Spring Training

With many games held without fans or with limited crowds because of pandemic restrictions, larger incentives tied to publicly funded stadiums and arenas in Florida posted negative returns.

The Tampa Bay Rays, coming off their fifth straight postseason appearance, return to Charlotte Sports Park after a year away because of damage caused by Hurricane Ian.

After three years of disruptions, first because of COVID and then a labor lockout, baseball fans are in for a touch of normalcy. Although, the Rays will host games closer to home this March.

Due to damage to their Port Charlotte complex after Hurricane Ian, the Rays will hold spring training at Tropicana Field and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista.

Charlotte County and the Tampa Bay Rays have determined there is not adequate time before spring training to get the stadium in suitable condition.

Big piles of mostly tree limbs and other dead vegetation are still awaiting pickup in some neighborhoods.

Fans came out to Carpenter Complex in Clearwater to watch the Philadelphia Phillies during their first spring training workout after a 99-day lockout.

Players will start to report for optional workouts as early as Friday ahead of the start of the season April 7. Here are answers to some questions you might have.

The owners and players will meet again today at 11 a.m., with a 5 p.m. deadline to start the season on time and preserve a full 162-game schedule.

The owners had set a Monday deadline to reach a deal and salvage Opening Day on March 31 and a full 162-game schedule.

According to a Rollins College professor, the Florida Sports Foundation estimates the entire spring training season brings in about $687 million to the state.

Spring training workouts were to have begun this week, with the first games scheduled starting Feb. 26.