training schedule begins on February 20 with opening games in Florida. All 30 teams will be in action by February 21.
This year’s schedule features special exhibition games with World Baseball Classic teams and concludes with Opening Day on March 26.
Pitchers and Catchers Report
Pitchers and catchers will be the first players to report to their Florida training facilities in mid-February 2026. These players arrive first because they need extra time to build arm strength and work on mechanics before the season begins.
Position players will join the team a few days later, bringing the full roster together for spring training camps. The staggered reporting schedule gives pitchers critical preparation time since throwing requires more physical conditioning than other baseball skills.
Once position players arrive, teams begin full squad workouts and practice sessions. You’ll see these early practices focus on fundamentals, team chemistry, and getting players back into game shape after the offseason.
Spring Training Games
The first spring training games start on February 20, 2026, with a limited slate that includes the Yankees facing the Orioles in Florida. Exhibition matchups also feature the Red Sox playing Northeastern University and the Twins competing against the University of Minnesota.
All 30 Major League Baseball teams take the field on February 21 for the first full day of games across both the Grapefruit League in Florida and the Cactus League in Arizona. These games give you your first chance to see players in competitive action.
Spring training games run through late March, providing teams with practice time and allowing you to watch players compete for roster spots. In 2025, Florida’s spring training drew 1,448,778 fans across 231 games, averaging 6,272 fans per game.
Spring Breakout and World Baseball Classic
The 2026 spring training schedule includes 28 special exhibition games between MLB teams and World Baseball Classic national teams. These matchups happen on March 3 and March 4, with 14 games scheduled each day.
You’ll see these games split evenly between Florida’s Grapefruit League and Arizona’s Cactus League locations. The exhibitions help World Baseball Classic teams prepare for their tournament, which begins its North American portion on March 6, 2026.
This year’s schedule also features unique crossover games between the two leagues. The Yankees travel from Tampa to Mesa, Arizona, to play the Cubs on March 23-24.
The Tigers head from Lakeland, Florida, to Scottsdale to face the Rockies on the same dates.
Opening Day Timeline
Spring training games in Florida conclude on March 25, 2026, wrapping up the preseason schedule. That same evening, the Giants host the Yankees at Oracle Park in San Francisco for Opening Night.
The traditional Opening Day follows on March 26 with a full 14-game slate across Major League Baseball. This marks the official start of the regular season after teams complete their spring preparation.
You can plan your spring training attendance knowing the 2026 season spans 33 days from start to finish. The schedule gives you multiple opportunities to watch your favorite teams before they begin their regular season campaigns.
Iconic Florida Spring Training Stadiums
Florida’s spring training venues blend modern amenities with rich baseball history, from the Yankees’ home at George M. Steinbrenner Field to the Red Sox’s Fenway replica at JetBlue Park. Each stadium offers unique features that reflect the character of its home team and the local community.
George M. Steinbrenner Field
George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa serves as the spring home for the New York Yankees. The stadium opened in 1996 and was renamed in 2008 to honor the legendary Yankees owner.
You’ll find 11,026 seats at this facility, which mirrors many design elements from the original Yankee Stadium. The ballpark features a replica of the famous frieze that adorned the old stadium in the Bronx.
A Yankees museum inside showcases team history and memorabilia. The facility includes four practice fields and a minor league complex.
The stadium sits next to Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You can reach Steinbrenner Field easily from Tampa International Airport in about 15 minutes.
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
The Detroit Tigers train at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. This venue has hosted the Tigers since 1966, making it one of the longest continuous spring training relationships in baseball.
A major renovation in 2017 expanded the stadium to 8,500 seats. The updates included new concourses, improved sightlines, and upgraded clubhouses.
The ballpark maintains a classic feel despite its modern improvements. Joker Marchant Stadium got its name from a local parks director who brought baseball to Lakeland.
The facility includes six practice fields for the Tigers’ minor league system. You’ll find the stadium on the eastern side of Lakeland, easily accessible from Interstate 4.
TD Ballpark and BayCare Ballpark
TD Ballpark in Dunedin hosts the Toronto Blue Jays for spring training. The stadium underwent a complete rebuild that finished in 2020, replacing the old Dunedin Stadium.
It now seats 8,500 fans with a modern design. The ballpark sits within a larger mixed-use development that includes restaurants and shops.
