Going to spring training!

**johndeerebird** · 02-09-2013 05:25 PM

I'm heading to Sarasota for a couple of days for my first time at Spring Training. A couple of quick questions for the seasoned veterans:

1) I still need a ticket for the 3/9 game at the Red Sox. Should I buy a $25 berm seat off of StubHub (currently 800+ tickets available), scalp tickets at the stadium, or try to buy tickets at the box office that people have turned in?

2) How early should I get to the stadium to try to catch players for autographs, photos, etc.? Where would one go to do this? How early does the stadium open up to watch practice?

3) Anything interesting/fun that we should try to do in the limited time we're down there?

Thanks for the pointers!

**weams** · 02-09-2013 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by johndeerebird

I'm heading to Sarasota for a couple of days for my first time at Spring Training. A couple of quick questions for the seasoned veterans:

1) I still need a ticket for the 3/9 game at the Red Sox. Should I buy a $25 berm seat off of StubHub (currently 800+ tickets available), scalp tickets at the stadium, or try to buy tickets at the box office that people have turned in?

2) How early should I get to the stadium to try to catch players for autographs, photos, etc.? Where would one go to do this? How early does the stadium open up to watch practice?

3) Anything interesting/fun that we should try to do in the limited time we're down there?

Thanks for the pointers!

Stub Hub for the 3/9 unless you get one sooner. Does the Box office say it is sold out? Go early. 11 AM for a 1:05 game. The best place to get autographs is down near the media pit, first base side. Or in the bullpen. The players parking lot is near the clubhouse, and some folks congregate there after the game.
Go to Twin Lakes park in the mornings to see the pitchers and catchers. Unless you are going this week. Marie Selby Gardens are wonderful, The Aquarium is great. The beaches are the best you will ever visit. There is a Dog Track down by the stadium. Some folks go there. St Armands Circle is fantastic. So is the Columbia. Michael's on East is a must see.

**johndeerebird** · 02-09-2013 06:09 PM

Thanks! Box office does say it is sold out, guess I will grab a lawn seat and bring a towel to sit on.

Is Twin Lakes just open to the public to mill about, or do you need something to get in? What time do pitchers and catchers show up, and does it matter if there is a game that day or not?

**weams** · 02-09-2013 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by johndeerebird

Thanks! Box office does say it is sold out, guess I will grab a lawn seat and bring a towel to sit on.

Is Twin Lakes just open to the public to mill about, or do you need something to get in? What time do pitchers and catchers show up, and does it matter if there is a game that day or not?

Minor league games don't start for a while. They practice early each day and are done by 1 pm. Just show up. And be friendly. Make certain to introduce yourself to Doc Shorebird.

**johndeerebird** · 02-09-2013 06:27 PM

I meant a spring training game... if there is a game at 1 p.m. at Ed Smith, there will still be activity at Twin Lakes that same morning? Thanks again.

**BoltonBob** · 02-09-2013 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by johndeerebird

Thanks! Box office does say it is sold out, guess I will grab a lawn seat and bring a towel to sit on.

Is Twin Lakes just open to the public to mill about, or do you need something to get in? What time do pitchers and catchers show up, and does it matter if there is a game that day or not?

http://www.downtowntickets.com/ticke...s-tickets.aspx
Is where I get some tics, but the Fed ex charge can be steep.
That game is listed in Jet Blue Park, Ft Myers - Usually has "walk up" tics set aside. Great New Park - replica of Fenway... Whole area set aside for Taste of Boston food. Seafood place in area will give you a coupon for free appitizer @ any of the three area locations..........Leaving sucks as everyone emptys out onto one pretty busy highway.

**weams** · 02-09-2013 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by johndeerebird

I meant a spring training game... if there is a game at 1 p.m. at Ed Smith, there will still be activity at Twin Lakes that same morning? Thanks again.

The Minor league spring training games don't start until 3/14. There seems to always be activity at the Buck O'neil complex, regardless of whether the major leaguers have a spring training game.

**byrdz** · 02-09-2013 06:33 PM

I'll be going to cactus league like I always do every year. Be cool if the Orioles could come out to the desert for just one ST.

**weams** · 02-09-2013 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by byrdz

I'll be going to cactus league like I always do every year. Be cool if the Orioles could come out to the desert for just one ST.

Do you go to the Fall League? That is an experience.

**hendu** · 02-10-2013 09:00 PM

I paid $68 a ticket to sit in 113 row 3 for 3/9. The same seats are on stub hub right now for $37, and they are by far the best value on there right now. Go get them.

**johndeerebird** · 02-10-2013 11:15 PM

Thanks, everyone. Hendu, looks like those tickets are already gone, unfortunately--I would have grabbed them. I found something that says that even when the games sell out, the Red Sox ticket office sells "reserved" SRO tickets for $10/each. I'm going to call tomorrow and see if that's so... we're still young-ish and can bear to stand for a couple hours.

Can't wait to get down there... I think I'll buy a new telephoto camera lens for the occasion.

**SombodysMom** · 02-11-2013 03:53 PM

Rod and Reel Pier on Anna Maria Island for seafood
Mr Bones BBQ on Anna Maria for bbq and veggie
the beaches on Anna Maria island are awesome
Cafe Havana on Washington Blvd (301N) for decent Cuban

Wish we were going this year. We had a blast last spring.

**LA2** · 02-13-2013 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by weams

Stub Hub for the 3/9 unless you get one sooner. Does the Box office say it is sold out? Go early. 11 AM for a 1:05 game. The best place to get autographs is down near the media pit, first base side. Or in the bullpen. The players parking lot is near the clubhouse, and some folks congregate there after the game.
Go to Twin Lakes park in the mornings to see the pitchers and catchers. Unless you are going this week. Marie Selby Gardens are wonderful, The Aquarium is great. The beaches are the best you will ever visit. There is a Dog Track down by the stadium. Some folks go there. St Armands Circle is fantastic. So is the Columbia. Michael's on East is a must see.

Where are they this weekend? Thanks.

**weams** · 02-13-2013 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by LA2

Where are they this weekend? Thanks.

I think everyone is over at Ed Smith this week. I think next week starts Twin Lakes. But go around 9 AM and see if anyone is there. It is probably open.

**doorman** · 02-13-2013 08:52 PM

johndeere I sent you a PM have 2 tickets to the 3/9 game in section can sell you at face value if interested.

Thread: Going to spring training!

Thread Tools

Display

Going to spring training!

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions