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Spring Training games set to begin across the Bay area

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TAMPA, Fla. — Baseball fans are heading back to Florida as Grapefruit League spring training games begin this weekend across the state, with matchups scheduled in cities including Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Dunedin, Lakeland, and Sarasota.

 The annual preseason tradition is expected to draw thousands of visitors, providing a significant boost for local tourism, hotels, and restaurants.

What You Need To Know

  •  Florida’s Grapefruit League says it has spured a $679-million-dollar ecomnomic ompact to the State of Florida 

  • Games begin this Friday and run through the end of March 

  • Hotels in Tampa’s midtown district are seeing a spike in occupancy as it is in close proximity to Steinbrenner Field and the Yankees spring training facility  

  • For the scheudle of the Grapefruit Leagues spring training games, visit here: BN9 Spring Traing Guide 2026


One of the biggest attractions each year is the New York Yankees, who play their spring training games at Steinbrenner Field.

Located near Tampa’s rapidly growing Midtown district, the stadium sits close to a range of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues that benefit from the seasonal influx of fans.

Local hospitality leaders said the spring training season consistently brings a surge of visitors.

Brittany Mattix, assistant general manager of the Midtown Aloft hotel, says the area becomes especially lively during rivalry games, when passionate fans from across the country travel to see their teams play.

“Very busy. We’re super excited,” said Mattix. “We encounter every year during this time for spring training, especially during the rival game, such an influx of passionate people that are just very, very overwhelmed with joy to see their teams playing here. 

“With it being in such close proximity, Midtown is a great place to be for this.”

Spring training runs through late March, leading up to Opening Day March 26. During that time, many fans travel to Florida for extended stays—some remaining for the entire six-week season—helping sustain strong business activity throughout the region.

The Yankees open their home schedule Friday at 1:05 p.m., facing the Baltimore Orioles.

Local fans will also be heading south to Port Charlotte, where the Tampa Bay Rays hold spring training at Charlotte Sports Park.

The Rays begin their preseason schedule Saturday at 1:05 p.m. against the Atlanta Braves.

With multiple teams playing across Florida and fans arriving from around the country, regional tourism officials and local businesses expect another busy and economically important spring training season.

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Jason Lanning

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