Fast Facts. Addresses, phone numbers, and web sites.

Getting There. Driving directions from the closest highway.

Parking. How close is the parking lot? Check here to see how long it will take you to get from your car to the stadium entrance and how much it costs to park. Here I also note any special tips you should know before you set out for the stadium, such as special lots for special sections of the ballpark and transportation and parking alternatives.

Tickets. Are tickets available — and affordable? Some teams sell out (see “Rules of the Game,” below); others usually still have tickets at gametime. Check this section to see if you need to buy tickets in advance, far in advance, or can pick them up at gametime. Also check here for ticket prices.

Price Note: 2005 prices for tickets and concessions have not been announced by most parks as this book goes to press. Figure that they will likely be slightly higher than the prices listed here.

Programs. Programs! Get your souvenir programs! Is the program worth the price? Check here to see what it costs and what it contains. I favor programs that include photos and numerical listings of the players (so that it’s easy to identify who’s who on the field), articles on Spring Training, and scorecards.

Seats. Can you find your seat easily? Each stadium chapter includes a seating diagram. Check your tickets against the diagram and my sage advice before heading into the stadium. Seats are a lot easier to find in some stadiums than in others. And once you’re seated it can be quite a trek to get to the concessions or to the best spots for getting autographs.

Shade. Is there any shade? The Florida sun is fierce, even in March. The amount of shade in any given stadium depends on its orientation and roofing. In March, the afternoon sun is in the southern sky, so stadiums that face south and have little roofing have little or no shade. Check this section to find out how much sunblock you’ll need.

Food & Drink. It’s time to satisfy those hunger pangs and quench your thirst! What’s available? Do the hot dogs snap? Is the beer really cold? A ballpark’s food and drink are almost as important to baseball fans as bats and balls. Look here to see what’s offered, how much it costs, and whether the stadium has a specialty that shouldn’t be missed.

Note: For security — and better profits — none of the stadiums allows fans to bring in food or beverages.

Note, too: 2005 prices have not been announced by most parks as this book goes to press. So figure that they are likely to be slightly higher than the prices listed here.

Souvenirs. You can’t leave Spring Training without a souvenir. What’s unusual here? You can get bats, balls, baseball caps, and t-shirts at any Grapefruit League stadium. Look here to find the stadium’s unique offerings (if any). Infant hats, anyone? Bobble head dolls?

Note: 2005 prices have not been announced by most parks as this book goes to press. So figure that they are likely to be slightly higher than the prices listed here.

Autographs. How easy is it to get an autograph? Where are the best spots to get them? Check here.

A Game or an Experience? Is there anything doing at the ballpark other than the game? Sure you’re there for baseball. But many stadiums have additional entertainment and activities to keep the family entertained. Check here to find out what’s offered.

Up Close & Personal? Can you reach out and touch the players? Check here to see how close you will feel to the players from your seats or the autographing areas.

Getting Away. How long will it take you to get out of the parking lot and back on the road after the game? Find out here.

Before & After the Game. Look here for suggestions on places to eat, sports bars, and things to see and do near the stadium.

Hotels Near the Ballpark. Nuff said.

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