Spring Training
Celebrate the 100-year Anniversary of Spring Training Baseball in Sarasota County as the 2024 Spring Training Baseball Season commences. Since its inception in 1924, Sarasota has been a hub for Spring Training, hosting renowned teams like the New York Giants, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and more.
Join the festivities as the Atlanta Braves and the Baltimore Orioles, both champions in 2023, continue their annual Spring Training in Sarasota County at CoolToday Park and Ed Smith Stadium respectively.
Swinging Through Sarasota: A Century of Baseball Legends and Spring Training Magic
For a century, Sarasota County has been a cherished destination for spring training, hosting six Major League Baseball teams and welcoming players and enthusiasts to revel in the essence of America's beloved pastime. From iconic figures of the sport to emerging talents, our county has been witness to unforgettable moments on the diamond, forging enduring memories for both visitors and residents throughout the generations. With a rich baseball heritage spanning ten generations, Sarasota County has evolved from its modest origins at Payne Park to boasting two cutting-edge facilities today, serving as a beacon of excellence in the realm of baseball.
Spring Training began in Sarasota in 1924 when Sarasota joined the Florida Grapefruit League. The first team to conduct Spring Training in Sarasota was the New York Giants at Payne Park in downtown Sarasota. The New York Giants held spring training at Payne Park from 1924 through 1927. After the Giants left in 1927, the Boston Red Sox called Payne Park their spring training home from 1933 until 1958 and were followed by the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds.
Sarasota later welcomed the Boston Red Sox before the inauguration of Ed Smith Stadium in 1989. Over the years, Ed Smith Stadium not only hosted the Chicago White Sox but also became a focal point for Minor League Baseball events. Subsequently, the Cincinnati Reds commenced their spring training at Ed Smith in 1998, setting the stage for a decade-long affiliation with Sarasota.
In recent years, the Baltimore Orioles made Ed Smith their spring training home since 2010, while the Atlanta Braves found their niche in the newly constructed CoolToday Park in North Port in 2019. Yet, beyond reflecting on its storied past, Sarasota embraces the present, fostering a vibrant baseball culture that invites both ardent enthusiasts and casual spectators to savor the excitement of the sport at either of our county's state-of-the-art stadiums.
Atlanta Braves Spring Training at CoolToday Park
Since 2019, the Atlanta Braves head south to Sarasota County each February as they prepare for the start of a new baseball season at CoolToday Park. Spring Training offers fans a chance to see the Braves up close and in action.
Check out the 2024 Spring Training Calendar here.
Baltimore Orioles Spring Training at Ed Smith Stadium
The 2024 season marks the Baltimore Orioles' 15th Spring Training at Ed Smith Stadium, which is often referred to as "Birdland South".
Check out the 2024 Spring Training Calendar here.