Braves Spring Training Practice - Advice

[veddermax]

Heading to Florida for spring training and WDW in mid-february.

Has anyone ever been to see the Braves during their practice sessions (the two weeks before spring training games start, aka pre-February 29). I am considering going, but curious what the atmosphere is like and how easy it is to get autographs. Do you need to pay parking to watch the practice sessions? Is it worth the experience or is it better to go down the road and check out the Astros instead.

 

[spiceycat]

you don't pay for parking - but the tickets are expensive

$28 to $15 to see them play.

http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/proSports/overview?name=ProSportsOverviewPage

 

[JB2K]

I made the trip to WDW last year to watch my St. Louis Cardinals take-on the Braves in a 2-day/2-game set.

As you may already know, all Braves Spring Training games are played at Champion Field at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex. It's straight inside the gate -- very easy to find.

If you haven't already done so, you will need to purchase your game tickets right away (you can do that through the Ticketmaster website).

As for admission to WWoS, it is said you will need to purchase seperate admission (though I discovered it wasn't required to attend my two games).

As for the atmosphere at the ballpark, it's very intimate -- much like a AAA minor league facility and great fun for the whole family. While I can't speak for the home team, the visiting teams are usually very accomodating to their fans for player autographs, etc. (do be aware that as with any sports venue, professional autograph hounds will pay kids to get a sought-after signature).

It's also noteworthy that food/drinks/snacks are less expensive than what you pay at the big league parks.

Some friendly advice -- if you have a vehicle, don't bother taking it to WWoS, as lack of parking spaces does seem to be an issue (particularly, if high school/collegiate events are happening at the sports complex at the same time). Instead, take the bus, which departs/arrives Disney's Hollywood Studios on a regular schedule.

 

[veddermax]

Thanks for this information.

Anyone have any advice regarding the practice sessions (again the two weeks of spring training before actual games takes place).

 

[JB2K]

Since nobody's answering, you may want to call the Braves' front office at Turner Field -- someone there should have the info...

 

[momto1]

We have never done the practice session with the Braves only the games.

If you want to consider the Astros - you can get tons and tons of autographs. The players are great. DS has even gotten bats and batting gloves from the players. We love to go on the last day when they are breaking camp. It is very relaxed and easy going. Well worth the drive out.

Have a ton of fun!
Lori

 

[Frothy]

Since nobody's answering, you may want to call the Braves' front office at Turner Field -- someone there should have the info...

Does this blog help?

http://www.floridaleisureonline.com/?p=276

 

[sue Z]

i think for the spring training practices its just the general addmission price to DWWS there is a number listed in this link that will help!!!
http://http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/events/eventDetail/detail?name=BravesSpringTrainingDetailPage&pid=pip-1WWS

 

[MattM]

We've never had trouble watching practices or interacting with players. We were able to talk with the Braves top prospect CF jordan Schafer for a while between workouts. He seemed like a good kid. We are big Braves' fans and try and get out to practices (pitchers/catchers, etc) every year as well as a few games...have never had problems.

 

[WrightFamily06]

My DH & DS attend the Braves vs. Mets game last year at Disney's Wide World Of Sports. The tickets were very hard to get , they ended up with lawn seating which is OK if you like sitting on the ground and the parking was also a mess I dropped them off and picked them up and it was a mess getting in and out of there . My DH had bought a ball for the DS and batting Helmet for himself to receive the players autographs and got none , my DH said the players were not very interactive w/ the spectators . This was a little disappointing also since it was DS first game and he got the ball to get autographs & got none. On a side note my DH also attended a Nationals Vs. Braves game earlier in the year and the players were the same way which upset DH . You think that these players would be a little more giving considering there status . Oh well everyone has there own opinions , not to discourage you from attending .

 

[MattM]

^ Depends on when they were asked for autographs. If they asked them during the game, then there's nothing wrong with the players declining autographs. They are after all, doing their jobs in their places of business.

 

[ValRA]

I made the trip to WDW last year to watch my St. Louis Cardinals take-on the Braves in a 2-day/2-game set.

As you may already know, all Braves Spring Training games are played at Champion Field at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex. It's straight inside the gate -- very easy to find.

If you haven't already done so, you will need to purchase your game tickets right away (you can do that through the Ticketmaster website).

As for admission to WWoS, it is said you will need to purchase seperate admission (though I discovered it wasn't required to attend my two games).

As for the atmosphere at the ballpark, it's very intimate -- much like a AAA minor league facility and great fun for the whole family. While I can't speak for the home team, the visiting teams are usually very accomodating to their fans for player autographs, etc. (do be aware that as with any sports venue, professional autograph hounds will pay kids to get a sought-after signature).

It's also noteworthy that food/drinks/snacks are less expensive than what you pay at the big league parks.

Some friendly advice -- if you have a vehicle, don't bother taking it to WWoS, as lack of parking spaces does seem to be an issue (particularly, if high school/collegiate events are happening at the sports complex at the same time). Instead, take the bus, which departs/arrives Disney's Hollywood Studios on a regular schedule.

Thanks for the advice. Wondering if you know if the bus departs from anywhere else, perhaps the resorts?

 

[DOOM1001]

We have never done the practice session with the Braves only the games.

If you want to consider the Astros - you can get tons and tons of autographs. The players are great. DS has even gotten bats and batting gloves from the players. We love to go on the last day when they are breaking camp. It is very relaxed and easy going. Well worth the drive out.

Have a ton of fun!
Lori

The Astros along with the Nationals moved their spring training site to West Palm beach.

 

[michelepa]

Thanks for the advice. Wondering if you know if the bus departs from anywhere else, perhaps the resorts?

The Astros along with the Nationals moved their spring training site to West Palm beach.

FYI this thread is 8 years old!

 

[DOOM1001]

FYI this thread is 8 years old!

Wow!!didn't notice that!