Of all the fun things to do in Sarasota, sports are some of the most popular attractions. If you’re looking for the details as to where the teams play, typical seasons, and more, then you came to the right place.
Learn about spring training and all the other sports in the area so you can plan accordingly before you book your Sarasota vacation rental!
Baseball
Tampa Bay Rays
For things to do near Sarasota, you can’t forget the glories of baseball, a true American sport known well in this region.
Here in Sarasota, the one and only Tampa Bay Rays fight for the MLB champion title every season. You can catch many home games while you visit, and be sure to also keep an eye on their roster (which is available online as a free download, too, on the main MLB website) so you can witness them in action when you’re back home as well (do cheer for your home team, though)! Sarasota baseball, here we go!
Regular Season
Their best regular season, by far, was in 2020; even during the Covid pandemic, they were able to score 40 wins with just 20 losses. They have significantly improved their seasons since the year prior. In 2019, they won over 90 games and took their rightful place in the Division Series, losing only five games. They’ve been around each season since 1998, in which they were originally called the Devil Rays, but when the 2007 season finished, they took their current name, which many fans like better. It’s got a more upbeat appeal to it.
They’ve got plenty of games coming up. Catch their full schedule here. Don’t miss one!
Spring Training
They train here on the Gulf Coast when the regular season is over. So do the Baltimore Orioles. This is where the Atlanta Braves are known to play spring ball as well!
Football – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nothing says Sarasota football like the Bucs. Catch this team in action, too. See their scheduled games in advance, and don’t miss your chance to see the GOAT Tom Brady in action.
Todd Bowles is their current head coach, having been the previous defensive coordinator of the same team for three seasons prior. He knows what it takes to win. His aim, and specialty, is to lead the offensive-side team to greater victories this year and next.
Ice Hockey – Tampa Bay Lightning (The Bolts)
Tampa Bay Lightning
As for Sarasota ice hockey, you’ve got to come to check out the team that keeps locals roaring from the stands for ice puck action at its best. This year, the team has four excellent goalies: Hugo Alnefelt, Maxime Lagace, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Brian Elliott. They are ready to bring the thunder — or should we say ‘lightning’?
Many great games are coming up starting in September. Check it all out here. Thankfully, hockey tickets are a little cheaper than other sports, usually (some starting at just $15-25 per person). The Sarasota arena offers premium seating, too, but please book in advance.
Minor League Baseball – Bradenton Marauders
Bradenton Marauders
These guys are ready to roar this year, led by Jonathan Johnston, and you shouldn’t miss it. They’ve got plenty of upcoming games, so there’s something you can easily squeeze into your schedule. Don’t miss any games with Bubba Chandler, their designated hitter.
Baseball – Spring Training
Florida is the perfect place to visit if you love baseball. There are 10 teams whose spring training fields are within a 2-hour drive of Siesta Key. Team include the Pittsburg Pirates (Bradenton), Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota), New York Yankees (Tampa), Philadelphia Phillies (Clearwater), Toronto Blue Jays (Dunedin), Detroit Tigers (Lakeland), Atlanta Braves (Orlando), Tampa Bay Rays (Port Charlotte), Boston Red Socks (Ft Myers), and the Minnesota Twins (Ft Myers).
Your Sarasota Vacation Rental
Come to Sarasota for the best front-row action you’ve ever witnessed in a while. All sports are fair game, so bring your whole family! Vunique has a variety of luxury vacation rentals in Sarasota for families and large groups that feature pools, putting courses, and gorgeous views of the ocean.
