CoolToday Park Travel Guide

Thinking about catching the Atlanta Braves during spring training? CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, gives baseball fans a modern, easygoing spring training experience right in Sarasota County.

Overview of CoolToday Park

CoolToday Park is the Braves’ spring home, offering a fresh baseball experience with plenty of amenities and lots of seating choices. The location’s pretty convenient too, and you’ll find the vibe welcoming.

History and Background

CoolToday Park opened in 2019 in North Port, making it one of the newer spots in the Grapefruit League. The Braves left Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando for this place, and honestly, it feels like a good move.

The team signed a 30-year lease with Sarasota County, really settling in for the long haul. Now, they’re closer to other MLB spring sites along Florida’s Gulf Coast, which just makes sense.

You’ll find the ballpark between Sarasota and Venice, FL, so fans from all over the region can get there without too much hassle. People seem to like the stadium’s modern look—it mixes a bit of Florida’s style with that Braves identity.

Stadium Information

You’ll find the ballpark on West Villages Parkway just past the US-41 intersection in North Port. If you’re coming from I-75 South, just hop off at River Road (Exit 191) and head west.

Parking’s free in the paved lots if you swing by on non-event days, which is a nice perk if you’re just checking out the grounds. The box office sits right by the main entrance and is easy to spot.

Once inside, you can walk the spacious concourse that wraps the whole field, so you can catch the action from pretty much anywhere. The stadium has:

• A modern scoreboard with crisp video
• Netting to keep fans safe
• Lots of seating, from general admission to reserved
• Shady spots to duck out of the sun
• Family-friendly stuff all around the concourse

No matter where you sit, you’ll feel close to the game. That’s one of the best parts.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Experience

Braves spring training at CoolToday Park puts you right next to the action—watching practices, chasing autographs, and soaking up the laid-back baseball vibe. There’s something about spring ball that just feels different.

Spring Training Schedule

The Braves usually start up in mid-February. Pitchers and catchers arrive first, around February 12, and the rest of the team shows up by the 18th. That staggered arrival gives you a shot to watch bullpen sessions and fielding drills before the whole crew gets together.

CoolToday Park opens practice sessions to the public from mid-February. Those morning workouts (usually 9:30 AM to noon) are perfect if you want to see players up close without the game day crowds.

Exhibition games start in late February and run through late March. Most games start at 1:05 PM, but you’ll catch a few night games at 6:05 PM. The Braves play about 15 home games here every spring.

Teams and Matchups at CoolToday Park

The Braves face plenty of AL and NL teams during spring. Division rivals like the Phillies, Nationals, and Marlins draw big crowds, so those tickets go fast.

Other regulars at CoolToday Park:

• Tampa Bay Rays (local rivalry vibes)
• New York Yankees (always a tough ticket)
• Boston Red Sox
• Toronto Blue Jays
• Pittsburgh Pirates
• Minnesota Twins
• Detroit Tigers

The Braves VIP Experience gives you premium access—think batting practice up close and some solid food and drink options.

Weekend games against big-name teams like the Yankees or Red Sox usually sell out early, so if you’ve got your heart set on those, plan ahead.

Braves Spring Training 2025 Highlights

2025 brings a few can’t-miss games and events. The Braves will take on the San Diego Padres in a special exhibition, kind of reliving those recent playoff battles.

Some special days to look out for:

• Kids Run the Bases Sundays: After Sunday home games, kids get to run the bases
• Autograph Saturdays: Some players sign before Saturday games
• Spring Breakout Game: The top prospects get their own showcase

For 2025, the Braves are adding “Legends Weekend.” Team icons will show up for autographs and pre-game ceremonies, which is a cool way to connect with team history.

Practice fields around the main stadium give you a front-row seat to player development. And if you get hungry, the Wellen Park area is packed with dining options before or after the game.

Prospects and Player Development

Spring training is the best time to spot the Braves’ next big thing. They usually invite 20-25 non-roster guys—top prospects and a few minor league vets.

