SportsQuest
All games

Spring training, Sun, Feb 28, Time TBA local

MLB and its players need a new labor deal before the 2027 season. Until one is signed, dates could change, so pick rooms you can cancel.

Toronto Blue Jaysat Atlanta Braves

CoolToday Park, North Port. Fly into SRQ.

Build the quest

What we know about CoolToday Park

Where visiting fans stay

Checked at the source
  • Venice. 20 min by drive. Most Braves preferred hotels are here, including the Fairfield Inn and TownePlace Suites on Executive Drive and the Hampton Inn on Venetia Bay Boulevard. Venice also has the beaches and the fishing pier.
  • North Port near I-75. 15 min by drive. The Braves list the Hampton Inn and Suites on Tuscola Boulevard. It is the closest base for both the Braves and the Rays.
  • Downtown Sarasota. 45 min by drive. The Braves list the Embassy Suites, Hyatt Regency and Westin downtown. Pick this if you also want Orioles and Pirates games and nights out in a bigger town.

Around the stadium

From a specialist guide
The ballpark is in Wellen Park, a new planned community in North Port, on West Villages Parkway just off US 41. Downtown Wellen, with restaurants and a lakeside path, is less than a mile north, and most hotels are in Venice or North Port, about 15 minutes away.

Getting in from the airport

From a specialist guide
SRQ (Sarasota-Bradenton International). It is about 37 miles north by road, roughly 55 minutes without traffic.

Getting to the stadium

Checked at the source
Drive from I-75, about 15 min. Exit 191 at River Road, go south to US 41, then left on West Villages Parkway; the ballpark is about a mile ahead on the left. Drive from US 41 south, about 20 min. Turn right at Preto Boulevard, left on Playmore Drive, then right on West Villages Parkway to the lots. Drive from SRQ, about 55 min. Braves lots along West Villages Parkway, with free carts to the plaza.

Getting in

Checked at the source
  • Bag policy: Bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches and hard-sided coolers are not allowed. All bags are searched, and every entrance has metal detectors.
  • Cashless: All events are cashless. Cards and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted.

Touring the stadium

Checked at the source
One-hour walking tours can include the field, the Braves dugout and bullpen, the press box and suites, and lunch at the Tomahawk Tiki Bar. Book online by 7am the Friday before.

After the final whistle

From a specialist guide
The ballpark has over 1,000 parking spaces. Free courtesy carts run from the Braves lots before and after the game, and you can stay for the free post-game concert on the plaza while traffic clears.

One thing to avoid

From a specialist guide
Leaving right after the last out. The roads out of Wellen Park back up, and the plaza concert after every 2026 game was the easy way to wait it out.

Bars near the stadium

Checked at the source

  • Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill

    CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, Venice, FL 34293

    An open-air, covered bar and grill perched above the left field line with views of the field. It stays open year-round with live music on weekends.

    Away fans: relaxed. Spring crowds mix fans of both teams.

  • Downtown WellenDistrict

    Wellen Park Boulevard, North Port, FL 34293

    The walkable town center of Wellen Park, with restaurants, shops and a 2.8 mile path around Grand Lake. It is the closest place to eat before or after a game.

    Away fans: easygoing. It is a family town center, not a sports district.

  • Sharky's on the PierBefore or after

    1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice, FL 34285

    A waterfront restaurant and bar next to the Venice Fishing Pier. Go after a day game for frozen drinks and the sunset over the Gulf.

    Away fans: friendly. It is a beach restaurant with tourists from every team.

Sidequests in North Port

Listed in the order they happen. Each one earns points.

  1. Ritual65 points

    Braves workouts on the back fields

    The Braves open the back fields of their 90-acre complex to fans each morning once the full squad reports. On game days, walk in through the Green Gate and watch drills before heading to your seat.

    Free. 4 hours before kickoff

  2. Ritual25 points

    Pregame plaza party

    Before every home game the plaza fills with partner booths, games and giveaways. Get there when the lots open and walk the plaza before gates open.

    Free. 2 hours 30 minutes before kickoff

  3. Double header75 points

    Second game at Charlotte Sports Park

    The Rays' spring home in Port Charlotte is 12 miles south, about 25 minutes by car. When one park plays in the afternoon and the other at night, you can see two games in one day.

    $$

  4. Eat40 points

    Kitchen Sink Nachos

    The Kitchen Sink Nachos at the Salsa Supreme stand are one of the ballpark's Signature Series dishes. Share a tray in the shade of the overhang.

    $$. 30 minutes after kickoff

  5. Ritual40 points

    Kids Run the Bases

    After every Sunday home game in 2026, kids 12 and under could run the bases. Families line up at Section 101 at the start of the 8th inning and fill out a waiver in line.

    Free. 2 hours 50 minutes after kickoff

  6. Ritual25 points

    Post-game concert on the plaza

    In 2026 a live band played on the plaza for two hours after every home game, with food and drink deals. Stay for a set while the lots empty.

    Free. 3 hours after kickoff

  7. Outing25 points

    Lakeside walk in Downtown Wellen

    Downtown Wellen is the town center of the planned community around the ballpark, with restaurants and 2.8 miles of paths around Grand Lake. Walk it after a day game and stay for dinner.

    Free. 3 hours 30 minutes after kickoff

  8. Outing50 points

    Sunset at the Venice Fishing Pier

    The Venice Fishing Pier reaches into the Gulf about 9 miles west of the ballpark, with Sharky's on the Pier at its foot. It is the easy beach trip after a day game.

    $. 4 hours after kickoff

Seats and views

Where each part of CoolToday Park sits, and what you see from it.

Fans post the view from their seats, section by section. See the views at CoolToday Park