The Ultimate Guide to Red Sox Spring Training in Fort Myers Florida

 Everything you need to know about Boston Red Sox Spring Training in Florida, and probably even more. By the fans, for the fans. (Updated for the 2026 season!)

Have you ever wanted to go see spring training but weren’t sure where to start? Well, we’ve got you covered. This guide will help you through every step of a Boston Red Sox spring training experience in Fort Myers. If you have any additional recommendations or suggestions, please leave a comment below this article. Enjoy, and have a great time at spring training!

• Pitchers & Catchers Report: February 10th
• Position Players Report: February 15th
• The First Spring Training Game (Minnesota Twins): February 21st

Table of Contents (click to jump to section)

• Should I Go to Red Sox Spring Training?
• When Should I Visit Red Sox Spring Training?
• The Best Things To Do and Places To Go at Red Sox Spring Training
• Best Seats at Red Sox Spring Training Games
• Best Food and Drink at Red Sox Spring Training Games
• Special Events During Red Sox Spring Training
• Best Other Things To Do in Fort Myers
• Best Places to Eat & Drink in Fort Myers
• Red Sox Spring Training FAQ

Should I Go to Red Sox Spring Training?

Yes. If you’re a fan of baseball and the Red Sox you should try to head to spring training at least once. Not only does it let you escape the cold winter of New England, it’ll help bridge the gap between Fenway Fest and Opening Day.

The experience alone is one that you’ll enjoy, considering how much of the team’s practice you can see split between six backfields and after practice most players will sign or take pictures with fans unless they need to be elsewhere at the park.

When Should I Visit Red Sox Spring Training?

The days during spring training tend to all be the same. If you want to feel that first day of spring feeling, you want to attend during the first week. During this time practices tend to be broken up into fielding and hitting while pitchers either throw bullpens, do pitching fielding plays or throw live at bats to various players.

As the week progresses, so too does the drills as the team will practice run downs, situational fielding, pickoffs and every other kind of drill.

As these drills occur, you can hear the jokes between the players and coaches and even see the competition within the drills that occur between players.

However, if you want to see the minor league spring training as well, you’ll want to come a few weeks in. Prospects will practice on the backfields during the same time as the regular spring training, but if you want the full minor league experience you’ll have to wait a few weeks until late February or early March.

If you want to have an idea as to what the opening day roster will look like, visit near the middle or end of March as most roster cuts have been made and the players who take part in the games are now battling it out for the last few spots on the roster. If you prefer to see the prospects play in the games, head down for late February as they’ll get plenty of game experience.

The Best Things To Do and Places To Go at Red Sox Spring Training

Spring training takes place at JetBlue Park.

 Address: 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

At Red Sox Spring Training there are seven different areas of the complex that can be accessed by the public but only six are free.

But before we get into that, you’ll need to park. There are two different lots that you can park in, one located opposite JetBlue Park itself and the other located near the backfields. Both are grassy lots that are free to park in with the exception of days there are games. Later in the year when games are being played on the backlots for the Florida Complex League you’ll have to pay, but by then spring training has wrapped up.

1. See Red Sox Players

Visiting the Red Sox complex to see players up close is a morning activity. Access to the backfields usually opens around 9 AM, sometimes 9:30 AM if players won’t be out at 9 AM. The players tend to break off into groups based on position at that point, infielders, outfielders and pitchers breaking off to stretch and then do group drills.

Typically the six backfields are broken up between these different groups with those groups also being broken down into smaller groups. Most of the time those on the major league roster will practice together while the non-roster invites or players expected to open the season in Triple-A will practice together. Some times these groups will mix it up though.

You’ll also be lucky to have prospects practicing on one of the two backfields located closer to the entrance of the complex. If you keep your eyes open you’ll also see them walking around the complex, going unnoticed as fans pay attention to the players on the field. If talked to they’ll stop and sign or take a picture before heading off to their next location.

If the reason you want to see the players is for autographs, you’ll have to be patient and figure out where the player you’re looking for is. As explained, they break up into smaller groups and when they finish their drills is the best time to attempt an autograph from the major league squad. Each field has small openings for the players to leave from, these being gated off to keep fans from following them. However, you can stand right up to the exit and ask for autographs. Unless they’re in a rush, most players will stop and sign for a little. Though you have to be aware of the fact that nothing is organized and it’ll be first come, first serve as everyone is trying to get an autograph.

