Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training & Schedule Updates in Port Charlotte FL

The Rays Are Back:

Spring Training 2026 Begins in Port Charlotte

 

The crack of the bat and the smell of fresh-cut grass have officially returned to Southwest Florida. The Tampa Bay Rays began their 2026 Spring Training campaign this week at Charlotte Sports Park, as pitchers and catchers reported Thursday and officially kicked off a new season under the Port Charlotte sun.

 

Charlotte Sports Park – 2300 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL

 

For many in the community, this is the moment winter ends and baseball begins. Camp Is underway and players filtered into the clubhouse for physicals and early workouts as the facility came back to life. Bullpens were active. Gloves popped. Coaches gathered in small groups behind batting cages.

 

There’s a different energy when camp opens — part anticipation, part fresh start. This year’s arrival carries added excitement as the team looks to build on recent momentum and make full use of the Charlotte Sports Park complex, which has served as the Rays’ Spring Training home since 2009.

 

The first full-squad workout is scheduled for early next week, when the remainder of the roster joins camp. Manager Kevin Cash and his staff are expected to focus early on blending new additions with the club’s veteran core — setting the tone for what the organization hopes will be another strong season.

 

The Rays’ return isn’t just about baseball. Spring Training brings a noticeable lift to Port Charlotte ’s economy. Hotels fill. Restaurants get busier. Seasonal residents and traveling fans plan trips around Grapefruit League games . 

 

Over the coming weeks, Charlotte Sports Park will host a full slate of home games as part of the Grapefruit League schedule, drawing visitors from across Florida and beyond. For fans, Spring Training offers something the regular season can’t — closeness.

 

Autographs along the fence line. Players chatting during drills. The relaxed, intimate feel of baseball in February. It’s personal here.

 

As the first few days of camp settle in, the goal is already clear.

• Preparation.
• Conditioning.
• Chemistry.

 

The work that begins now — in quiet morning workouts and long afternoons on back fields — lays the foundation for the regular season and, the team hopes, another deep postseason run. 

 

Baseball is back.

And once again, it begins at Charlotte Sports Park.