Morning workouts on the back fields (around 9:30 AM to noon) are where you’ll see the future stars working on fundamentals. Coaches run drills and keep things moving.

Late in the spring games, prospects and young players get their shot. Sometimes, those late innings have more energy than the early ones, since everyone’s fighting for a roster spot.

The Braves also hold a “Spring Breakout” exhibition where their top minor leaguers face off against another club’s best young talent. If you’re into scouting, don’t miss it.

Coaches and player development staff are usually around during practices. If you ask nicely, you might get a quick answer about a prospect or two.

Tickets and Attending Games

If you’re heading to CoolToday Park, you’ll want to know your ticket options, stadium rules, and where to sit to get the most out of your day. Here’s what you need to know before you show up for Braves spring training.

Ticket Purchasing Options

You can grab tickets at cooltodaypark.com/tickets, which is probably the easiest way. If you’d rather talk to a real person, give the ticket office a call at (941) 413-5004.

The box office at the park sells tickets on game days, but big matchups sell out fast. Buying ahead is smart, especially for weekends and rivalry games.

Keep in mind, online tickets come with service fees—usually $5-10 extra per ticket.

Some games offer special packages, like batting practice access or limited-edition merch. If you want the full experience, these are worth a look.

Stadium Policies for Fans

CoolToday Park keeps things straightforward. Everyone goes through security, and bags over 16″ x 16″ x 8″ stay outside.

You can’t bring in outside food or drinks, except for one sealed water bottle per person. Netting stretches past the dugouts to protect fans from foul balls.

Parking on game days runs about $10-15 in the main lot. Non-event days still have free parking if you’re just checking out the place.

Once you leave the stadium, you can’t come back in—so plan ahead, especially if the Florida sun gets to you.

Best Seating Sections

Where you sit depends on what you want out of the game. Sections 107-109, right behind home plate, have the best views, but tickets usually start at $40+.

If you’re looking to save some cash, outfield seats (sections 121-126) still give you a good angle. Berm seating in the outfield is general admission—great for families who want to spread out on a blanket.

Upper deck sections 209-213 offer panoramic views of the park. You’re further from the field, but you’ll see defensive shifts and strategy unfold.

Shade is a lifesaver during day games. Sections 114-118 and their upper deck counterparts get the most afternoon shade, and they’re popular for a reason.

Amenities and Fan Experience

CoolToday Park packs in plenty of amenities to make your visit comfortable. Whether you’re here for the food, family fun, or just the game, you’ll find the park goes out of its way to keep fans happy.

Concessions and Food Options

Food at CoolToday Park is a step above the usual. The Tomahawk Tiki Bar is a fan favorite—think tropical drinks and a breezy vibe.

You’ll find all the classics—hot dogs, pretzels, nachos—at fair prices. Several stands serve up local flavors, like fresh seafood and citrus treats.

If you’re into beer, there’s a nice selection of craft brews from Georgia and Florida. Most stands take cards and mobile pay, which keeps lines moving.

Honestly, come hungry. The food’s better than you might expect, though lines can get a little long right before the game and during the middle innings.

Merchandise and Souvenirs

The main team store sits by the home plate entrance and is stocked with Atlanta Braves and spring training gear. You’ll find everything from cheap souvenirs to authentic jerseys.

Look out for CoolToday Park exclusives—apparel and items you won’t see during the regular season. They make for great keepsakes.

Smaller kiosks are scattered around the concourse, so you don’t have to trek back to the main store. Game-specific merch pops up for big matchups or milestones.

Prices are about what you’d expect for MLB gear. If you want the best selection, shop early—popular stuff goes fast, especially when the park’s full.

Family Activities at the Ballpark

Families have plenty to do besides just watching the game. There’s a kids’ zone with batting cages, speed pitch, and other baseball-themed activities for various ages.

On weekends, you’ll often see face painting and balloon artists. These little extras keep younger fans entertained without breaking the bank.