If you want to see batting practice, typically they’re held on three different fields at the complex. Fields 1, 2 and 3 are usually where batting practice takes place, Field 1 itself being similar in shape to Fenway Park. This is the field where live batting practice takes place as pitchers will throw up and downs during the last thirty to forty-five minutes of practice.

The action for the day tends to finish up by noon, as players from the major league spring training will head inside for meetings, media or individual workouts in the private batting cages or weight room. Minor league players will spread across the six backfields at that point, though from personal experience the staff will ask you to leave the backfields at that point, going so far as to begin roping off areas.

2. Scouting Red Sox Prospects

Any prospect on the Red Sox 40-man roster is with the major league club at the start of spring training. And some top prospects who aren’t part of the 40-man roster just yet are included as non-roster invitees. So it would be a good idea to check the spring training roster to see who will be practicing with the parent club.

However, if you’re more into the prospects who won’t be with the major league team, then you’ll want to attend spring training around the second week of March as that’s when minor league camp officially begins. If you’d like to see an unorganized version, the minor league players will be practicing on the unused fields located at the complex.

3. Taking a Tour of JetBlue Park

Starting in early February, you can take a tour of JetBlue Park. Depending on when you take the tour, you can gain access to the seventh and final complex at the field which is JetBlue Park itself. In previous years the Red Sox have had their outfielders take fielding practice inside the stadium due to it having the same dimensions as Fenway Park. Other than through the tour, there is no entrance to JetBlue Park on days where there are no games.

The tour itself provides an up close and behind the scenes experience for fans as they learn about the history of the stadium and why it was designed as it was (hint, it’s to survive hurricane level winds).

The price for tours fluctuate depending on if it’s a game day or not. Non-game days are $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. On game days the price is $40 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

4. Watching Red Sox Spring Training Games

Starting with the last weekend of February you’ll have real baseball most days with prices that are a little pricy depending on where you sit but still cheaper than what you would pay at Fenway Park. Most games are during the day while a few may be at night with there being a game almost every day.

Also, if the Red Sox are on the road, Fort Myers is home to another team as the Minnesota Twins’ park is only a few miles away. You can also take a road trip to follow the Red Sox with the games being between one to three hours away.

Best Seats at Red Sox Spring Training Games

JetBlue Park may have the same dimensions as Fenway Park when it comes to the field, but unlike the regular season home of the Boston Red Sox, this one does not have any obstructions when it comes to the view.

Though, with the games being mostly during the day, some games will get rather hot depending on where you sit. If the heat and sun doesn’t bother you, then you’ll be fine. But if you’d prefer to stay in the shade, then sitting on the first base side of the field or in the Third Base or Left Field Grandstands would be best. The Green Monster also has shade, though do not sit in the first row as you’ll have the sun baking right on you throughout most of the game.

Lawn Seating: Out in right field behind the bullpens is a section of grass where you can sit down on a towel and enjoy the view of the park. It’s also an open space for those with children who might find it hard to stay still for the entire game and gives them room to get up and run around.

Cost: $19

Standing Room: There are a few different parts of JetBlue Park that feature standing room sections. All of them provide an excellent view of not just the park itself but if you look behind you can see the entire complex and the six backfields where the team practices during the day. The standing room sections are found in left field, on the upper level of the stadium and then two different sections of the Green Monster. The first is behind the upper deck of the Green Monster, this section getting rather hot during the day games as there’s no shade. You’re at the highest point of any seat at JetBlue Park and the sun will be shining down on you. The view however is amazing.

The other part of the Green Monster that has standing room is the lower level, this section being covered and providing you with shade throughout the entire game.

The Left Field standing room also has drink railings available to place your drinks atop and lean against while watching the game.

Cost: $25-30

Reserved Seats: If you prefer a traditional seat, well you’re in luck. JetBlue Park has a beautiful view of the field wherever you’re seated. There are four grandstand sections, being made up of First Base, Right Field, Third Base and Left Field. During the day the first base side will have more shade but you should be able to get some shade in the Third Base and Left Field Grandstands. Other sections include Box Seats that stretch from right field all the way around into left field. Of course, prices will be determined with how close you are to the field, though if you’re worried about missing something because you’re a bit further back, you shouldn’t be.

