Early in December, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that due to extensive damage to the team training facilities caused by Hurricane Ian, they needed to relocate the spring training base for 2023. At the time, they reported they were exploring a number of options. Now, Disney and the Tampa Bay Rays have announced that Major League Baseball will be returning to Walt Disney World Resort in 2023. The team will hold a portion of its spring training at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Walt Disney World Resort is thrilled to be able to offer the team professional-grade facilities along with its renowned hospitality. Rays’ team president Matt Silverman offered his words of gratitude. “We are thankful for Disney’s willingness and ability to accommodate our unexpected Spring Training needs, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will provide our players and coaches with first-class facilities for their annual ramp up to the season.”
The agreement includes both the Tampa Bay Rays’ major and minor league teams. Players will be conducting their spring training workouts at the ESPN World of Sports Complex in 2023. Major League Spring Training opens on February 6 and runs through March 1, with early arrivals reporting on February 6 and pitchers and catchers reporting on February 14.
“We are thrilled to be bringing Major League Baseball back to Walt Disney World Resort,” said Faron Kelley, vice president of Disney Sports. “We’re always looking for top-tier events, like the Rays’ Spring Training for our guests to enjoy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.”
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is no stranger to hosting professional baseball, having served as spring training home of the Atlanta Braves from 1998 to 2019. The Complex has also hosted the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic, featuring major league players.
The Tamps Bay Rays have used ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as their home base back in 2007. They played three regular season games at The Stadium and won all three against the Texas Rangers. The Rays have a 6-0 all-time record when playing games at the Walt Disney Resort. In 2008 they swept a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Rays have made the playoffs each of the past four seasons so they will enter 2023 with high expectations. They will be aiming for their third American League East division title in four years.
Since 2009, the Tampa Bay Rays have conducted their spring training in Port Charlotte, Florida, located approximately 90 minutes south of St. Petersburg.
According to the Associated Press, back on December 1, when the team made the decision, the Tampa Bay Rays and Charlotte County released a joint statement announcing that the damage to Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte cannot be repaired in time to host games this winter.
“We are all disappointed for the residents of Charlotte County and the fans there. The community is in the thoughts and hearts of the Rays, and the team will continue to support recovery efforts,” the statement added. “The Rays and Charlotte County intend to develop a restoration plan for Charlotte Sports Park in the coming weeks.”
Will you watch The Tampa Bay Rays conduct part of their spring Training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex?