Fort Myers Spring Training: Traffic Alerts for Red Sox & Twins Games

The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins will play in Fort Myers on the same day and time on three occasions during Spring Training, potentially causing traffic congestion.
The Lee County Department of Transportation anticipates peak traffic between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and again between 3:45 and 4:30 p.m. on those days.
Motorists not attending the games are advised to avoid the Daniels Parkway corridor in South Fort Myers on the afternoons of March 2, 5, and 7.

The first of three dates on the Spring Training schedule when the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins play on the same day and at the same time in Fort Myers is this Sunday (March 2).

As the old saying goes, plan ahead if you have tickets to one of these games.

The distance between JetBlue Park, where the Red Sox play, and the Lee Health Sports Complex, spring training home of the Twins, is only five miles. Typically, especially on weekends, both teams will have their stadiums full of fans.

It could create a 'perfect storm' for traffic along the roads fans use to get to the stadiums − Daniels Parkway, Six Mile Cypress and Treeline Avenue. Even the exit ramps from I-75 to Daniels Parkway could be backed up.

There are also several churches on Daniels Parkway, which will add to the congestion on Sunday.

According to the Lee County Department of Transportation, the peak traffic congestion is anticipated to be between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and then again between 3:45 and 4:30 p.m.

These are the three dates when the Red Sox and Twins will play at the same time:

Sunday, March 2 - the Red Sox will host the New York Mets at JetBlue Park, and the Twins will host the Tampa Bay Rays at Lee Health Sports Complex.

Wednesday, March 5 - the Sox will host the Rays at Jet Blue Park, and the Twins will host the Baltimore Orioles at Lee Health Sports Complex.

Friday, March 7 - the Sox will host the Miami Marlins at Jet Blue Park, and the Twins will host the Atlanta Braves at Lee Health Sports Complex.

All games start at 1:05 p.m. Lee County Traffic Operations is being proactive by getting the word out in advance so baseball fans (and non-baseball fans who are traveling in Fort Myers those day) can plan accordingly.

This year, Lee's Department of Transportation (DOT) advises motorists not going to the games to avoid the Daniels Parkway corridor in South Fort Myers on the afternoons of those three games.

Additionally, DOT advises motorists to be aware of one supplemental (non-Major League Baseball) game happening on the following week.

Friday, March 14 - the Sox will host the Boston Red Sox Prospects at 1:05 p.m. at Jet Blue Park and the Twins will host the Rays at Lee Health Sports Complex at 6:05 p.m.

Tracey N. Thornton, the Trauma Injury Prevention Educator for Lee Health, provided these tips for driving in heavy traffic:

Running red lights will not help you reach your destination faster; instead, it can lead to accidents that increase traffic delays.
Do not block the box. In Florida, entering an intersection without the ability to completely clear is against the law and puts drivers in danger.
Avoid aggressive driving, weaving in and out of traffic, speeding, cutting off other drivers, tailgating, and blocking other cars from merging.
Avoid distractions and refrain from using your phone; even hands-free cell phone use can lead to severe consequences.
Keep up with traffic while leaving a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
Stay Focused.

In Southwest Florida, we’re grateful to host so many visitors, baseball fanatics, and friends, and we hope for a safe Spring Training season on our roads.