Cost: $42-60

Sun, Shade and Weather Conditions at JetBlue Park

With spring training taking place in Florida you never know what the weather will be like as storms can pass through an area quickly. It’s best to come prepared.

On average the temperature in Fort Myers during February and March tends to be in the upper 70s but can reach into the 90s during the day. Along with the heat there will be humidity so it’ll feel even warmer on some days. One thing to remember when you come to the field is your sunscreen every day. If you forget it, the team store sells small bottles of it. Also, make sure you’ve got plenty of water.

Though, when the sun goes down so too will the temperature. The average low at night tends to be in the 60s and you’ll feel it after being in the sun all day. You may think it’s crazy, but make sure you pack a sweatshirt or light jacket before heading to Fort Myers. It might seem unnecessary but the temperature drop will make it feel colder than it actually is.

When it comes to sun and shade at JetBlue Park, you can expect the following for most days:

·         The top of the Green Monster and the first row of seats in the Green Monster will always be in the sun. So too will the bleachers and lawn in right field.

·         The grandstand spanning from first base down to right field will always be shady. There might be some sun that pokes through but for the most part the seats will be in the shade.

·         The grandstand that spans from third base to left field is the same, mostly shady with the small patches of sunlight.

·         The third base and left field box seats will be in the sun for most of the game. From my own experience, it tends to get some shade around the sixth or seventh inning of a 1 PM game.

·         The first base and right field box seats will be mostly in the shade as well. Just like with the grandstand there will be some parts that have sun.

Best Food and Drink at Red Sox Spring Training Games

The food at JetBlue Park is similar to that which you would find at Fenway Park or any other ballpark when you visit. The lower concourse has a few areas to purchase food such as hotdogs, hamburgers, slices of pizza and popcorn. There are also souvenir soda cups that are sold or just smaller beverages as well.

On the outer concourse there are other food vendors where pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwiches are sold.

And of course alcohol beverages are sold within the park.

With the exception of unopened water, no outside food or drinks are allowed within the park.

Special Events During Red Sox Spring Training

JetBlue Park Open House: On the first Saturday after pitchers and catchers report the Red Sox open up JetBlue Park to the public. Concessions are available at a discounted price. Fans are welcome to have an on field experience, walking around the infield warning track and even getting to sit in the home and visitor dugouts. Fans are allowed on the outfield grass where different activities are set up for kids to enjoy. Though if you want to meet players, the Red Sox typically have two different sessions of meet and greets where three players will sign autographs on the Green Monster. The players are unknown until they arrive and after an hour will swap out with three more players.

Northeastern Game: As has been tradition for years, the Red Sox play their first game of the spring against the Northeastern Huskies baseball team. The game is shorter than usual as it only lasts seven innings and the players for the Red Sox tend to be non-roster invites and prospects from the minor leagues but it’s a fun time to see.

Best Other Things To Do in Fort Myers

The Beach: The Place To Go in Fort Myers is none other than Fort Myers Beach. The area is still under rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Ian and because of it, a lot has changed. Complete buildings have been ripped down and many businesses still haven’t reopened. Back in 2023 I took a drive through Fort Myers Beach and what I saw surprised me with just how bad it was. Buildings were ripped apart and in one spot I saw a car sitting in what had been an area without water but the car was now submerged.

If you want to stay there, it will be expensive due to the location. Most likely around $400-500/night if not more for most of the locations open. Some of these places are still under construction so they may be without full services so it’s important that you call and understand their current situation. Ask that they tell you exactly what the situation is like so you’re not surprised by what you walk into.

If you’re only visiting for a day or the afternoon then you’ll have to pay to park. The easiest way to do so is to take a right immediately off the bridge, another immediate right at the business district and find a spot in the nearby lots. There is also parking to the left of the bridge, down along the island, but it is going to be very hit-and-miss.

Businesses are still returning slowly but it is the food industry that has bounced back faster. Though the highlight of the day is the sunset across the Gulf of Mexico. Even if all you do is park, explore the area and watch the sun set into the ocean, it’ll be a good day.

Sanibel/Captiva: Some of the best sunsets in the world can be viewed from these islands. Plenty of beaches are there and an abundance of shopping and eating spots. However, to reach the islands you’ll have to pay a toll to cross the bridge. It’s around $6 for one way. Also there is still construction occurring from Hurricane Ian so you may hit traffic depending on the time you decide to head there, so plan accordingly.

