Home > Cardinals Fan Guide > St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training Guide
[Updated 2/18/08]
Spring Training Basics
Spring Training on TV & Radio
Going to Spring Training
Odds and Ends
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Spring Training Basics
Where is Spring Training?
The Cardinals currently hold Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida at the Roger Dean Stadium complex.
The team has held Spring Training every year in Florida with the exception of 1943-45 (Cairo, Ill.). The team had previously been hosted by Avon Park,
Bradenton, Daytona Beach, and St. Petersburg before arriving in Jupiter in 1998.
Roger Dean Stadium
The 110-acre complex, one of the largest for Spring Training, cost $28 million to build and consists of 12 practice fields -- six each for the Cards and Marlins
-- with two open-sided buildings featuring four outdoor batting tunnels each. Palm Beach County financed and owns the complex named after a local car dealer using
bed tax money that tourists pay at area hotels. The Palm Beach Post reports the county will pay $2 million annually for the next decade to pay off the $28
million construction cost.
Spring Training on TV & Radio
2008 Television Schedule
- March 16 vs. Braves -- 12:00pm on KSDK (St. Louis)
- March 22 vs. Twins -- 12:00pm on Fox Sports Midwest
- March 23 vs. Mets -- 12:00pm on KSDK (St. Louis)
- March 26 vs. Orioles -- 12:00pm on Fox Sports Midwest
2008 Radio Schedule
KTRS 550 Spring Training broadcasts [PDF]
Going to Spring Training
Getting to Jupiter
Palm Beach International Airport is the closest airport to Jupiter and less than 20 miles (directions) from the stadium. Many airlines
offer direct flights from Lambert Airport in St. Louis to West Palm Beach. Fans might also consider flying in to Fort Lauderdale International Airport which is roughly an
hour drive from Jupiter.
Getting to Roger Dean Stadium
Take I-95, Exit 83 (Donald Ross) east to Central Boulevard. Left on Central to Main Street, which will take you to the ballpark. One of the biggest problems with the complex is there are just 2,000 parking spaces. Nearby street parking may be available, but make sure you allow yourself enough time before you get to the ballpark. Otherwise, it will cost $5 to park.
Buses, campers, and other large vehicles are $20.
If you run into any traffic leaving a 1 p.m. game or before an evening tilt, WJNO 1290-AM in Palm Beach and WIOD out of Miami have the most frequent radio traffic reports.
Seating & Ticket Information
The ballpark has a maximum capacity of about 7,000, with 6,600 fixed seats. The capacity can exceed 7,000 only after standing room tickets are sold, which usually only happens day of game after all other seating has been purchased.
There are several seating options: Field Box ($26 per ticket or $27 for premium games); Loge Box ($24 per ticket or $25 for premium games); Bleachers ($12 per ticket or $13 for premium games); Grass Berm ($12 per ticket or $13 for premium games. Tickets for the berm are only sold on the day of the game.
Aim for a loge box seat if you can. The Party Deck can hold groups of 20 to 300 people. There are also six air-conditioned luxury suites for groups of 12.
Check out the CCH Calendar for Spring Training games, opponents, and start times.
To purchase individual game tickets, visit TicketMaster on the web, one of its outlets (Streetside Records, Famous Barr, Tucker's, The Blue Note and select Schnucks Video Clubs) or walk up to the stadium ticket office, open Monday through Friday 9-5 and Saturday from 9-1.
For additional ticketing information, or to purchase season tickets, contact the Roger Dean Stadium office at (561)-775-1818.
Getting Autographs
Before the game: Redbirds fans should stake out the right-field line and first-base side to catch players entering the ballpark from the outfield corner. Those interested in securing
an autograph from the visiting team should aim for the third-base side and down the left-field line. The best time to catch the visiting team is after they take infield or
batting practice. If you are an early riser (6-7am) you can catch players coming in from the parking lot.
During the game: The bullpen area next to the grass berm is the best place to get autographs from pitchers and those not playing that day. Some players not playing that day will start to leave around the 5th inning, which is another opportunity.
Many players sign for kids only, though others will sign for anyone. Another great opportunity to collect visiting team autographs is after the game as they board the bus to leave.
In general, the best general time to get autographs is very early in spring training. Players, coaches, staff, etc are very relaxed, friendly and interactive for a while, but by the end of March they are gearing up for the season and seem to get tired of all the hoopla.
Where's the Best Place to Watch a Game?
One of the best places to watch a game is the berm in right field. Be sure to bring a blanket. Not only is this spot a thrifty $7, it also provides autograph opportunities because
it sits behind the bullpen used by the Cardinals. Another great spot in the right field party deck. It's covered, which is great for those
those hot, sunny days. Where should you not sit? We recommend staying away from the aluminum bleachers in left field. Not only are they uncomfortable, but can get hot in
that Florida sun.
Food at the Ballpark
The are lots of delicious goodies to munch on at Roger Dean Stadium. In addition to the usual ballpark treats like the "Dean Dog", there's a 1/3-pound sausage on a special roll with
grilled peppers and onions, fresh Belle Glade sweet corn, and a barbecue pork sandwich cooked on a barbecue smoker in right field.
Odds & Ends
Essential Supplies for Spring Training
- Camera: It's a no-brainer, but nothing's wrong with a reminder.
- Rain poncho or umbrella: Expect showers at least a few times a week. Most showers are in and out in 20 minutes. That's Florida weather.
- If you opt for bleacher seats, bring a seat cushion or at least a towel. The seats are hard and get very hot in the Florida sun.
- If you want to sit on the berm, a blanket is highly recommended. Because of the occassional rain, something waterproof to go under the blanket is good as well.
Postgame Meals
According to the Palm Beach Post, "JJ Muggs Stadium Grille" (restaurant review & menu) is a great choice for dining following an outing at the ballpark.
It's a family-style restaurant with music and a casual atmosphere, plus it's located a just Pujols home run from the stadium.
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