Charlotte Sports Park Travel Guide

Welcome to Charlotte Sports Park, the spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Tucked away in Port Charlotte, Florida, this 82-acre spot gives baseball fans a full experience with its 360-degree pedestrian concourse—you can catch the game from just about anywhere. USA Today’s 10Best named Charlotte Sports Park the #2 Spring Training Ballpark, so if you’re into baseball, it’s definitely worth a visit.

This park isn’t just about baseball, either. There’s a boardwalk around the outfield, a kids’ play area, and plenty of upgraded concession stands throughout the state-of-the-art facility. Whether you bleed Rays blue or just love a good ballgame, the cozy setup puts you right in the action.

Planning your trip here is pretty simple, honestly. The Charlotte Sports Park Information Guide lays out everything you need, from ticket prices to parking. This guide covers all the essentials so you can have a great time at this fan-friendly ballpark in southwest Florida.

Overview of Charlotte Sports Park

Charlotte Sports Park serves as the spring training hub for the Tampa Bay Rays and gives visitors a modern baseball vibe in southwest Florida. You get fan-focused features and pro-level amenities, all in a really convenient spot.

History and Renovation

Back when it opened in 1987, folks called it Charlotte County Stadium, and the Texas Rangers used it for spring training. They stuck around until 2002 before moving on.

A major renovation wrapped up in 2009, with $27 million poured into the place. That overhaul turned the old stadium into a top-notch complex, which brought the Tampa Bay Rays in as their new spring training home.

Hurricane Ian did a number on the park in 2022, so more renovations followed. Those fixes helped the park snag its spot as #2 Spring Training Ballpark in USA Today’s 10Best list.

Location and Access

You’ll find Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida, right in Charlotte County. The 82-acre complex sits at 2300 El Jobean Road (State Road 776).

Parking’s pretty straightforward—there’s plenty on-site, so getting in and out on game day isn’t a hassle. The stadium’s about:

• 90 minutes south of Tampa
• 50 minutes north of Fort Myers
• 30 minutes from Punta Gorda

Major highways make it easy to reach from just about anywhere in the area. If you’re staying overnight, hotels in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda are close and convenient for catching more than one game.

Key Facilities and Features

The fan-friendly design includes a full 360-degree pedestrian concourse circling the field, letting you watch from all sorts of angles. That boardwalk really gives the place a unique feel compared to most spring training parks.

For families, you’ve got:

• A kids’ play area
• Upgraded concession stands
• Shaded seats
• Grassy berm seating for a relaxed vibe

The stadium has pro-level training facilities—think multiple practice fields, batting cages, and pitching mounds. Sometimes, you can catch players working out up close.

The modern stadium keeps things intimate with around 7,000 fixed seats, so you’re never far from the action. The layout manages to balance pro needs and fan comfort pretty well.

Baseball Experience at Charlotte Sports Park

Charlotte Sports Park gives you a close-up, lively baseball experience that mixes pro sports with family-friendly perks. The Rays call it home for spring training, and other MLB teams have played here too.

Spring Training Events

Spring training usually runs late February through March. The Rays host daily practices, and the public can watch for free. You can get right up close to see batting, fielding, and pitching drills.

Fans from all over come to this state-of-the-art facility to escape the cold and enjoy America’s pastime in a chill setting. Lots of folks bring baseballs and Sharpies for autographs—players tend to be more approachable during spring training.

Team scrimmages sometimes follow morning practices, giving you more chances to see players in action without the crowds you’d get at official games.

Game Day Atmosphere

Charlotte Sports Park serves up pro baseball with a relaxed, sunny Florida twist. Voted #2 Spring Training Ballpark by USA Today’s 10Best in 2025, the park’s sightlines are solid from almost every seat.

The 360-degree pedestrian concourse means you can wander the whole field and never miss a pitch. Perfect if you like to stretch your legs while keeping an eye on the game.

Food-wise, you’ll find all the ballpark classics, plus some local Florida flavors. Beer options range from big brands to local brews.

If you want to soak in the pre-game buzz or watch batting practice, get there early. The gates open about 90 minutes before first pitch, so you’ve got time to explore before grabbing your seat.

Dugout and Outfield Highlights

The stadium’s design gives you great views of both dugouts, so you can catch all the player interactions. For the best dugout seats, aim for sections 101-103 (home) or 117-119 (visitors).

The baseball boardwalk in the outfield is a standout. You can stroll along, watch from different angles, and enjoy that breezy spring weather.

Families really like the kids’ play area—it lets younger fans burn off some energy. Parents can still watch the game from nearby, so you don’t have to miss out.

The outfield berm seating is a budget-friendly way to catch a game. Bring a blanket, lounge on the grass, and maybe snag a home run ball. These spots fill up fast for big games, so show up early if that’s your style.

Seating and Tickets

Charlotte Sports Park offers plenty of seating choices for all kinds of fans and budgets. Knowing the layout and options ahead of time makes picking your seats a breeze.

