Spring training is an exciting time for baseball fans as they get their first glimpse of the new season. The Toronto Blue Jays hold spring training in Dunedin, Florida and fans flock from across North America to catch some Grapefruit League action. With spring training fast approaching, many fans are wondering how much Blue Jays spring training tickets will cost this year.
When is Blue Jays Spring Training?
The Blue Jays hold spring training at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida. Spring training typically runs from mid-February to late March.
The Blue Jays will open their 2023 spring training on February 25th with a home game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Their spring training schedule consists of around 30 games against both American League East division rivals like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox as well as National League teams.
The last spring training game is usually in late March, just prior to the regular MLB season opening in early April. This allows players a few days off before getting back into the grind of the 162-game regular season.
So if you want to catch the Blue Jays in spring training action, plan your trip to Dunedin for February or March!
Where Do The Blue Jays Play Spring Training?
The Toronto Blue Jays moved their spring training facilities from Florida’s Gulf Coast to Dunedin in 1977. Since then, the small town on Florida’s central west coast has been home to Blue Jays spring training.
The Blue Jays play at TD Ballpark, located just a few blocks from Dunedin’s main street and picturesque waterfront. The intimate ballpark seats just under 8,500 people and provides an up-close spring training experience.
Dunedin Stadium was built in 1990 and renovated in 2019-2020. Upgrades included new seating, concession stands, and player facilities. The city of Dunedin recently agreed to a new lease that will keep the Blue Jays there through 2044.
Many Grapefruit League teams play in larger nearby cities like Tampa or Clearwater. But the quaint small-town charm of Dunedin gives Blue Jays spring training a different feel. Fans love the easy stadium access and relaxed atmosphere.
Blue Jays Spring Training Ticket Prices
Spring training tickets are generally cheaper than regular season MLB tickets. Demand is lower and many games don’t sell out. However, prices fluctuate based on the opponent, day, and seat location.
Here is an overview of Blue Jays spring training single-game ticket prices:
Seat Location | Price Range |
---|---|
Lower Box | $25 – $50 |
Lower Reserved | $17 – $40 |
Lawn/Standing Room | $15 – $25 |
The most expensive games are usually weekend games against AL East opponents like the Yankees. Weekday afternoon games in early March tend to have the most affordable ticket prices.
Where To Buy Blue Jays Spring Training Tickets
There are several options for purchasing Blue Jays spring training tickets:
– Online via MLB.com – Official MLB ticket site. Convenience fees apply.
– Blue Jays website – Purchase directly from the team website.
– Third-party resellers – Sites like StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, etc. Prices fluctuate based on demand.
– TD Ballpark box office – Walk-up on gameday purchases. Limited ticket availability.
– Dunedin Chamber of Commerce – Local source for spring training tickets. No convenience fees.
Buying early usually provides the best ticket prices and selection. However, waiting until right before gameday can sometimes yield deals on unused tickets.
Other Blue Jays Spring Training Costs
Beyond just game tickets, here are some other costs to factor in for a Blue Jays spring training trip:
– Flights – Roundtrip flight from Toronto to Tampa averages around $350 CAD during spring training. Tampa is the closest major airport to Dunedin.
– Accommodations – Hotels near TD Ballpark range from $125-$200 CAD per night depending on dates. Airbnbs and VRBOs provide cheaper options.
– Rental car – Having a car makes exploring Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area easier. Average rental car rates are $50 CAD per day.
– Food – Spring training games have typical ballpark concession food. But Downtown Dunedin has many local restaurants to enjoy as well. Meal costs range from $15-$30 CAD per person.
– Souvenirs – Expect to pay $25-$75+ CAD for Blue Jays spring training hats, shirts, jerseys and other memorabilia at the stadium gift shops.
Factoring in all these costs, a 4-5 day Blue Jays spring training trip for two people likely ranges from $1,500-$2,000 CAD. Flights and accommodations make up the largest expenses. Daily costs can be reduced by staying farther away from TD Ballpark and dining more economically.
Spring Training Travel Packages
Some companies like FloridaSunshine.ca offer all-inclusive packages that bundle flights, hotels, rental cars, and game tickets to make spring training travel simpler.
These packages are generally more expensive than booking individual components yourself. But the convenience factor of having everything planned out can be worth it for some.
Packages for two people for 5 days/4 nights with rental car, accommodations, and Blue Jays tickets start around $2,500 CAD total. Upgraded hotels, tickets, and extras can raise the costs.
These packages sell out quickly, so booking early – even before the official spring training schedule is released – is recommended.
Tips For Saving Money On Spring Training
Here are some tips for getting the most value out of a Blue Jays spring training trip:
– Book flights and hotels early to get better rates. Prices go up closer it gets.
– Consider staying outside Dunedin to lower accommodation costs. It’s just a short drive to the ballpark.
– Check resale sites leading up to games for ticket deals as sellers unload extras.
– Pack food & drinks to bring into the ballpark instead of buying expensive concession items.
– Rent a place with a kitchen via Airbnb or VRBO to prepare some of your own meals.
– Share rental cars and lodging with friends and family members to lower per-person costs.
– Avoid souvenirs at the stadium and buy cheaper generic gear online or in stores instead.
Are Spring Training Games Worth It For Blue Jays Fans?
Making a trip all the way from Canada down to Florida requires a significant time and money investment. Is it actually worth it just to watch some exhibition baseball games?
For diehard Blue Jays fans, the chance to see the players up close and get excited for the upcoming season is well worth the costs and effort. Here are some of the benefits of attending Blue Jays spring training:
– Great weather and Florida beach trip built into the baseball experience
– Closer access to players for autographs before games
– First look at Jays prospects and new acquisitions
– More relaxed fun atmosphere than regular season
– Opportunity to meet and mingle with Blue Jays fans
– Seeing the Jays play AL East rivals in low-stakes games
– Take part in Grapefruit League tradition and history
The games are fairly inexpensive compared to regular season prices. Airfare and accommodations make up the largest expenses. But budget-conscious fans can find ways to lower the costs through points, deals, shared trips, etc.
For Jays fans who can swing it, spring training can be a fantastic baseball bonding experience as the team ramps up for a new season. The memories are well worth the price tag for many.
Conclusion
Catching the Toronto Blue Jays in spring training down in Dunedin, Florida is a bucket list item for many fans. Ticket prices are affordable, typically ranging from $15-$50 CAD depending on seat location. However, travel costs like airfare and hotels make up a significant portion of the overall expense.
Cost-conscious fans can lower the impact through budget accommodations, discounted rental cars, packed food, and other money-saving tactics. For diehard Blue Jays lovers, the sunny spring training getaway and up-close look at the team is well worth the splurge.