You can walk from the stadium to Dunedin’s downtown area in minutes. The facility features premium seating options and a 360-degree concourse.
BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater serves as the Philadelphia Phillies’ spring home. The stadium opened in 2004 and holds 8,500 seats.
It sits along the waterfront in downtown Clearwater, offering views of the harbor from some seats. The Phillies train at the adjacent Carpenter Complex, which includes practice fields and training facilities.
You can combine a spring training game with beach activities, as Clearwater Beach is just minutes away.
JetBlue Park and Hammond Stadium
JetBlue Park in Fort Myers is the Boston Red Sox’s spring training home. Fans call it Fenway South because it replicates features from Boston’s Fenway Park, including a 37-foot Green Monster in left field.
The stadium opened in 2012 with 11,000 seats. It includes exact field dimensions matching Fenway Park.
You’ll see the manual scoreboard, Pesky’s Pole, and the triangle in center field. The facility sits within the Lee Health Sports Complex, which houses practice fields and training areas.
Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex hosts the Minnesota Twins. The stadium opened in 1991 and seats 9,300 fans.
It underwent renovations in 2014 that added new video boards and upgraded concessions. The Twins share the Lee County Sports Complex with the Red Sox, though each team has separate facilities.
Hammond Stadium features a distinctive roof design and palm trees beyond the outfield walls. You’ll find both stadiums off Daniels Parkway in south Fort Myers.
Fan Experience and Planning Your Visit
Spring training in Florida offers relaxed stadium atmospheres and closer access to players than regular season games. Most venues sell tickets starting at $15-25, and you can often watch practice sessions for free at training facilities.
Ticketing and Seating Tips
Single-game tickets go on sale in December or January for most teams. You can buy them directly through team websites or at the stadium box office on game day.
Popular matchups like the Yankees versus Red Sox sell out quickly. Buy early for those games.
General admission and lawn seating costs less than reserved seats. These spots let you move around during the game and get closer to the field.
Arrive 30-45 minutes before first pitch to claim good lawn spots.
Many stadiums offer $5-10 standing room tickets. You can watch batting practice if you show up when gates open, usually 90 minutes before game time.
Players often sign autographs along the fence during warm-ups.
Family-Friendly Ballparks
BayCare Park in Clearwater and Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland feature grassy areas where kids can play between innings. These ballparks include playground equipment and open spaces for children to run around safely.
CoolToday Park in North Port provides shade structures and wide concourses for strollers. The stadium accommodates up to 8,000 fans with both fixed seats and berm seating.
Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota offers a kids zone with interactive baseball games.
Most Florida spring training sites have shorter game times than regular season contests. Games last about 2.5-3 hours, making them easier for young fans to enjoy.
Travel Routes and Regional Hubs
Florida’s Grapefruit League splits into three main areas. Tampa Bay hosts six teams within a 60-mile radius, including the Yankees in Tampa and Phillies in Clearwater.
Southwest Florida features four teams, with the Red Sox and Twins both training in Fort Myers.
Southeast Florida includes five teams spread from Port St. Lucie to West Palm Beach. The Mets train in Port St. Lucie, while Houston and Washington share facilities in West Palm Beach.
Miami and Jupiter also host teams in this region.
Interstate 75 connects Tampa Bay to Southwest Florida in about 90 minutes. The drive from Tampa to Port St. Lucie takes roughly 3.5 hours via Interstate 4 and Florida’s Turnpike.
You can see multiple teams in one trip by staying centrally located.
Beyond the Ballpark: Activities and Local Attractions
Florida’s spring training locations offer much more than baseball. The Tampa Bay area hosts major festivals throughout February and March, while Southwest Florida draws visitors to historic sites and natural springs.
Atlantic Coast destinations combine beach access with cultural events.
Tampa Bay and Clearwater Events
The Tampa Bay region packs its spring calendar with festivals that align perfectly with baseball season. The Florida State Fair runs from February 5-16, featuring rides, livestock shows, and concerts.
You can catch the Florida Strawberry Festival from February 26 through March 8, where fresh berries and live entertainment take center stage.
The Gasparilla celebrations offer three separate events. The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts happens February 28-March 1 with hundreds of artists displaying their work.
The Gasparilla Outbound Voyage sets sail on March 1. The Gasparilla Music Festival comes later on April 10-12.