Seating Options and Layout

The Charlotte Sports Park seating chart shows a horseshoe design wrapping around the field. Sections 103-113 are usually the best seats—right from dugout to dugout, super close to the action.

You get classic grandstand seating with numbered sections, plus outfield berms for a more casual vibe. The berms are grassy stretches along the first and third base lines, where you can lay out a blanket and relax.

If you’re more social, the Boardwalk Deck offers standing-room-only spots—perfect for mingling and moving around during the game.

Ticket Purchasing Guide

You’ve got a few options for buying Spring Training tickets and event passes:

Online:

• MLB.com (for Rays Spring Training)
• SeatGeek
• TickPick
• Team websites

In-person:

• Stadium box office (opens 2 hours before game time)
• Charlotte County Parks & Recreation offices

Ticket prices depend on things like:

• Who the Rays are playing
• Day of the week (weekends usually cost more)
• Where you want to sit

If you want tickets for big matchups (think Yankees or Red Sox), buy early—they sell out fast.

Grandstand and Premium Areas

The main grandstand gives you standard stadium seats with back support and numbered rows. Many of these have overhead covers to keep you out of the sun.

Premium spots include:

• Home Plate Club (closest to the plate)
• Tiki Bar area (21+ only)
• BBQ Deck with special food options

The Tiki Bar is a fan favorite for its tropical drinks and laid-back feel. It gets pretty lively during games.

Families might like sections 216-218—they’re a good value, close to concessions, and have decent views. The Home Stand concession area sits nearby for easy snacks and drinks.

Food and Drink at the Park

Charlotte Sports Park keeps fans happy with a solid lineup of food and drink. From classic ballpark eats to local favorites, you’ll have plenty to choose from—and prices aren’t too wild.

Concession Stands Overview

You’ll find concession stands all along the concourse. Most serve up ballpark staples: hot dogs ($4.50), hamburgers ($6), bratwursts ($8), pizza slices ($3), and sausages ($8).

Lines are usually shortest right after gates open or during the middle of an inning. Stands take both credit cards and cash.

Keep in mind that outside food and drinks aren’t allowed inside. You can bring one sealed water bottle (20 ounces or less) per ticket, but that’s it—everything else needs to be bought inside.

Concession areas stay pretty clean, and the staff are usually friendly and quick, even when it’s crowded.

Signature Food and Drink Options

A few menu items really stand out. Down the right field line, a carnival-style stand serves gyros and beer-battered grouper sandwiches—local favorites for sure.

If you’re hungry, grab the half-pound burger. It’s hefty enough to last you through most of the game.

Beer selections include the usual national brands and some local Florida craft brews at select stands.

The souvenir popcorn buckets are a hit—easy to snack on during the game, and you get to take the bucket home afterward.

Tiki Hut and Dining Spots

The Tiki Hut draws a crowd every game. It’s out in the open along the outfield, serving tropical drinks, beer, and non-alcoholic options.

It’s a great spot to relax, catch the game, and soak up the Florida sunshine. If you want a seat here, get there early—it fills up fast.

If you’re in the mood for tacos or something a little different, check out the stand near third base. You’ll usually find beef, chicken, and fish tacos with plenty of toppings.

Picnic areas are available if you want to eat away from the main stands. You can reserve these for big groups or just grab a spot if it’s open.

Family and Fan Amenities

Charlotte Sports Park really tries to make game day fun for everyone. The design includes special spots for kids and fans who want a little extra.

Kids Clubhouse Activities

The interactive fan zones are a hit with young baseball fans. Kids can:

• Play on age-appropriate playground equipment
• Try out baseball-themed games to test their pitching and batting
• Get their faces painted during special promo games
• Meet the mascot before and during innings

On Sundays, the park lets kids run the bases after the game—a memory they’ll probably hang onto for a while. Staff members keep the clubhouse area safe and supervised.

Sightlines from the kids’ zone are clear, so parents can keep an eye on both the field and their little ones at the same time.

Memorabilia and Vintage Baseball Cards

If you’re into collecting, Charlotte Sports Park has some fun memorabilia areas to check out. On the main concourse, you’ll spot:

• Display cases packed with Tampa Bay Rays historical items
• Rotating exhibitions of game-used equipment throughout spring training
• Authentic vintage baseball cards from all sorts of MLB eras
• Limited-edition stadium exclusives you can only snag during spring training

A handful of vendors set up kiosks here, selling rare cards and autographed gear. Prices go from budget-friendly for casual fans all the way up to premium collectibles for the die-hards.

Former players often show up for scheduled signing sessions near the souvenir shops. If you want autographs, you’ll need to grab separate tickets ahead of time from the team’s website.

Parking and Transportation

Getting to Charlotte Sports Park isn’t complicated. There are several parking options, and major highways lead you right to the facility. The park has its own on-site parking plus overflow lots nearby, so most visitors can find a spot during spring training games and events.

Parking Lot Information

The main parking lot costs $10 per vehicle. It fills up fast, especially for big games against rivals.

If that lot’s full, you can park at the Charlotte County Fair Grounds lot across the street—same $10 fee. Both are just a short walk to the stadium entrance.

