Blue Jays: The Dunedin, Florida experience during Spring Training

It is that time of the year again, Blue Jays fans, as Spring Training games are about to get started. If you are one of the many that will be migrating down to the beautiful town of Dunedin, Florida, there is so much more to this town and the general area than just baseball. I am going to do my best to give you some of the local tips and tricks to get the most out of your visit to the Blue Jays Spring nesting location.

I have had the pleasure of attending Spring Training games for years and have some college friends that moved to the Tampa area and finally settled in the lovely town that is Dunedin. After all my travels as an engineer for my day job, I honestly have a hard time coming up with places I would rather be than hanging out here.

The main attraction for Spring Training: TD Ballpark

I have not been since the amazing renovation of the ballpark but even prior to the facelift this was a fun place to see a ballgame. The seating arrangement has not changed so you are just as close to the action as you were when this lovely stadium opened its gates in 1990. The renovations put the seating capacity at about 8,500 and they have added some great amenities which include some good eats and bar seating within sight of the action. If you are only used to seeing baseball games in a major league setting this ballpark is a wonderful vision of what things used to be as you are truly in the action as a fan no matter where you are in the seats.

During my first few visits to this ballpark, I was shocked by the atmosphere and proximity to the MLB talent. Before the game, the Jays players were hanging out stretching and talking with fans. I got to talk and shake hands with Scott Rolen during that visit. Throughout all my other visits the players might have changed but the vibes remained the same. From filling out my autograph collection to hearing the wonderful chants of the food and beverage workers in the stands it was an amazing time. To quote one of the better baseball quotes I have heard from a Beer Vendor "If you can't catch a baseball might as well catch a buzz!" That might have summarized my day in the stands a little too well that mid-March afternoon.

There were also giveaways of all kinds and some great original merchandise that you can only get for attending Spring Training. My family has always enjoyed these trips even for a Dunedin Blue Jays game because you are so up close to the action and in a fun environment where you can even see the players having as much fun as Ace and DJay as mascots.