Spring training is an exciting time for baseball fans, and Sarasota is one of the best places to enjoy it. With several Grapefruit League teams training nearby, Sarasota offers the perfect combination of warm weather, competitive baseball, and luxurious accommodations. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual observer, Sarasota’s proximity to spring training teams and stadiums makes it an ideal destination.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about Sarasota spring training, including where to watch games, how to attend, and where to stay.
What is the Grapefruit League?
The Grapefruit League is one of Major League Baseball’s two spring training leagues, consisting of 15 teams that train in Florida. Spring training in Florida, particularly along the Gulf Coast, allows teams and fans to escape colder climates and enjoy baseball in warm, sunny weather. The Grapefruit League is the counterpart to Arizona’s Cactus League, with teams spread across cities like Sarasota, Tampa, Clearwater, and beyond.
For baseball fans staying in Sarasota, the Grapefruit League offers easy access to games featuring both local teams and those from nearby cities. Attendees can experience the excitement of pre-season baseball, often getting closer to players than in regular-season games, while also exploring the unique attractions and experiences Sarasota has to offer.
Which Teams Can I See During My Vunique Vacation?
When planning your Sarasota spring training trip, you’re in for a treat with several Grapefruit League teams training nearby. The Sarasota area gives you easy access to teams that are a short drive away, while Tampa and Clearwater offer more day trip options. Let’s dive into which teams you can catch during your stay.
Sarasota Teams
Two major teams call Sarasota home during spring training: the Atlanta Braves and the Baltimore Orioles.
The Baltimore Orioles have a long-standing history in Sarasota, dating back to 2010 when they began training at Ed Smith Stadium. This iconic franchise has won multiple World Series championships and has produced baseball legends like Cal Ripken Jr. Attending an Orioles spring training game provides an opportunity to see the up-and-coming talent that will carry the team into the future, as well as some familiar faces on the current roster.
The Atlanta Braves, based in nearby North Port, are one of baseball’s most storied franchises. The Braves train at CoolToday Park, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2019. As recent World Series champions, the Braves are an exciting team to watch, and you can catch some of their most promising stars and established veterans preparing for the season.
Clearwater Teams
In Clearwater, just a bit farther up the coast, you can watch the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark. The Phillies have trained in Clearwater since 1947, and the stadium has become an iconic part of the town’s spring training experience. With a World Series title in their recent history and a passionate fan base, seeing the Phillies play during spring training is a must for baseball enthusiasts.
Tampa Teams
Those taking the day trip to Tampa will find the legendary New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Known as one of the most successful teams in baseball history, the Yankees are always a draw for fans. Watching them prepare for the season in Tampa offers a chance to see superstars and promising new talent up close. The drive to Tampa makes it easy to pair a game with dining or sightseeing in the city, turning your trip into a full-day adventure.
Where Can I Watch the Games?
With several teams training nearby, Sarasota is the perfect base for exploring spring training. Whether you’re staying in Sarasota or planning a day trip to Tampa or Clearwater, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy the games while making the most of your vacation.
Sarasota Stadiums
Sarasota offers two fantastic venues for spring training fans. Ed Smith Stadium hosts the Baltimore Orioles, while CoolToday Park is home to the Atlanta Braves. Both stadiums are a short drive from any Sarasota spring training accommodations, and you can easily plan other activities for the day. For example, after watching the Braves play in North Port, head to one of Sarasota’s nearby beaches or enjoy some of the city’s top dining experiences.
Clearwater
Though a bit farther away, BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater is worth the drive to catch the Phillies in action. Clearwater is about an hour from Sarasota, making it ideal for a day trip. After the game, enjoy some of Clearwater’s famous attractions or take a scenic walk along the beach. If you’re looking to extend your stay, consider Vunique Vacations’ new Clearwater market homes, coming in the summer of 2025.
Tampa
Tampa is another popular destination for spring training fans, with the New York Yankees training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Tampa is about an hour and a half from Sarasota, making it a perfect day trip option. Combine a Yankees game with some of Vunique’s Tampa dining recommendations to make it a full day of fun. Explore the city’s vibrant dining scene, or spend the morning visiting one of Tampa’s cultural attractions before heading to the ballpark.
Plan Your Visit
Make the most of Spring Training season by staying in a Sarasota vacation rental with Vunique Vacations. Enjoy luxury accommodations just minutes from the ballpark, so you can catch every game while also relaxing in style!
How Do I Attend a Game?
Attending a Sarasota spring training game is easy and straightforward. Tickets for Grapefruit League games are usually available online through the teams’ official websites, but they can also be purchased at the stadium on game day, depending on availability. Keep in mind that spring training games often sell out, especially for popular teams like the Yankees, so it’s best to buy tickets in advance if possible.
When planning your trip, consider making it a full-day outing. Whether you’re staying local in Sarasota or driving to Clearwater or Tampa, there are plenty of things to do in Sarasota and beyond. Pair your game with a meal at one of Vunique’s recommended restaurants, or spend some time exploring local attractions like beaches or museums. The beauty of spring training in this area is that everything is within a short drive, giving you the flexibility to make the most of your time.
Where Should I Stay?
When it comes to finding a place to stay for your Sarasota spring training adventure, look no further than Vunique Vacations. With a selection of luxury rentals, including Siesta Key luxury rentals and Lido Key luxury rentals, you can relax in style after a day of baseball. Whether you want to stay close to Sarasota’s beautiful beaches or prefer a more secluded, private getaway, Vunique Vacations offers the perfect home base for your spring training experience.
Each of our properties is carefully curated to offer high-end amenities, spacious living areas, and convenient locations near the best attractions in Sarasota. And while Sarasota is the ideal location for accessing several Grapefruit League teams, we’re excited to announce that Vunique will be expanding into the Clearwater market in the summer of 2025. This means that next year, you’ll have even more luxury options if you’re interested in staying closer to Clearwater for the Philadelphia Phillies games.
Spring training in Sarasota offers baseball fans the best of both worlds—exciting Grapefruit League action and the opportunity to enjoy all that the Gulf Coast has to offer. With top teams like the Orioles, Braves, Phillies, and Yankees training nearby, plus the convenience of staying in a luxury Vunique vacation rental, your spring training getaway is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re exploring things to do in Sarasota or making a day trip to Clearwater or Tampa, Sarasota spring training is a must for any baseball enthusiast.
