Spring training near Orlando: drive to Lakeland or Tampa for the best seats

Spring training: where to go

Orlando itself no longer hosts a major league spring training team, but several are within a drive. Grapefruit League games usually run from late February through late March.

• Lakeland: the Detroit Tigers train here, about 45 minutes to an hour from Orlando depending on traffic. It's the closest option.
• Tampa: the New York Yankees train in Tampa, about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes away.
• Clearwater and Dunedin: the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays train on the Gulf side, usually 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes away.

Combine a Tampa or Clearwater game with time in the city. See Tampa from Orlando for ideas.

How to plan a spring training day

1. Check the schedule and buy tickets as soon as they're released. Yankees and weekend games sell fast.
2. Leave Orlando early. Interstate 4 traffic is heavy most mornings.
3. Arrive an hour before first pitch to watch batting practice and find parking.
4. Pick lawn or bleacher seats for the relaxed feel, but bring a hat and sunscreen. Shade is rare.
5. Head home before the late afternoon rush, or stay for dinner nearby.

Day games in March can be warm. The forecast for the month is in Orlando in March.

What spring training feels like

Spring training is baseball at its most relaxed. Stadiums are small, so even cheap seats feel close to the field. Players warm up nearby, and some sign autographs before the game, especially at smaller parks. Starting players often leave after a few innings, and younger prospects take over. That's part of the fun, since you may see a future star early.

Games count for nothing in the standings, so the mood is easygoing. Lawn seats are the best value. Bring a blanket and let kids roam. Most games start in the early afternoon, and many fans make a whole day of it with lunch and a stop at a beach or brewery afterward.

Concession prices are lower than at regular-season ballparks, but still not cheap. Check each stadium's bag and cooler rules before you go, since they vary.

Basketball and hockey downtown

The Orlando Magic play NBA basketball at the Kia Center in downtown Orlando. The regular season usually runs from October through April. Weeknight games against smaller-market teams are the cheapest. The Orlando Solar Bears play minor league hockey at the same arena, usually October through April, with cheap tickets and a fun, family-friendly crowd.

Downtown has plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance, and parking garages nearby fill on game nights.

For a Magic game, the cheapest seats in the upper bowl still give a clear view of the court. Prices climb for popular opponents and weekend nights, so check several dates before you buy. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to clear security and find your seat. Arena food is pricey, so eat beforehand on Church Street or Orange Avenue if you want to save. Hockey nights have a looser, louder feel, with promotions and theme nights through the season that make them a good pick for kids.

College football and bowl games

The UCF Knights play football on campus in east Orlando, usually September through November. The stadium is known for being loud, and tickets are often easy to find for smaller games. Camping World Stadium, west of downtown, hosts college bowl games, usually in late December and around New Year's Day, plus other big events through the year. For a UCF game, plan to tailgate or arrive early, since campus traffic backs up for miles before kickoff.

Mistakes to avoid

• Assuming Orlando has spring training. It doesn't. Plan the drive.
• Skipping sunscreen at day games. Florida sun in March is strong.
• Parking right next to the venue. Lots farther out are often cheaper and quicker to leave.
• Forgetting rain checks. Spring training rainouts are usually not made up, so read the refund policy before you buy.
• Buying the first tickets you see on resale sites. Check the official seller first.