Baseball

[springer]

Was planning a trip with the kids to see the Devil Rays on our trip, ideally during our third week when we're in Sarasota. Just checked the schedule, though, and they're on the road all that week, so it would have to be something during our 2 weeks in Orlando. Looking at the Red Sox game on July 29th. Before I go booking tickets, what are the driving times like?? I was prepared for the drive to Sarasota and back to Orlando Intl for our flight home, but hadn't envisaged doing Tampa & back during the early bit of the hols. Is that round trip gonna wipe us all out?

[apc18phc]

The journey down from Orlando is only about 2 1/2 hours to Tampa, but when we saw the D'Rays, we stayed in St. Pete's, just south of the stadium. We decided that this would be preferable to making the journey home, especially if the baseball continued for three hours...

However, it is an impressive arena, but make sure you get your tickets early, as the Red Sox will bring a lot of people in!

[firstimer]

There is a free tram to the stadium in Tampa from St Pete's Pier.

[Northerndave]

Off to the Devilrays on the 4th May, up from Sarasota, normally takes an hour drive over beautiful Sunshine Skyway. From Orlando, it's 2-2.5hrs, and if you get there early enough, free parking outside the Stadium.

Been a few times, and can I recommend the $40 tickets behind home plate, in the Lower Box Seats area. If you get 101 or 102 blocks it's almost like sitting behind the catcher. Total for 2 with Ticketmaster taking their cut was about $97 all in.

First time I went, paid $52 each for the Lower infield box, and to be honest, for $12 a ticket, you end up 25-50yds closer to the action, but as that block is so close to the infield anyway it's not much of a muchness.

p.s. if you can, get a cowbell and bring it, you'll look like a local, and they love ringing those bells

pps Also, you have to feed the rays in the touch tank, an amazing experience.

pppps There's a batting cage, where you can face Randy Jonson throwing 95mph fast balls, truly frightening.

pppppps I think that's enough now - lol Send me a PM if you'd like more info.

Dave

[springer]

Thanks all - just a shame they're not at home during our week 3! I'll have a think - the 29th is one of their family days - free face painting, action figures, entertainment.... I think there's stuff for the kids too!! :d:

[Suzie&Stuart]

We went in 2005, watched Tampa thrash the Yankees 11-4.
Its actually nearer to St Petes than Tampa and is a straight forward drive there and back from Orlando/Kissimmee.

Stuart