A Guide to Spring Training with the Boston Red Sox

From Groundhog Day to Valentine's Day, February brings hope to many. Hope for an early departure from winter, hope for a newly kindled romance or the perfect celebration of love everlasting. For most of New England it means something entirely different. Pitchers and catchers report to spring training camp. That's right, spring training. It's the first chance to get a look at the new squad and for many in Red Sox Nation that is a prospect few are willing to overlook.

The Red Sox have had an historic and action packed off season. After a miserable second half last year it seems GM Theo Epstein would stop at nothing to bring a World Series contender to Boston for the 2007 season. It's going to be an exciting spring and tickets will be difficult to come by. With a roster that includes newly acquired Japanese ace Daisuke Matsuzaka and veteran outfielder J.D. Drew along with fan favorites like David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Curt Schilling and Jason Varitek, games will almost certainly be selling out quickly.

City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, FL is where the Red Sox make there home during the spring. They began playing there in 1993 and will return for six weeks beginning February 16^th when pitchers and catchers report to camp. Position players will be arriving on February 20^th with the first full squad workout coming on February 22^nd. The Red Sox open their Grapefruit League schedule at home on February 28^th, when they host the American League Central champion Minnesota Twins at 7:05 p.m. ET. The ballpark is located at 2201 Edison Ave which is accessible from Cleveland Ave. It has a capacity of 7,290. The Red Sox sell out most home games but standing room tickets will be available on the morning of the game. To order tickets online visit www.redsox.com and visit their Spring Training Tickets page. You may also purchase tickets in person at the City of Palms Park box office or by phone at (617)482-4SOX. Ticket prices are as follows: home plate box - $44, dugout box row 1 - $40, dugout box row 2 - $36, box seats and right field deck - $24, reserved seats - $21, bleachers - $13, lawn - $12 and standing room (available the morning of the game) - $10.