Minnesota Twins Spring Training Game: Fort Myers is home to two spring training complexes, the only city in the Grapefruit League to have as such. Six miles up the road from JetBlue Park is Hammond Stadium, the home of the Minnesota Twins. The Red Sox play there multiple times during spring training and the Twins tend to have home games when the Red Sox are on the road. The prices for the tickets will be a bit cheaper when compared to the Red Sox too. (For more info on the Minnesota Twins’ spring training, head on over to Twins Daily)

The Edison Ford Estate: The Edison Ford Estate offers a chance to look into the lives of two of America’s greatest inventors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The historic estate showcases the beautifully preserves homes, lush gardens and an array of impressive inventions and artifacts from the early 20th century. If touring the estate isn’t for you, make sure to visit the serene botanical gardens with exotic plants and towering banyan trees. It’ll be worth an afternoon visit if you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover or just trying to kill time in Fort Myers.

Downtown Fort Myers: The title might be deceiving a little, as when they talk about “downtown” for Fort Myers, they’re talking closer to a small town instead of something like downtown Boston or even downtown Worcester. This can be a positive, however, as it boasts a mix of historic charm and modern amenities including art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cultural attractions. The River District offers a lively atmosphere with its bustling nightlife and live entertainment. If you are there in mid-February you could even see the Edison Festival of Light.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: As the name implies, this is six miles of pristine and tranquil cypress swamp in middle of Fort Myers. Walking along an elevated boardwalk, you can take in the nature and spot a wide variety of wildlife including birds, alligators, turtles and more, all in their natural habitat. The lush flora and serene surroundings make it a nice, little getaway from Florida’s urban sprawl.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Fort Myers

Fort Myers is a big area with lots of fun choices for food and refreshments. Here are some of our writers’ favorites:

Fort Myers Restaurants

Pattinella’s Chicken Grille: It’s a few minutes’ drive from the Red Sox spring training complex down Plantation Road and in a strip mall. Chicken or sausage over rice and vegetables of your choice, plus some really good pita bread. So good! And hey, you never know when you’ll see some current players walk through the door as well. It’s right next to Rib City, which is also incredible! - Seth Stohs

Fancy’s Southern Cafe: One day, I got to the ballpark early and watched the workouts. I stayed busy and didn’t grab anything to eat before the minor-league games started. By 4 pm, I was absolutely starving. I asked Tommy Watkins (Mr. Fort Myers!) for a recommendation. He encouraged me to go to Fancy’s. So, I did. Again, a great atmosphere and an incredible menu. I believe I had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I didn’t order the frog legs or the crawfish - I am not that courageous -but I am told they are quite good.  - Seth Stohs

Pinchers: I have been to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates three or four times over the years. I love the history. However, just down the road from the museum is Pinchers. It is a great seafood place right on the Caloosahatchee River.  - Seth Stohs

Seth is right. It's pretty commercial - think Joe's Crab Shack - but has incredible views of the sunsets, as it's on the third floor of its building. Plus, 2-for-1 drinks all day, every day. Pro tip: if you want to eat there, check with them online before you leave. You can get on their waiting list, and check-in when you get there, saving you some time to wait for a table - John Bonnes

Iguana Mia: Such good Mexican food. - Seth Stohs

Sun Harvest Citrus: A one-stop shop. Get your Southwest Florida trinkets and souvenirs. Buy some fresh fruit. And everyone talks about the ice cream cones. - Seth Stohs

Deep Lagoon: It’s a little higher-end seafood place, right on a marina on the Caloosahatchee River, with a good happy hour, fresh seafood, good steaks, and solid service. - John Bonnes

Oxbow: It's also a little higher end, is right on the river, and has all the ingredients for a very solid date night. You can make reservations, so reserve a table about an hour before sunset (or as close as you can get), order some appetizers and a bottle of wine, and settle in for a nice night out. - John Bonnes

Beacon Social Drinkery - Watch the sunset over the river from a 12th-floor balcony in the Luminary Hotel downtown; it's mostly a cocktail bar with appetizers, but they're very good, though you'll pay for the view. It's worth it.

