In the lead-up to warm weather and baseball season, Major League Baseball (MLB) teams become snowbirds and head south to Florida for spring training exhibition games. Baseball fans visiting or residing in Florida have access to a wealth of stadiums during spring training.
Below, we highlight three major stadiums that provide a warm retreat for Grapefruit League teams as they gear up for the regular season: First Data Field, Roger Dean Stadium, and The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
First Data Field – Port St. Lucie
Located in Port St. Lucie, First Data Field has been home to local teams since it opened its doors in time for the 1988 season. Originally named the Thomas J. White Stadium for the real estate developer who created the town of St. Lucie West, the field changed names a few times before sealing a 10-year partnership with First Data in 2017.
In 2012, the stadium added several amenities to bring it into the 21st century, including more seats, a high-definition scoreboard, and an additional outdoor bar and grill. With a capacity of just 7,160, it’s not the largest stadium in the state, but many visitors find the neighborhood vibe and convenient location next to Interstate 95 to be appealing.
Who Plays Here
The New York Mets have traveled south to First Data Field since the stadium was completed in 1988. In addition to the MLB team, local teams, the St. Lucie Mets and the Gulf Coast Mets regularly play at the field.
Game Schedule
The opening day for MLB spring training at First Data Field is February 23rd. In total, 14 games will be played at First Data Field, with the last game on March 24th. Most games take place in the early afternoon, with three split squad (ss) doubleheaders on February 26, March 4, and March 22.
How Do I Get There?
First Data Field is just off of major highway I-95, making it easily accessible for visitors from surrounding areas. For out-of-town fans, the Treasure Coast International Airport and Business Park is a 25-minute drive south from the park.
How Much Are Tickets?
Tickets range from $15 for the grass berm area to $30 for lower reserve seats. The stadium also offers accessible seating for $30, located in the lower reserve section. Buyers should note that ticket prices may not include online convenience fees or taxes.
What Else Do I Need To Know Before I Go?
During spring training, stadium parking is $10 per car and $20 for large RVs and buses, so drivers should come prepared with cash. The ballpark opens one hour before games for fans hoping to get an autograph prior to play.
While some sections of the stadium are covered, many are not in the shade, so hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must. Folding chairs are not allowed within the stadium, but visitors can bring blankets to sit on in the berm. Additionally, visitors cannot bring outside food or beverages, glass containers, hard-sided coolers, or large bags.
Fun Ballpark Fare
Visitors to First Data Field will find plenty of classic ballpark fare like hot dogs, peanuts, and cold beer. There’s a small food court for a range of options sure to satisfy guests of all ages. Those looking for a cold drink will find a colorful drink menu at the third base-side tiki bar. An outdoor bar and grill with ample seating for pre- or post-game dining is found off of right field.
What To Do Before & After Games
Fans seeking entertainment will find that the area of St. Lucie West has a number of local restaurants and shops to explore outside of game time. The West End Grill St. Lucie West has a colorful atmosphere with plenty of outdoor seating and live music. Shoppers have a variety of stores to check out at Town Center at St. Lucie West and can usually find live music and food trucks in the large parking lots in the evening to round out a full day of baseball.
Nearby Away Game Destinations
Given how large Florida is, it can be difficult to quickly travel from one stadium to another to catch doubleheaders, but it’s not impossible. Fans who don’t mind a 45-minute drive to see an away Mets spring training game can head south on I-95 down to Jupiter, where they’ll find the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
There, the Mets play the St. Louis Cardinals on February 28, March 3, and March 14. Fans can also catch the Mets there at 1:05 on March 5, 12, 16, and 19 against the Miami Marlins.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Active adults hoping to be close to the action year-round have many 55+ communities near First Data Field in Port St. Lucie. Cascades at St. Lucie West is a large community close to I-95, making a trip to the stadium a cinch.
Roger Dean Stadium – Jupiter
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is located in Jupiter and has a seating capacity of 6,871. The field was completed in 1998 and named after Roger Houston Dean, who became one of the first mega car dealers in the United States and called Palm Beach County his home. In 2004, Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne badly damaged the stadium, requiring extensive rebuilding and renovations, but the field has since continued to draw a steady crowd of fans.
Who Plays Here
Roger Dean Stadium is home to both the St. Louis Cardinals and Florida’s own Miami Marlins. The stadium has been the home for Cardinals spring training games since it opened in 1998, but the Marlins didn’t move to the field until 2003. The local Jupiter Hammerheads play at Roger Dean Stadium year-round, as do three other minor league teams.
Game Schedule
MLB spring training at Roger Dean Stadium for the Cardinals and Marlins kicks off on February 23rd with a game between the two. Through spring training, each team will play 15 home games at the stadium. Cardinals fans can rally for split-squad doubleheaders on March 8, 15, and 21, while Marlins fans will see just one split-squad doubleheader on March 6.
How Do I Get There?
With its location between the Turnpike and I-95 and Military Trail, Roger Dean Stadium is accessible for fans coming from all directions. For those flying in for sun-filled games, the stadium is a 30-minute drive north of the Palm Beach International Airport.
How Much Are Tickets?
Roger Dean Stadium prides itself on its high-end luxury seating options, so ticket prices before applicable taxes and convenience fees range from $15 for bleacher seats to $53 for first baseline tables and rails in the Corona Beach House. Accessible seating can be found for $15 in the bleachers and $30 in reserved boxes.