Parking is mobile-only, so make sure to have your pass ready in the MLB Ballpark App. They don’t take screenshots or printed PDFs, so charge your phone before you head out.

The 82-acre complex usually has enough parking for most games, but if it’s a busy spring training day, arriving 60-90 minutes early is a smart move.

Directions via I-75 and State Route 776

Coming from I-75? Take Exit 179 for Toledo Blade Boulevard and head west. After about 6.5 miles, you’ll hit State Route 776 (El Jobean Road).

Turn right onto SR-776 and drive about 2 miles. Charlotte Sports Park will pop up on your right, marked by Tampa Bay Rays signs and flags.

If you’re coming from the west on SR-776, the park sits about 5 miles east of the El Jobean Bridge. The stadium’s set back from the road but you can see it from the highway.

Plug “2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33948” into your GPS for the main entrance.

Attractions Near Charlotte Sports Park

The area around Charlotte Sports Park is packed with things to do, whether you’re sticking around after a game or just looking for a break. From fairs to parks and plenty of places to eat, there’s something for everyone.

Charlotte County Fair Grounds

The Charlotte County Fair brings a dose of excitement and tradition to Port Charlotte every year. You’ll find classic carnival rides, livestock shows, and all the fair food you could want.

The fairgrounds don’t just sit empty the rest of the year. You might stumble into craft shows, farmers markets, or special events, depending on when you visit.

Typical events include:

• Live music
• Agricultural competitions
• Arts and crafts displays
• Food contests
• Carnival games and rides

Families with kids will find plenty to keep everyone entertained, and the lineup of activities changes up every year.

Nearby Parks and Recreation

Port Charlotte Beach Park offers a chill waterfront spot just minutes away. You can picnic, swim, or fish here.

The Cape Haze Pioneer Trail Park is great if you want to walk or jog through some of Florida’s natural scenery.

Wildlife lovers might want to visit the Peace River Wildlife Center to see native animals and learn about local conservation.

If you’re into water sports, you’ll find plenty of rental spots for:

• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Jet ski tours
• Fishing charters

Dining and Entertainment Areas

Port Charlotte’s got you covered for food, whether you want fresh seafood or something simple and family-friendly near the stadium.

Port Charlotte Town Center is a good bet for shopping and dining in one place, with both chain and local restaurants just a short drive from the park.

For something different, Kidstar Park is a vintage arcade and amusement center that’s fun for both kids and adults. It’s got retro games and rides for a bit of nostalgia.

Treasure Lanes is a bowling alley that’s perfect for rainy days or a post-game evening. They usually have special rates and family deals going on.

If you like craft beer, you’ll find local brewpubs and sports bars nearby, often with plenty of TVs to catch other games while you’re in town.

Exploring Port Charlotte and Surrounding Areas

There’s more to Port Charlotte than just baseball. The area’s full of charming neighborhoods, outdoor adventures, and a bit of local culture, all just a short drive away.

Discovering Ballantyne

Ballantyne is a lively community near Port Charlotte that’s worth a look if you’re visiting for sports. The Ballantyne Hotel is a solid choice for lodging, with golf and some luxury perks.

The shopping district in Ballantyne is great for anyone who loves a little retail therapy. You’ll find boutique shops and big-name stores, plus dining options that range from laid-back to upscale, with seafood and international flavors.

If you just want to unwind, Ballantyne has community parks perfect for picnics or a stroll after a morning game.

Art fans will spot public sculptures and installations scattered around, which gives the neighborhood a bit of creative flair.

Highlights of Davidson

Davidson has a charming historic downtown and a college-town vibe. The tree-lined streets are filled with preserved old buildings and local businesses that really show off Southern hospitality.

The Davidson College campus is a nice place for a walk, and sometimes you’ll catch public events there. The campus bookstore and nearby cafés are good spots to relax with a book or coffee.

On Saturday mornings, the Davidson Farmers Market comes alive with local produce, crafts, and baked treats—a great way to get a feel for the community.

For water activities, Lake Norman is close by, offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Several lakeside restaurants serve up fresh seafood with beautiful views.

Outdoor Activities and Hiking

Port Charlotte’s natural surroundings invite baseball fans to get outside and try something new. At Tippecanoe Environmental Park, you’ll find seven miles of trails winding through 380 acres of preserved Florida wilderness. It’s the kind of spot where you can just wander and see what you stumble across—maybe even spot a gopher tortoise if you’re lucky.

If you’re after a laid-back walk, check out the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail Park. This old railroad corridor now serves as a flat, easy path that’s great for all ages and fitness levels. Honestly, it’s hard to beat the quiet there, especially in the early morning.

Water lovers flock to Port Charlotte Beach Park for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. The place comes with picnic areas and playgrounds, so it’s an easy pick for a family day out—or just a lazy afternoon.

Birdwatchers often find this area especially rewarding. The Peace River Wildlife Center cares for injured birds and animals, and you can learn a thing or two while you wander the trails nearby. It’s a nice mix of education and fresh air, honestly.