Mucky Duck: It’s almost an hour's drive from Fort Meyers, on the tip of Captiva Island, but that’s what makes it ideal for watching the sunset over the ocean. It also has a fun patio and good seafood, making it a must-go for me every year. (Yeah, parking is likely going to be a problem. If there is no room in the lot, go past it, down to the public beach parking, pay the fee because they WILL check, and then walk back to it along the beach. There are worse hells.) - John Bonnes

Cantina Laredo: Located by the Bell Tower Mall in Fort Myers, this is corporate higher-end Mexican food, but it’s delicious corporate higher-end Mexican food and usually pretty crowded. You won’t be disappointed. - John Bonnes

DaRuma: A full service hibachi experience. - Seth Stohs

Lah De Dah: It's a beachside restaurant and bar in the new massive Margaritaville Resort on Estero Island, but you don't need to stay there to dine there. It has outdoor seating that overlooks the gulf and provides a perfect place to watch the sunset. Like most sunset dining options, it's a little spendy, and the food is solid rather than exceptional, but you'll still have a memorable evening - John Bonnes

License to Chill - This is also part of Margaritaville Resort, but this is on a second-floor outdoor deck, across the street from Fort Myers Beach. It can be crowded,, and the drinks are no bargain. But the servers care, and it's an excellent view of the sunset over the gulf.

Wahoo Willies: Located on Estero Island, it feels like a cross between a tiki bar and a diner, but has solid food, a small bar, and usually live entertainment. - John Bonnes

Snug Harbor Waterfront: Also on Estero Island but on the bay side, it features slightly upscale food, a great happy hour, and the bar overlooks a small harbor where dolphins make semi-regular appearances. - John Bonnes

Fort Myers Bars

Potts Sports Bar: There are TVs playing sports all over (usually NCAA Basketball tournament games). It’s bar food, but it is a great atmosphere. - Seth Stohs

RonDao’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar: Is it a sports bar? A pizza place? A dive bar? Don't be fooled by the 1975-Pizza-Hut vibe the outside and inside give. There's a reason this place is often filled up with locals. The food is excellent, the drinks are reasonable, the bar is long, and they take care of you. But mostly, they have absolutely all the games you would ever want to get on their 30+ TVs, which is worth something when you’re away from your local TV market.  Would I take my family there? Yes. Do I have friends who would probably balk at taking their family there? Yes, but they’re the kind of friends I’m gradually losing touch with.  - John Bonnes

Shoeless Joe’s: Attached to a Doubletree Hotel near Bell Tower Mall, it's a good sports bar about a mile from the stadium. - Seth Stohs

Fort Myers Breweries

Fort Myers Brewing: This seems like the most popular brewery in Fort Myers, partly because it’s located near the Red Sox and Twins ballparks. But it’s also popular because it is very good. There are always at least a dozen of their quality beers on tap that range from light to dark to sour. It has indoor and outdoor seating, but bring bug spray at night. Finally, they also have a very popular trivia contest on Tuesday night. - John Bonnes

Coastal Dayz Brewery: Within walking distance of downtown Fort Myers, Coastal Days also has indoor and outdoor seating, with a wide selection of their beers, again covering the full range of your tastes. It’s a smaller, cozier venue, more in the city, and well worth checking out. - John Bonnes

Palm City Brewing Company: Don’t get freaked out that Palm City is kind of deep into an office park; it’s worth tracking it down, especially if you like your hazy IPAs. They seemingly specialize in IPAs, but like everything else on this list, they also have a wide range of their other beers. Also like everything else on this list, you can usually find a food truck planted beside them to help take care of your munchies. - John Bonnes

Point Ybel Brewing Company: If you’re looking for craft beers closer to the beach and Estero Island, Point Ybel is probably worth stopping by. It’s in a strip mall, but that also makes it a bit easier to find than some of the others on this list. - John Bonnes

Millenial Brewing: Located downtown, Millenial seems to specialize in offbeat styles, but they turn out pretty tasty. Our visit included a Peanut Butter Blonde and a Macadamia Nut White Stout, and honestly, I liked them both. - John Bonnes

Scotty's Bierwerks: Located across the river in Cape Corral, you'll find their (excellent) Hazy IPA in bars throughout Fort Myers. The rest of their lineup at the taproom is also on point, though the newer corporate development they're in doesn't have a lot of atmosphere. 

Red Sox Spring Training FAQ

Coming soon!