Sunshine Matters

March is the month for Spring Training in Florida.  In collaboration with the Florida Grapefruit League, VISIT FLORIDA is promoting Spring Training through our Official Florida Welcome Centers and content on VISITFLORIDA.com.

Each March, while the weather is still frightful up north, Major League Baseball comes South to the Sunshine State with Florida playing host to 15 teams for their annual Spring Training.  As a tradition dating back more than 100 years, the Florida Grapefruit League attracts nearly 1.5 million fans annually who travel to the warm climate to enjoy the weather and watch their favorite teams play.

Florida’s rich tradition as a professional sports destination began with Spring Training, which brought the stars here before Florida had pro teams of our own. Nearly all the baseball immortals – from Ruth and Hornsby to Mays and Clemente – have trod the basepaths of St. Petersburg, Bradenton and other points North and South in the state.

As a way to showcase our baseball roots to visitors driving to the Sunshine State, the Official Florida Welcome Centers managed by VISIT FLORIDA are decked out for Spring Training Month.  From interactive displays and employees sporting VISIT FLORIDA baseball uniforms, our knowledgeable staff are ready to provide visitors with information about unique activities and experiences in the host cities.  They are also handing out the Spring Training 2015 brochure, which includes all 15 Grapefruit League teams’ schedules, game locations, ticket prices and directions to the stadiums.

In addition, VISITFLORIDA.com features a Spring Training content page, which is linked to a highlighted slider image on the homepage. The special content section includes: why you should catch a ballgame, a roadmap to follow Spring Training around the state, fun facts about baseball-popular Florida cities, everything you need to know for family fun at Spring Training, and VISIT FLORIDA Insider interviews with players.

For more information on Spring Training season, visit floridagrapefruitleague.com or check out the Florida Sports Foundation’s comprehensive online guide.