Local Stadiums
The east coast of South Florida offers three stadiums just a short drive away, where you can catch five MLB teams preparing for the season
Clover Park
Location: Port St. Lucie
Opened: 1988
Team: New York Mets
Opening Day: New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins, February 25
Fun Fact: The stadium was originally named Thomas J. White Stadium, after the real estate developer who led building it. It then went through three more names—Tradition Field, Digital Domain Park, and First Data Field—before being dubbed Clover Park in 2020.
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
Location: Jupiter
Opened: 1998
Teams: Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals
Opening Day: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals, February 25; Miami Marlins vs. St. Louis Cardinals, February 26
Fun Fact: Thanks to Palm Beach County’s approval of a $108 million stadium renovation plan, the Cardinals and Marlins will continue training at Roger Dean in Abacoa at least through 2049. Plans include the demolition of existing clubhouses to facilitate additional outfield seating and replacement clubhouses, expanded WiFi, relocated bullpens, upgraded concessions, new group spaces, and other improvements.
The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches
Location: West Palm Beach
Opened: 2017
Teams: Houston Astros and Washington Nationals
Opening Day: Houston Astros vs. New York Mets, February 25; Washington Nationals vs. Houston Astros, February 26
Fun Fact: The two teams that train at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches faced each other in the 2019 World Series. The last time that happened was 1942, when the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees (who both played Grapefruit League games at St. Petersburg’s Al Lange Field) met in that year’s World Series.
Know Before You Go
Don’t get derailed by bag policies
Stadiums have very specific requirements when it comes to bringing bags into the park. Some don’t allow bags at all, while others have precise size requirements or require items such as backpacks to be clear. If you don’t comply with their policy, you won’t be able to take your bag inside and will likely have to rent a storage locker, so check the park’s website before heading to the game.
On the Roster
There is a method to the madness when it comes to which players you’ll see during a training game
• If you hope to see some superstar players in action, be sure to get to the game on time. Starters typically play only the first few innings, while players whose status on the roster is still undecided take the field in later innings.
• As it gets closer to regular season, teams start narrowing down their rosters. If you want to see more developing, under-the-radar players, attend games earlier in the season. If you would rather get a feel for what the team will actually look like during regular season, attend the later games.
• Always grab a program on your way into the stadium. It will provide you with the names and jersey numbers of new, up-and-coming players and non-roster invitees you may not recognize.
