- March 25, 2026
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Baseball dates back further in my life than any other sport. Whether it was playing T-ball, watching the World Series or briefly umpiring little league, I grew up around it.
So it was merely a matter of time before I found my way to MLB spring training, having moved to Lakewood Ranch in August 2025.
This past week, I set aside my book bag and left my press pass behind to become a spectator at the three ballparks closest to me. My goal in attending a game at each of them was to analyze how the experiences compare.
Here are the reflections of a longtime baseball fan on the good, the bad and everything in-between:
My drive to North Port was the longest, and I aggressively checked the estimated drive time on Waze to prepare accordingly.
You can imagine my disappointment, then, when even after I arrived 30 minutes before first pitch, I didn't get to my seat until the second inning.
That was because of all the time it took to get from the back of the car line to my parking spot. All was forgiven, though, when I pulled into the lot and realized parking was free — a moment of absolute elation.
CoolToday Park is the newest ballpark on this list. It opened in 2019, and looks the part, especially when it comes to concessions. The options are almost overwhelming, ranging from "Salsa Supreme" to "Tomahawk Tiki Bar and Grill."
An $8 fountain soda is a tad heinous, but for that price, you do get a souvenir cup. Although the french fries were well-seasoned, the hot dog was forgettable.
This venue is spacious and extremely walkable, with a concourse that encircles the entire field. My section — Truist Pavilion — was in right-center field, and to my horror, I just so happened to choose one of the worst seats in the entire ballpark.
A metal railing was directly in front of me, obstructing my view, so I had to strain my neck at different angles to see the action. I'm 6-foot-2, and somehow, that wasn't enough height. Why these seats are even on sale is beyond me.
Thankfully, someone sitting near me brightened my mood as we shared tales about Big League Chew and Hubba Bubba bubble tape. I dearly miss chomping on the "Swingin' Sour Apple" flavor, but my teeth don't.
Driving home was particularly unenjoyable. It lasted a staggering 1.5 hours compared to 40ish minutes without traffic.
This is a good place to catch a game, though the parking situation is both a blessing and a curse. And maybe don't sit in the first row of Truist Pavilion — unless, of course, you're Victor Wembanyama.
This did not go according to plan. I was supposed to attend an evening game March 16, but weather canceled that, so I promptly requested a ticket exchange.
And boy, oh boy, it was quite the exchange.
My seat was upgraded to three rows back from field level, and within an earshot of the Orioles' dugout. Pitches, hits, outs — everything — was up close. It might have been the best seat I've ever had for a sporting event.
Parking at Ed Smith Stadium was stress-free, but unlike CoolToday Park, it came at a cost. The Orioles charged $12 for official parking, while several neighboring lots allowed you to get out quicker after the game for $15.
A unique charm was immediately apparent to me when entering this ballpark. This place is pretty from the outside, and similarly striking from within.
Anyone who walks through the gates to home plate can appreciate it. For me, the beauty was almost enough to distract from the concession prices.
Almost.
Bottled water will set you back $6. If you want a hot dog, prepare to pay over $7 for mediocre quality at best. Gordon Ramsay is not the head chef at this establishment.
What irked me most was the label "jumbo hot dog" on the menu, despite it being no larger than normal size — blatantly false advertising. Just call it what it is.
Prices alone shouldn't deter you from Ed Smith Stadium, but be sure to bring food and drinks from home. Your wallet will thank you.
There's good nostalgia and there's bad nostalgia. Attending a game at LECOM Park straddles the fence between those two sensations.
Opened in 1923, it's the oldest ballpark in the Grapefruit League and second-oldest in minor league baseball. Renovations over the years have kept it mostly modern while maintaining its Spanish Mission style.
But a glaring issue remains. Rows and rows of bleachers line the grandstands, and none of them have seat backs.
That would be fine if this was high school football. Last time I checked, it isn't.
The franchise has been marred in mediocrity for decades, so the least it could do is give actual seats to fans who choose to support mediocrity.
Parking on-site is much more limited than at Ed Smith Stadium or CoolToday Park. Unless you plan on getting there multiple hours before first pitch, you'll need cash to get a spot at nearby lots, which can range from $10-30.
Charging $8 for a hot dog is ridiculous, but it was also hands-down the best one I had of the three. The french fries, meanwhile, were horribly soft and flavorless.
The game atmosphere is genuinely great. It's an intimate baseball setting which leverages its vintage aesthetic well.
Credit is overdue for whoever runs the sound effects at LECOM Park. Every time a foul ball left the building, the shattering of glass and subsequent goat scream never failed to put a smile on my face.
For better and for worse, the venue shows its age.
