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February 2, 2023Sure, the calendar might say we are but a few weeks past the official start of winter but don’t be fooled by that. In truth, Major League Baseball spring training is already om the horizon, with players reporting to their respective teams in early February. Cries of “play ball!” will echo from stadiums in Florida and Arizona before you know it.
All of which makes this the ideal time to begin planning your spring training excursion. Whether it’s going to be a few days or weeks, there are some important steps you can take to optimize your winter trip to sunny baseball climes.
Pick Your Time: If the game’s your thing, be aware the actual spring training season runs from late February to mid- to late March, and plan accordingly. Also bear in mind that weekend games tend to draw larger crowds than their weekday counterparts, particularly for teams whose fan bases are near Arizona and Florida. It’s smart to mix and match the games you want to attend.
Get A Room: Spring training is a highly popular winter destination, with more than 3 million Americans making the trip each year. Suffice it to say, hotels and resorts tend to fill quickly, with lodgings near specific stadiums going the fastest and usually at a premium. The solution? Book your accommodations as early as possible.
Don’t Just Root for the Home Team: One of the best things about the way spring training is structured is that is enables you to see your favorite team play at multiple ballparks in one trip. This is particularly true in Arizona, where all 15 Cactus League squads train in or around Phoenix. Try following your team as it makes the circuit so that you can root them on while experiencing each stadium’s individual perks and features.
Choose Seats Wisely: In general, it’s smart to purchase tickets ahead of time, particularly for rival matchups (I’m looking at you, Cubs vs. White Sox) or marquee teams. Also remember that spring training facilities tend to be much smaller and more affordable than regular stadiums, so you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get good seats. One caveat, however: Unlike in the regular season, most spring training games take place during the day, so it can get uncomfortably warm. Look for seats that maximize your time in the shade and always pack a hat, sunscreen and water.
Represent: Be sure to hit the stadium store; is there a better way to commemorate your winter-in-the-sun visit? In addition, the inventory often includes items you can’t get anywhere else, such as spring training-specific jerseys, caps and beer mugs. In some cases, you can even score regular season merch that hasn’t been released to the public yet.
Explore the City: Most spring training games take place during the day, so you’ll probably have plenty of free time at night. You could just head back to your hotel and order room service — or you could use that time to check out some of the local attractions and restaurants. Suffice it say, there is plenty to do off the diamond in both Florida and Arizona to occupy baseball tourists of all stripes.
At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.
