Nobody does spring break quite like Florida. The scenery is beautiful, the sun is shining, and everyone seems happy. No, I’m not talking about the beach; I’m talking about the baseball. Springtime is a great time to be in the Sunshine State to see some of the best baseball in the world, at the college and the professional level.
The toughest part about baseball in the spring is where to go. Spring training has spread so far around southern Florida that it has changed the landscape of the schedule. Look no further than right here, as we create the ultimate spring break sports road trip. You get to see the best of the best in baseball. On this trip, you’ll visit six stadiums in seven days.
Day 1: Alfred A. McKethan Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
On your way over the border, before seeing the professionals, swing by Gainesville and get a taste of one of the best baseball teams in the country. The Florida Gators consistently put together one of the best baseball teams in all of the NCAA, and it creates a great opportunity to see some of the best baseball.
If you wait until 2021, you can also see the brand new, state-of-the-art stadium the Gators are building. Gainesville is a fun town with some great food, which allows you to enjoy baseball and a college atmosphere on day one of your spring break vacation.
Day 2: Publix Field, Lakeland, Florida
Your first spring training stop is on the way to Tampa, at Publix Field in Lakeland to view the Detroit Tigers facility. It now sits at the stadium furthest north in spring training, so it is the ideal stop for first on the tour. While the Tigers haven’t been as competitive in recent years, the stadium still stands out as a great facility to watch baseball.
The baseball field was built on an old WWII airfield and incorporates its heritage into the design of the facility. It’s a great area to check out the stadium and a stop on the way to Tampa for your next destination.
Day 3: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, Florida
One of the oldest and most famous spring training facilities is where the Yankees are located, at the stadium named after the late, famous owner of the team. He built the stadium for the team back in 1996. It was the first stadium to seat 10,000 for spring training down in Florida, and the renovations have made it one of the best in the business.
It looks like a smaller version of the iconic Old Yankee Stadium, and going to the game is like going to a place in history. The retired numbers, the Steinbrenner statue, and the pictures and images of Yankee greats everywhere make Steinbrenner Field a must visit for any baseball fan.
Day 4: TD Ballpark, Dunedin, Florida
Stay nearby in the Tampa Bay Area, see some beaches, and enjoy another great facility in Dunedin from our members up north. The Toronto Blue Jays’ recently renovated stadium is one of the most quaint stadiums in all of spring training. Located in Dunedin, which has a small-town feel, it’s a great coastal destination with local restaurants surrounding the stadium.
This stadium is a great place to relax and just enjoy some baseball the way it should be.
Day 5: Beach Day
Don’t burn out yet. You’ve got two stadiums to go! Enjoy some of the great beaches in the state as you make your way down to Ft. Myers, Florida.
Day 6: JetBlue Park, Ft. Myers, Florida
Known as Fenway South, JetBlue Park is an exact replica of one of the most famous stadiums in all of baseball, Fenway Park, with a few modern twists.
Enjoy a Fenway Frank in the stadium and get a seat inside the Green Monster, the 38-foot wall in left field Fenway Park is known for. JetBlue is an exact replica in field dimensions as the stadium in Boston, so enjoy a piece of history and see one of the most famous baseball teams in the world.
Day 7: CoolToday Park, North Port, Florida
Cap off your spring break tour by visiting the Atlanta Braves at the brand new, state-of-the-art facility in North Port. Get a table seat in right field and hope for a home run ball as you enjoy some Braves baseball.
The stadium is one of the best for one of the top teams in the MLB, and you see the culture of the Braves with the culture of spring training. You get to enjoy some of the vibes of a relaxed spring training culture with the retired numbers and pieces of Braves history riddled throughout. It’s the perfect stop to finish your baseball vacation.
Written by: Kyle Grondin
