Baseball in February just hits different. You know the feeling—that first crack of the bat in the Florida humidity and the sudden realization that the winter slog is finally over. For anyone heading down to North Port, Atlanta Braves spring training 2025 isn't just a set of exhibition games. It's a massive vibe shift for a team that spent most of last year navigating a literal minefield of injuries.
Honestly, it’s kinda surreal to see everyone back on the field at once.
If you’re planning a trip to CoolToday Park or just trying to keep up from your couch, there is a lot to unpack this year. We aren't just talking about veterans stretching their legs. We’re looking at a roster that’s trying to prove the 2024 injury curse was a fluke.
What to expect at CoolToday Park this spring
The Braves are entering their sixth year in North Port, and if you haven’t been, the stadium is basically a baseball oasis. It's located at 18800 S. West Villages Parkway. If you're driving down I-75, just take Exit 191 (River Road) and follow the signs.
💡 You might also like: World Series by Year: What Most Fans Actually Get Wrong About Baseball History
The 2025 schedule is a 32-game sprint. Things officially kick off on February 22 with a road trip to see the Twins in Ft. Myers. But the real party starts on February 23 when the Braves host the Tampa Bay Rays for the home opener.
Tickets usually run anywhere from $22 for the lawn (the berm in left field is elite for tanning) up to $62 for the good seats behind the dugout. If you’re a shade seeker—and trust me, you want to be—stick to the first base side. The sun in Venice and North Port is no joke, even in February.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
- February 15: The "Welcome Back Bash." This is a free open house at the stadium. Great for families, plus there's usually a tribute band on the plaza.
- February 22: First away game (vs. Twins).
- February 23: First home game (vs. Rays).
- March 16: The "Spring Breakout" game. This is where the top prospects like Drake Baldwin and JR Ritchie face off against the Tigers' youngsters.
- March 23: The Florida finale against the Orioles.
- March 24-25: A quick desert detour to play the Cubs in Mesa, Arizona, before the regular season starts.
The biggest storylines: Health and the "Strider Effect"
Everyone is asking the same thing: How do the arms look?
Watching Spencer Strider throw his first live innings since his 2024 elbow surgery is the main event. In his early starts this spring, he’s been touching high velocity again, though he’s working on a slightly adjusted arm angle to keep things sustainable. It’s a bit of a nail-biter every time he lets one fly, but so far, so good.
Then there’s the Ronald Acuña Jr. situation. He’s been vocal about feeling great, but the team is playing it safe. He might not be at 100% for the very first game of the regular season in San Diego, but seeing him run the bases in North Port is enough to give fans hope.
The Catcher Quirk
Here’s a fun bit of drama you might have missed. Sean Murphy dealt with a cracked rib early on, which fast-tracked Drake Baldwin. Baldwin is currently the Braves' No. 1 prospect, and honestly, he looks like he belongs. Watching him handle a veteran like Chris Sale—the reigning Cy Young winner—during Grapefruit League games has been one of the biggest "aha" moments for the coaching staff.
Who is actually making this roster?
The rotation is mostly set with Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach, but the back end is a total scrap. You’ve got Grant Holmes and Hurston Waldrep basically dueling for those final spots. Waldrep has that "nasty" factor but struggled with command last year, while Holmes is the reliable "do-everything" guy the fans have grown to love.
🔗 Read more: College Football Week 3: Why the Chaos Actually Starts Early
The bench is also looking a bit different. With Jurickson Profar joining the mix to help bridge the gap until Acuña is full-go, the outfield rotation is crowded. Keep an eye on Eli White. He’s shown he can play the infield now, too, which basically makes him a lock for a utility spot.
Bullpen Shuffle
The late-offseason additions of Héctor Neris and even a reunion with Craig Kimbrel (yeah, you read that right) have turned the bullpen into a veteran-heavy group. It’s a gamble. Neris looked sharp in his first few spring appearances, but everyone's waiting to see if Kimbrel still has that high-leverage magic in him.
Tips for fans visiting North Port
If you're actually going to the games, don't just sit in your seat. The Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill in left field is the place to be. It stays open even when there isn't a game, but on game days, it’s the heart of the stadium.
📖 Related: Where Do the Phoenix Mercury Play: What Most People Get Wrong
Also, the "Spring Breakout" game on March 16 is arguably more interesting for hardcore fans than a standard vet-heavy game. You get to see guys like Cam Caminiti and JR Ritchie—the future of the franchise—playing in a high-energy environment.
Where to stay and eat
Most people stay in Venice or Sarasota. If you want to be close, the Hampton Inn in North Port is the standard "safe bet," but if you want the beach vibe, look at Casey Key. For food, everyone hits up PopDawgs in Downtown Wellen right next to the park. It’s basically gourmet hot dogs, and it’s become a spring training staple.
Final outlook for the 2025 season
The vibe in camp is "resilient." Last year sucked, there’s no other way to put it. But a healthy Austin Riley—who many are picking for an MVP-caliber year—combined with a rotation that finally has its "Big Three" back makes the Braves look like the NL East favorites again.
Projections have the Braves leading the league in ERA+, which is wild considering where they were a year ago. If the health holds, this spring training will be remembered as the moment the engine started humming again.
Next Steps for Braves Fans:
- Check the TV schedule: Most home games are broadcast on Bally Sports South/Southeast or available via MLB.tv.
- Grab tickets early: The Yankees and Red Sox games at CoolToday Park always sell out first.
- Follow the prospects: Keep an eye on the box scores for Drake Baldwin; if he continues to rake, he’s going to force some very difficult roster decisions by the time the team breaks camp on March 23.