Port Charlotte buzzes as Tampa Bay Rays start spring training against Braves

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Baseball fever returned to Port Charlotte as the Tampa Bay Rays kicked off spring training at Charlotte Sports Park against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.

Fans were eager to be part of the excitement, with many lining up hours before the gates opened.

For Port Charlotte residents, the arrival of baseball season is a cherished tradition.

"Winter's over, summer's back. Baseball's here, football is done. All the other sports are quiet and down. It's baseball time. So I'm excited," said Nicholas Madgett, a Port Charlotte resident.

Madgett shared his enthusiasm for the event, noting the early turnout.

"We came two hours early, so I was thinking, we're going to get right in but no, it was, it was already jamming at 11 o'clock. So I was like, Okay, we're here. Baseball is here," said Madgett.

The draw of spring training extends beyond local residents. Fans traveled from afar to enjoy the pure essence of the sport.

"People just really love baseball. These are the people that generally want to come out here just to watch a good game and get away from the fluff around the sport. This is where it comes down to you just love baseball and get to watch it," said Christian Hernandez, a Rays fan.

Even those without a team in the matchup found joy in joining the crowd.

"I was expecting a lot of people, because it's opening day and all, and I thought that coming here would be pretty fun to see how people react to all this stuff," said Joseph Abbruzze, a baseball fan.

The event also brought together fans with rival loyalties.

"To see the Braves, see the Rays, to see both of our teams," said Doug Berg and Karen Wilson, baseball fans.

Spring training marks a new beginning.

"Spring Training, 2026 first game. Fan, man fever, catch it," said a fan.

Familiar faces returned, celebrating the end of a long offseason.

"There's been five months with no baseball, and now we're back," said another fan.

Charlotte Sports Park was filled with a community ready to rally around their teams.