|
Florida Spring Training: Your Guide To Touring The Grapefruit League |
When Osceola County announced it was putting its stadium through an $18 million renovation between the 2002 and 2003 seasons, I thought “uh oh, they’re going to make it into one of those new behemoths like the one down the road at Disney.” Fortunately, they didn’t. In fact, they turned Osceola County Stadium into one of the best in the Grapefruit League. What’s so great about it? It captures the essence of Spring Training. It has children’s activities; it has ample spaces for autograph seekers to access the players; it has shade and sun; and it is small enough so that there is not a bad seat in the stadium. In fact, Osceola County Stadium is the smallest in the entire league. While most stadiums hold 6,500 or more, Osceola County Stadium is filled to capacity with just over 5,000 people. It doesn’t look any different from most other newer stadiums as you walk up to it. In fact, it looks pretty cookie cutter. Yes, it looks new and it has design elements that are only found on new stadiums, but its columns, metal gates, and ticket windows could be transplants from anywhere. Once inside the main concourse, however, you start to feel the stadium is different. There is not a lot of clutter. In fact, there are only a couple of concession booths, for lemonade and programs. The rest of the concourse is wide, open-aired, and breezy. You can really tell it is different when you walk up to the food concession stands. This is the only park in the Grapefruit League to offer a kid’s meal. It comes with a hot dog, chips, and soda. It’s surprising that no other park offers one because families are a big part of the crowd at Spring Training games. The souvenir stand is also different. It’s not too crowded with merchandise and yet it’s large enough that when there are crowds of people, you’re not going to be overwhelmed. Didn't find what you were looking for? Try a Google search.
IF
YOU FIND THIS WEB SITE HELPFUL, PLEASE CONSIDER |
|||
 |
The
Intrepid Traveler |
||
|
|
