The Baltimore Orioles came to Sarasota in the Spring of 2010 when, after 14 years in Fort Lauderdale, the major-league team began spring training at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St. (tel. 941/954-4101; www.orioles.com). Tickets range from $10 and up. The Pittsburgh Pirates (tel. 941/748-4610; www.pirateball.com) do their February through March spring training at 6,562-seat McKechnie Field, 9th Street West and 17th Avenue West, south of downtown Bradenton. Tickets are $10 to $20. After purchasing the Sarasota Reds when Cincinnati moved to Arizona for spring trailing, the Pirates got their own minor-league team, the Bradenton Marauders (www.bradentonmarauders.com), who also play at McKechnie Field April through September. Tickets are $5 to $10.
The Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane (tel. 941/907-0000; www.sarasotapolo.com), at Lakewood Ranch, a planned community midway between Sarasota and Bradenton, is the site of Sunday-afternoon polo matches from mid-December to early April. General admission is $10 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Call for the schedule.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