What Else Do I Need To Know Before I Go?
Drivers will find a $10 stadium parking fee and should note that tailgating is permitted only in grass parking lots. Fans should bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses as much of the stadium is uncovered and the weather is predictably sunny and hot during most games.
Gates open one hour before game time, during which time fans can line up for autographs. Strollers are allowed, but prohibited items include large bags, hard-sided coolers, outside food and beverages, folding chairs, and large umbrellas.
Fun Ballpark Fare
Hungry guests will find food in every corner of Roger Dean Stadium. The field boasts seven concession stands on the main concourse throughout the premises. Fan favorites include Dean Dogs hot dogs and Italian sausages, but classic fare is found on the menu at each concession stand. Corona Beach House ticket holders can also find distinctive food and beverages on the party deck during specified games and times.
What To Do Before & After Games
Jupiter is a dense area with a wide array of food and fun for baseball fans of all ages. Fans with adventure palates can try Little Moir, a much-loved, local cafe for inspired seafood fare. Nearby Abacoa Shopping Center has a number of favorite stores for fans interested in browsing before the game. For beach lovers, Juno Beach is a 15-minute drive east and features the Loggerhead Marinelife Center which focuses on turtle conservation.
Nearby Away Game Destinations
Fans hoping to catch a doubleheader at nearby FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches can easily make it in time as the stadium is just a 25-minute drive south of Roger Dean Stadium.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Sugar Sands is a condo community in Riviera Beach just a short drive from the stadium. It includes plenty of ways to have fun outdoors, including boat access to the intercostal waterway.
Another great community for downsizing is Century Village at West Palm Beach. The community always has homes for sale under $100k, which is a great price considering the range of amenities on offer.
FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches
With bragging rights as the newest ballpark in the state, West Palm Beach’s FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches broke ground in 2015 and was completed in time for opening day in 2017. With a capacity of 6,500 in fixed seats and room for an additional 1,000 on the outfield berm, the large complex makes its presence known in an area dense with golf courses and green space.
Originally named The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, event and organic products brand FITTEAM signed a 12-year naming rights deal in early 2018. The park is known for its robust year-round schedule which includes “Bark in the Park” days, frequent Florida resident discounts, and senior days featuring discounts and promotions.
Who Plays Here
Since it opened its doors in 2017, the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches has been the spring training home of the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals. In addition to its spring training tenants, the park hosts the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads during the regular season.
Game Schedule
The Astros and the Nationals start and finish their MLB spring training by facing off against one another at FITTEAM Ballpark on February 23d and March 24th (with the Nationals also in a final, split-squad game against the New York Mets). Both teams host 15 home games, including those played against one another. The Astros will see three split-squad doubleheaders during spring training, while the Nationals will have only two.
How Do I Get There?
Located between the Turnpike and I-95 and just off of Military Trail, the ballpark is an easy drive north for Southeast Florida residents and visitors. Those coming from out of town can land at the Palm Beach International Airport and will find the 20-minute drive north to the field is a breeze.
How Much Are Tickets?
Tickets at the modern stadium range from $12 for the general admission section to $60 for home plate boxes. While ticket prices include taxes, buyers can expect an online convenience fee. FITTEAM Ballpark also offers 15-game season tickets for each team as well as 30-game full-season tickets for avid fans who can’t get enough baseball. Children under the age of two do not require a ticket.
What Else Do I Need To Know Before I Go?
Fans headed to the park in cars can expect a $10 parking fee within the stadium. The gates open an hour before game time, and those hoping for autographs can catch the team 40 minutes before game time.
Restricted items include large umbrellas and bags, outside food and beverages, banners and signs, hard-sided coolers, and lawn chairs. While there is ample shade in the concourse, not all seated sections are covered, so guests should come prepared with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for protection.
Fun Ballpark Fare
The stadium caters to the modern tastes of fans of all ages by offering a Craft Corner, which includes the Shock Top Picnic Patio. Ticket holders in this section are treated to a 90-minute buffet including Shock Top bratwursts, buffalo chicken, beef hot dogs, and homemade kettle chips.
Fans outside of the Picnic Patio have their choice of six concession areas throughout the field serving a wide range of food from ice cream to sausages to cold beer, with a number of classic and craft options for all tastes.
What To Do Before & After Games
With its proximity to the Atlantic coastline, visitors to the ballpark have as much to do outside of the stadium as they do inside. Southeast of the stadium is the Palm Beach Zoo, which features a number of local birds, deer, and reptiles as well as bears, monkeys, and big cats.
Shoppers hoping to find a deal have the expansive Palm Beach Outlets, home to a mix of high-end and affordable brands. A short 20-minute drive east from the park puts fans in ritzy Downtown West Palm Beach, where they’ll find upscale stores in Cityplace as well as revered artwork in the Norton Museum of Art.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Neighboring city Lake Worth is home to the Lake Clarke Gardens community, where active adults who like to play sports as much as they love to watch them will find a private putting green and access to several local golf courses. Southwest of the ballpark off of Okeechobee Boulevard, residents of Baywinds find that they’re within easy reach of year-round baseball while nestled in a more peaceful, western neighborhood.
