Fan’s Guide to Spring Training with the Tampa Bay Rays

March 09, 2023
| 16:38 PM

In 2022 the Tampa Bay Rays finished the regular season in third place in the daunting AL East division, which was good enough for a Wild Card spot in the playoffs.

The Rays traveled to Cleveland for the best of three Wild Card Rounds, eventually being knocked out of the playoffs in the bottom of the fifteenth inning on a walk-off home run.

To make matters worse, the game was scoreless until that point. To make matters even worse, Oscar Gonzalez, who hit the walk-off homer for Cleveland uses the theme for Spongebob Squarepants as his walk-up song.

Tampa Bay Rays mascot - Tampa Bay Rays spring training tropicana field

Looking to rebound from a year of injuries and the disappointing defeat in the playoffs, the Rays will need to quickly adapt to a new set of MLB rules introduced this year, namely the limitations on defensive shifting (a strategy Tampa has always used to gain an edge), and on the introduction of the pitch clock.

There is no better place to iron out the kinks to a new season than Spring Training, which for the Rays typically takes place at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida. Due to the aftermath sustained earlier in 2022 from Hurricane Ian, which ravaged parts of the Florida coast, Charlotte Sports Park suffered water damage and electrical issues and is not yet suitable to host Spring Training.

Where Are They Now? 🤔

As a result, the Rays began camp at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, and have since moved to St. Petersburg to complete the remainder of Spring Training at their regular season home, Tropicana Field.

If there is one bright side, the Rays will get extra practice on their home turf!

Upcoming Games & Tickets At Tropicana Field

Mar 9 vs Blue Jays
Mar 10 vs Braves
Mar 13 vs Tigers
Mar 14 vs Twins
Mar 16 vs Braves
Mar 18 vs Red Sox
Mar 19 vs Blue Jays
Mar 22 vs Phillies
Mar 24 vs Mets
Mar 25 vs Red Sox

Tampa Bay Rays in St. Pete

Interestingly enough, this won’t be the first time the Rays played Spring Training in St. Pete. Al Lang Stadium, perched right on the St. Pete side of Tampa Bay and current home to the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer team, was Spring Training home to the Rays through 2008. Maybe it’s good luck that the Rays return to St. Pete this year. 2008 was the year the Rays went from last to first leading to their first-ever World Series appearance!

Parking for a Tampa Bay Rays Game 🚗

Spring Training parking can be purchased in advance for Lots 1 and 2, for $8 apiece. Enjoy the cheap parking while it lasts!

It’s never too late to plan ahead for Spring Training next year in 2024, so read on to learn more about visiting Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida.

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Keep in Mind 👀

This is a final reminder – just don’t make the trip to Charlotte Sports Park this year because the Rays will be playing 80 miles away in St. Petersburg!

Things To Do and See at Charlotte Sports Park

Download Map

For families with younger fans, this area of the ballpark features separate play areas for tots and youth, as well as a concession stand just for kids. You can find the playground in the map above!

Experience Port Charlotte

Looking for something to do before or after taking in Tampa Bay Rays spring training? There are tons of opportunities for fun in the Florida sun.

Start by Finding a Hotel 🏫

Find a hotel nearby and make the most of your trip by treating yourself to a little vacation.

Enjoy a day at Port Charlotte Beach Park

📸 Charlotte County

Charlotte Sports Park features a 360-degree, fan-friendly pedestrian concourse that has all the charm of a seaside boardwalk. The walkway circles the entire stadium, so you can check out all the sights and sounds without missing a pitch.

What would a visit to Florida’s Gulf Coast be without a day at the beach? At Port Charlotte Beach Park, you can fish, canoe and kayak, play basketball, volleyball, and tennis, or swim at the pool or beach. Another option is to simply lay back and soak up a different kind of rays.

📍4500 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

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The Twisted Fork

📸 Twisted Fork – Facebook

The perfect place to cool off right before or after the game. It’s right there! The Twisted Fork is an experience you won’t soon forget! What goes better with beer than nachos? Although this may technically not be a sports bar, it definitely gives off the vibes of one! Have an Italian sirloin and a Corona, and you’re good to go!

📍2208 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

⏰ Sunday – Thursday | 11:00am- 11:00pm and Friday – Saturday | 11:00am- 12:00am

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Play A Few Rounds

Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club

For golf enthusiasts, Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club is the perfect place to play a round. The club boasts scenic views of beautiful ponds and open green spaces. Just be sure to book up to six days in advance.

📍2100 Kings Hwy, Port Charlotte, FL 33980

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tampasportsguy | Visit Profile >

Tampa native | Sports Fanatic | Content Creator | Former College Athlete | Data analytics by day, Tampasportsguy by night...

Fan’s Guide to Spring Training with the Tampa Bay Rays

Where Are They Now? 🤔

Upcoming Games & Tickets At Tropicana Field

Tampa Bay Rays in St. Pete

Parking for a Tampa Bay Rays Game 🚗

Keep in Mind 👀

Things To Do and See at Charlotte Sports Park

Super Green

Experience Port Charlotte

Start by Finding a Hotel 🏫

Enjoy a day at Port Charlotte Beach Park

The Twisted Fork