Lifestyle·5 min read·Updated July 31, 2026

Spring Training in Sarasota & Bradenton, Pirates, Orioles & the Local Scene

A local guide to spring training in Southwest Florida: the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, and what the baseball season means for the local lifestyle and real estate market.

Michael DaileyREALTOR® · Coldwell Banker Realty · FL SL3619388

Every February and March, Southwest Florida turns into a baseball destination. Two Major League teams train right here: the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton and the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. For residents and relocators, spring training is one of the defining lifestyle perks of this area.

Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park (Bradenton)

LECOM Park sits in downtown Bradenton along the Manatee River. The Pirates have trained here since 1969, making 2026 their 58th spring training season at the ballpark, one of the longest continuous team-to-park relationships in spring training. LECOM Park itself dates to 1923, one of the oldest operating spring training facilities in the country. The stadium seats approximately 8,500, with a compact, intimate feel that puts you close to the action. Games run from late February through late March. The ballpark is surrounded by downtown Bradenton's growing restaurant and brewery scene.

Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium (Sarasota)

Ed Smith Stadium is located in east Sarasota off Tuttle Avenue. The Orioles have trained here since 2010, making 2026 their 17th spring training season in Sarasota. The stadium seats approximately 7,500 and features a Major League-quality playing surface, plus a player performance center the club has continued to invest in. Practice fields are adjacent and open for watching morning workouts, often with free admission on home dates. The stadium area has improved with restaurants and retail nearby.

Other Grapefruit League parks nearby

Beyond the two home teams, several other Grapefruit League stadiums are within driving distance: CoolToday Park in Wellen Park (Atlanta Braves), George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa (Yankees), and BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater (Phillies). A spring training road trip across multiple parks is a popular local tradition.

What spring training means for the real estate market

Spring training coincides with peak season for the real estate market. February and March are historically the highest-volume months for home sales in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. Seasonal visitors, many of whom came for the baseball, start looking at homes and communities. It is not uncommon for a buyer to attend a Pirates game on Tuesday, tour communities on Wednesday, and write an offer by Friday.

If you are visiting for spring training and want to explore the housing market while you are in town, I can set up community tours around your game schedule. Reach out and we will make the trip do double duty.

Quick answers

Which MLB teams have spring training in Sarasota and Bradenton?+

The Baltimore Orioles train at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, and the Pittsburgh Pirates train at LECOM Park in Bradenton. Both are part of the Grapefruit League, the Florida half of MLB spring training.

How long have the Orioles and Pirates trained here?+

2026 is the Pirates 58th spring training season at LECOM Park, where they have trained since 1969, one of the longest continuous relationships in spring training. It is also the Orioles 17th season in Sarasota, where they have trained since 2010.

When does spring training happen in Southwest Florida?+

Grapefruit League spring training runs roughly from mid-February through late March each year, with teams arriving for workouts in early February and exhibition games starting a couple weeks later.

Is spring training a real lifestyle factor for people relocating here?+

For a lot of relocating buyers, yes. Two MLB teams training a short drive apart, plus other Grapefruit League parks within reach, means six weeks every year of easy, affordable baseball. It will not show up in a cost of living calculator, but it is a real part of why people enjoy living here.

General information only, not financial, legal, tax, or insurance advice. Market conditions, programs, taxes, fees, and insurance requirements change; verify current details with the appropriate licensed professional.