Rays Spring Training 2009

Here is a summary of information for anyone planning on going to the upcoming Rays Spring Training.

Location:
Charlotte Sports Park
2300 El Jobean Rd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Directions:
From I-75, exit the interstate at Toledo Blade Road (Exit 179) and turn right (west). Proceed for approximately 6-1/2 miles to El Jobean Road (SR 776) and turn right. Charlotte Sports Park will be on the left in approximately 2 miles. Driving time from the Tampa/St. Petersburg area is 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Important Dates:
Monday, February 9, 1 p.m. – Rays equipment truck will be loaded at Tropicana Field.
Friday, February 13, 1 p.m. - Opening spring training press conference, Charlotte Sports Park with Rays Manager Joe Maddon and Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman.
Sunday, February 15, 1 p.m. - First workout for pitchers and catchers, following physical examinations.
Wednesday, February 18, 10 a.m. - First workout for the full squad.
Friday, February 20, 7:45 a.m.- Photo Day for the Media.
Wednesday, March 11 – Rays Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Rays Baseball Foundation at Ritz Carlton Golf Club, Sarasota.

Spring Workouts:
There is no charge to attend the Rays workouts. Detailed rosters will be available for free.

Spring Training Games:
Schedule.

Pre-Game Workout Schedules for Afternoon Home Games (1:05 P.M. Starts):
Rays Batting Practice: 10:20 - 11:20 A.M.
Visitors Batting Practice: 11:20 A.M. - 12:20 P.M.
Rays Infield: 12:20 - 12:30 P.M.
Visitors Infield: 12:30 - 12:40 P.M.

Pre-Game Workout Schedules for Evening Home Games (7:05 P.M. Starts):
Rays Batting Practice: 4:20 - 5:20 P.M.
Visitors Batting Practice: 5:20 - 6:20 P.M.
Rays Infield: 6:20 - 6:30 P.M.
Visitors Infield: 6:30 - 6:40 P.M.

Tickets:
All reserved seats to the Rays 16 home games are sold out. All that remains is Berm for $9. Tickets can be purchased at the Tropicana Field Box Office, Charlotte Sports Park Box Office, Tampa Pro Shop, all Ticketmaster locations, via Ticketmaster phonecharge and online at raysbaseball.com or raysbeisbol.com. Tickets may also be purchased by calling (727) 898-RAYS or (813) 282-RAYS.

Minor League Camp:
Facility is located at Charlotte Sports Park. The first workout for minor league pitchers and catchers is March 6. The first workout for minor league position players is March 10. Approximately 140 minor leaguers will be in camp.

Local Hotels:
Days Inn
1941 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
(941) 627-8900

Holiday Inn
24440 Sandhill Blvd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33983
(877) 863-4780

Wyvern Hotel
101 E. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-7700