Water lovers should check out the St. Petersburg Seafood Festival on February 20-22. Every Sunday, the Tampa Thai Temple hosts a market with authentic food and crafts.
Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg reopens in 2026 after renovations, serving as home to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Tampa Tarpons play summer games at Steinbrenner Field once the Yankees head north.
Southwest Florida Attractions
North Port’s Warm Mineral Springs attracts visitors seeking the therapeutic benefits of its mineral-rich waters. Locals call it “Chudo Ozero” or Miracle Lake.
The spring maintains a constant warm temperature year-round.
Bradenton and Sarasota share access to excellent outdoor recreation. Myakka River State Park offers camping, hiking, and kayaking through pristine wilderness.
The Legacy Trail provides paved bike paths connecting both cities. Anna Maria Island beaches rank among Florida’s best for white sand and calm waters.
History buffs can tour the Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota or visit the Civil War-era Gamble Mansion.
The fishing village of Cortez maintains its old Florida charm and hosts a Seafood Festival on February 14-15. Selby Gardens showcases tropical plants and orchids in a waterfront setting.
Atlantic Coast Excursions
The Palm Beaches region hosts three teams in close proximity. Port St. Lucie serves as home base for the New York Mets, while Jupiter welcomes both the Marlins and Cardinals.
West Palm Beach features stadiums for the Astros and Nationals.
Miami hosts games for the World Baseball Classic from March 4-17, bringing international teams to South Florida. This tournament runs during spring training, creating extra baseball opportunities beyond regular Grapefruit League games.
The Atlantic Coast beaches offer warmer ocean temperatures than Gulf Coast waters in early spring. You can explore state parks, visit the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront, or take a day trip to the Everglades.
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter and nearby CACTI Park provide easy access to restaurants and shopping between games.
Frequently Asked Questions
MLB spring training in Florida runs from late February through late March, with 15 teams practicing and playing across 13 locations throughout the state. Fans can attend games at smaller stadiums with more accessible seating and pricing than regular season games.
When does MLB spring training typically start in Florida?
The 2026 spring training season begins on Saturday, February 21 and runs through Tuesday, March 24. Pitchers and catchers report to their training facilities on February 11, about ten days before the first games.
Position players typically arrive a few days after pitchers and catchers. Team practices and workouts start before the official Grapefruit League games begin.
What teams participate in the Grapefruit League for MLB spring training?
Fifteen Major League Baseball teams hold their spring training in Florida each year. These teams make up what’s known as the Grapefruit League.
The teams have established their spring training homes in Florida over more than 100 years of history.
Where are the primary locations for MLB spring training games in Florida?
Spring training games take place across 13 different Florida locations. These sites spread throughout the state from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast.
Teams train in cities like Sarasota, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jupiter, and Port St. Lucie. Each location features dedicated spring training facilities designed specifically for MLB teams.
The stadiums in these locations are smaller than regular season ballparks. This creates a more intimate atmosphere for fans attending games.
How can fans purchase tickets to attend MLB spring training games in Florida?
You can buy tickets directly through each team’s official website or ticketing page. Many teams offer single-game tickets as well as spring training ticket packages.
Tickets typically go on sale in January before the season starts. Prices are generally lower than regular season games, making spring training an affordable option for baseball fans.
You should check the specific team’s website for their ticket sales dates and pricing information. Some popular games may sell out, so purchasing tickets early is recommended.
What are the best practices for a fan attending an MLB spring training session?
You should arrive early to find parking and explore the stadium before the game starts. Spring training facilities are smaller, so you’ll have better access to players and the field.
Bring sunscreen and a hat since you’ll be sitting outside in Florida’s warm weather. Many stadiums allow you to move around and sit in different sections during the game.
You can often watch batting practice and see players up close before games begin. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easier to get autographs and interact with players compared to regular season games.
How do MLB teams utilize spring training in Florida to prepare for the regular season?
Teams use spring training as their preparation period before the regular season begins. Pitchers build up their arm strength gradually through bullpen sessions and game appearances.
Players work on specific skills and practice game situations during daily workouts. Managers evaluate roster spots and give younger players chances to compete for positions on the team.
Teams play exhibition games against other Grapefruit League teams to simulate regular season conditions. These games help players get into game shape and test different lineups and strategies.