The open concourse makes it easy for kids to move around while parents keep an eye on the game. It definitely helps if you’re staying for all nine innings.

Between innings, watch for contests and mascot appearances—quick bursts of fun that keep the energy up.

Accessibility and Facilities

CoolToday Park does a solid job with accessibility. Wheelchair seating is spread throughout the park, and companion seats are right next to them.

Restrooms are clean and easy to find, with family restrooms and changing stations for parents.

Free parking in the paved lot is available on non-event days, and accessible spots sit close to the entrances on game days if you have the right permit.

First aid stations are staffed and ready to help if you need anything. Guest services booths can sort out seating questions, lost items, or anything else that pops up.

Special Events and Entertainment

CoolToday Park isn’t just about baseball. The stadium hosts all kinds of events year-round, keeping things lively even when the Braves aren’t in town.

Concert Series at CoolToday Park

Live music and concerts turn the stadium into a music venue several times a year, with both national acts and local performers taking the stage.

Shows usually kick off in the early evening, so you get that classic Florida sunset as the backdrop. Parking’s easy, but it’s smart to show up at least 90 minutes early to beat the rush.

Food vendors stay open during concerts, serving the same favorites as game days. Premium seats include field-level and covered options, so you can pick your comfort level.

People who’ve attended say the acoustics are surprisingly good—the stadium’s design carries sound well, making for a pretty enjoyable concert experience.

Fan Events and Activities

Party on the Plaza events pop up before select games and special occasions. You’ll find family-friendly activities, local food trucks, and interactive games for all ages. Honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in the energy.

Every February, the Welcome Back Bash signals that spring training is just around the corner. Folks love this free community event—there are player autograph sessions, stadium tours, and so much for kids to do. If you’re a Braves fan, it’s a can’t-miss.

CoolToday Park runs facility tours year-round. These tours let you peek behind the curtain at the Atlanta Braves’ spring training home, showing off spots that usually stay off-limits.

When summer rolls in, the park throws a handful of themed events alongside Florida Complex League games. Expect fun promos, giveaways, and a bit of extra entertainment before and after the games. It keeps things interesting, even if you’ve been here before.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to CoolToday Park isn’t rocket science, but a little planning goes a long way. Good directions save headaches, and picking the right place to stay makes your North Port trip a whole lot better.

Travel and Directions

You’ll find CoolToday Park on West Villages Parkway, just past the US-41 intersection in North Port, Florida. If you’re driving down I-75 South, hop off at Exit 191 (River Road), head west, then turn at US-41. Make sure you type in “CoolToday Park” on your GPS—some apps have a knack for getting it wrong if you only use the address.

On game days and during events, you’ll need to pay for parking. But if you swing by on a non-ticketed, non-event day, the paved lot won’t cost you a thing. The ballpark’s actually pretty easy to reach from several nearby spots:

• From Sarasota: About a 30-minute drive south
• From Venice, FL: Just 15 minutes east
• From Tampa: Roughly 90 minutes south

Lodging and Nearby Attractions

North Port and the rest of Sarasota County have plenty of places to stay. You’ll find the Hampton Inn & Suites and the Holiday Inn Express in Venice, both pretty comfy and just a quick drive from the ballpark.

If you’re sticking around for a bit, you might want to check out some local spots. Venice Beach is only about 20 minutes away and has some seriously nice Gulf Coast sand. For something a little different, downtown Sarasota brings a lively arts scene, and St. Armands Circle is packed with shops—makes for a fun day out.

Love the outdoors? Myakka River State Park has trails for hiking and lots of wildlife if you’re up for some exploring. And if you just want to unwind, Warm Mineral Springs in North Port gives you a natural spa vibe—perfect after a long day at the ballpark.

When it comes to food, the area’s restaurants really highlight Florida’s seafood. You’ll find plenty of choices along Venice Avenue and in downtown Sarasota, whether you’re after something casual or a little fancier.