TAMPA, Fla. — Baseball fans are heading back to Florida as Grapefruit League spring training games begin this weekend across the state, with matchups scheduled in cities including Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Dunedin, Lakeland and Sarasota.

The annual preseason tradition is expected to draw thousands of visitors and provide a significant boost for local tourism, hotels and restaurants.

What You Need To Know

Florida’s Grapefruit League officials say it has spurred a $679 million economic impact for the state of Florida 

Games begin this Friday and run through the end of March 

Hotels in Tampa’s midtown district are seeing a spike in occupancy as it is in close proximity to Steinbrenner Field and the Yankees spring training facility  

For the schedule of the Grapefruit League’s spring training games, visit the BN9 Spring Training Guide 2026

One of the biggest attractions each year is the New York Yankees, who play their spring training games at Steinbrenner Field.

Located near Tampa’s rapidly growing Midtown district, the stadium sits close to a range of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues that benefit from the seasonal influx of fans.

Local hospitality leaders said the spring training season consistently brings a surge of visitors.

Brittany Mattix, assistant general manager of the Midtown Aloft hotel, said the area becomes especially lively during rivalry games, when passionate fans from across the country travel to see their teams play.

“Very busy. We’re super excited,” said Mattix. “We encounter every year during this time for spring training, especially during the rival game, such an influx of passionate people that are just very, very overwhelmed with joy to see their teams playing here. 

“With it being in such close proximity, Midtown is a great place to be for this.”

Spring training runs through late March, leading up to Opening Day on March 26. During that time, many fans travel to Florida for extended stays — some remaining for the entire six-week season — which helps sustain strong business activity throughout the region.

The Yankees will face the Baltimore Orioles as they open their home spring schedule Friday at 1:05 p.m.

Local fans will also be heading south to Port Charlotte, where the Tampa Bay Rays hold spring training at Charlotte Sports Park.

The Rays begin their preseason schedule Saturday at 1:05 p.m. against the Atlanta Braves.

With multiple teams playing across Florida and fans arriving from around the country, regional tourism officials and local businesses expect another busy and economically important spring training season.