Sports
Jays Fans, Here's Your Blue Jays Spring Training Guide
All the info you need for baseball season.
Whether your visiting from up north, the surrounding area or right here in Dunedin, we've pulled together all the information you could possibly need to survive in Dunedin for Spring Training and beyond.
When do pitchers and catchers report?
Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 14.
Find out what's happening in Dunedinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
And the rest of the team?
The full squad reports Feb. 19.
Find out what's happening in Dunedinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
When and where do the Blue Jays practice?
Practices in February take place at The Cecil B. Englebert Complex at 1700 Solon Ave. In March, they move over to Florida Auto Exchange Stadium at 311 Douglas Ave. All practices start at 9 a.m.
Can I watch them practice?
The Blue Jays are finished with practice. From here on out if you don’t catch them at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium for a spilt squad or standard Spring Training game, they will be traveling to a road game.
What else do I need to know about The Englebert Complex?
The Englebert Complex features five full-sized diamonds with four fit together in a clover-leaf shape surrounding a central viewing area with bleachers and a concession stand. The administrative offices have an executive board room, dining room and kitchen, classroom, clubhouse and workout and training facilities. All facilities are available for rent. For additional details, contact the Blue Jays at 727-733-9302.
What about Grant Field?
Grant Field at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, was built in 1976 and ranked by Sports Illustrated as one of the top five places to watch a Spring Training game. It is a community ballpark in which Dunedin residents and visitors can enjoy Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training, Dunedin Blue Jays Minor League Baseball, collegiate tournaments and a host of other fun events. Check out www.DunedinBlueJays.com, for more information.
Stadium capacity is 5,509. Features include a press box level with air-conditioned skyboxes, three picnic areas, two air-conditioned rooms, a scoreboard with electronic message display, regulation-sized Major League playing field and lighting, half field, batting tunnels and full concession capabilities. The administrative offices feature an executive board room, dining room and kitchen, classroom, clubhouse and workout and training facilities. Click here for driving directions to .
How much are tickets, and how do I get them?
Tickets run from $15 to $27 and depend on seating location and whether or not it is a premium game. For a list of seating zones, ticket prices and dates for premium games click here. Tickets can be purchased from the team website or directly from the stadium.
The ticket office at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For telephone orders, call
- 727-733-9302,
- 800-707-8269 or
- 888 525-JAYS.
Send mail orders before Feb. 15 to: Blue Jays Spring Training Tickets, P.O. Box 957, Dunedin, FL 34697. Or FAX order to: 727-734-7661. Or email to: dunedin.tickets@bluejays.ca.
When does the season start?
The Blue Jays kick off Spring Training at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, Feb. 26. The Phillies come to Dunedin on Monday, Feb. 28. The Rays come to town on Wednesday, March 2. All Spring Training games start at 1:05 p.m. ET.
How's the schedule look this year?
Very nice. The Blue Jays will host 15 Major League teams this year. The Rays will be in town twice (on March 2, and again on March 13). The Yankees will come calling on March 11 and then again on March 18. The Red Sox will be in town March 28. All games at 1:05 p.m. ET. View the full schedule here.
Who are the players to watch?
Jose Bautista is an obvious one. He will be looked upon to duplicate some of his numbers from last year. He blasted 54 home runs last year, and this year is a contract year for him.
Adam Lind and Aaron Hill are players to watch as well. Their 2009 seasons were outstanding, and if they can get back to that form, it should offset the loss of Vernon Wells.
On the pitching staff, left-hander Ricky Romero will likely move into the No. 1 spot after Shaun Marcum was traded away. Romero will be followed by Brandon Morrow and Brett Cecil in the rotation, while top prospect Kyle Drabek will embark on what is expected to be his first full season in the Major Leagues.
The bullpen will have a very new look. Kevin Gregg and Scott Downs are gone but they have been replaced by right-handers Frank Francisco, Jon Rauch and Octavio Dotel.
For a complete list of players and their position battles click here.
Any advice for autograph seekers?
The gates open at 10:30 a.m. for Spring Training games. The best time to catch players for autographs is before or after batting practice. They are accessible after the game as well. Most of the starters will not play the whole game in Spring Training so they will be accessible once they come out.
Where do I park?
The parking lot at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium is reserved for season ticket holders. Ample parking is available at nearby businesses and should not be more than $10. You can also ride the from Clearwater or Dunedin if you prefer public transportation; $4.50 for a day pass.
What should I eat at the stadium?
A barbecue tent called The Canadian Grill serves, well ... barbecue. Several other concession stands are around pretzela and hot dogs. You might also check out The Thirst Inning Lounge. It primarily serves drinks, but has appetizers for nibbling on.
Where should I eat before or after the game?
- , 405 Plaza Drive, is a good place to stop. The cafe boasts a “Delicious and Diverse Menus for all Occasions.”
- , 234 Douglas Ave., is another spot to check out. It is right down the street from the stadium and has a more neighborhood feel that serves hearty, home-cooked dishes.
If you decide to venture a few blocks into downtown Dunedin, two other popular venues include:
- , 319 Main St., a nightclub and restaurant rolled together. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and inside and outdoor seating.
- is a good look, too. Jolli Mons is a Floribean Restaurant with a great night scene.
How about places to grab a drink?
Two recommendations. and . It makes its own sangria. 'Nuff said?
If you're more of a beer person, you won't want to miss or , which was listed in Draft Magazine's top 100 beer bars for 2011. If you're looking for entertainment with your beer, go to .
For the wine crowd: and .
Where can I buy merchandise?
It’s called Jays Shop and there are two of them. There is one on right and left sides of the field.
I'm from out of town. What else should I see?
Are you kidding? It’s springtime in Florida; get your butt to the beach. Florida Auto Exchange Stadium is a little more than a stone’s throw to the water. Beaches line the Pinellas peninsula. If you have a chance, . is another great getaway. You could even take the Jolley Trolley, which has stops outside the stadium, up to Tarpon Springs and visit the sponge docks and enjoy Greek cuisine.
What's the weather like?
Are you kidding? There’s a reason why, until recently, every MLB team came down here for Spring Training. It could get into the low 80s in the middle of the day and it might rain but it is T-shirt and flip-flop weather all the way.
What are the closest airports?
What about nearby spring training sites?
The Phillies are the closest at Bright House Field, just five miles away. The Yankees are next closest over at George Steinbrenner Field, about 20 miles away and the Pirates are about 45 miles south at McKechnie Field.
