July 4th Fun at Florida’s Minor League Baseball Parks

Independence Day is a perfect time to celebrate all that is Americana—hot dogs, apple pie, fireworks, and big-league baseball. Nothing, of course, beats a relaxing time at the ballpark. While Florida has two Major League Baseball teams in the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, 10 minor league baseball ballparks provide a more intimate, small-town feel for Florida State League games much cheaper alternative than catching a big-league game. 

What Is the Florida State League?

Baseball’s minor-league system was pared down for 2021 after a lost season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, now that spectators are again returning to stadiums and arenas across the country, the Florida State League was one of the minor leagues that returned for 2021. It’s a Class A minor league baseball league, meaning that these teams are generally a players’ first stop out of high school or college after being drafted by a big-league team. Players that excel in the Florida State League work their way up two more levels of the minor league baseball system before reaching the Majors. 

Where are the Minor League Baseball Teams Located?

Champion Stadium at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World used to host the Tampa Bay Rays’ double-A minor league baseball team, which was convenient for central Floridians, and now those in the Orlando area don’t have to travel to catch a game. Closest to central Florida to the west are the Lakeland Flying Tigers, and further west are teams in Tampa, Dunedin, Clearwater, Bradenton, and Fort Myers. East of Orlando, the closest team, is the Daytona Beach Tortugas, and further down Interstate 95 lie clubs in Port St. Lucie, Palm Beach, and Jupiter. 

July 4th Fun

July 4th falls on a Sunday this year so that you can make a long weekend’s worth of patriotic activities for the entire family. In addition, three of the five minor league baseball games over the holiday weekend all within a short drive from central Florida, and you can make a day of it on either coast.  

Jupiter Hammerheads vs. Tampa Tarpons

The Tarpons are affiliated with the New York Yankees and play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, which is located virtually across the street from Raymond James Stadium, home of the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They host Jupiter on July 3 for a 6:30 p.m. start and July 4 at noon. 

On July 3, you can feast at the field with an all-you-can-eat (and drink) offer. For $41, you get a ticket to the game, access to the private Spectrum Dugout Club, and all-you-can-eat ballpark fare (including beer, wine, soda, and water to wash it down) from 6-8:30 p.m. There will also be a Fourth of July Weekend celebration, which is sure to feature fireworks. 

On July 4 itself, you can receive a free ticket to a local area attraction for every two game tickets purchased. After that, tickets start at just $6 online. 

St. Lucie Mets vs. Clearwater Threshers

The Threshers play at BayCare Ballpark, which is the Spring Training home of the Philadelphia Phillies and is located off U.S. 19 and state road 60 in Clearwater. Clearwater will be hosting two nights’ worth of Independence Day fireworks—after the Friday, July 2, and Saturday, July 3 games against the Mets. Both games start at 6:30 p.m. The July 4 game against St. Lucie starts at noon. 

Unique features at BayCare Ballpark include the Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion in left field (home of the popular Wednesday Happy Hour) and the Kids Zone on the left-field concourse. 

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Beach Tortugas

The Tortugas, an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, play at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark, named as such because Robinson actually broke the color barrier in professional sports here, where he played his first pro game. The stadium features a mix of old and new, as a state-of-the-art HD video board is located right next to a manually operated scoreboard. The stadium opened in 1914 and is the fourth-oldest in operation in the United States.

For the July 4 weekend, the team is hosting Lakeland with 7 p.m. starts on July 1-3, but the real fireworks (literally) are on July 4 itself. The game, which starts at 6:30 p.m., features Tiny ‘Tugas Night, where kids 14 and under can get a game ticket, Tortugas T-shirt, and take part in special events, all for $10. It’s also Bark in the Park night, as you can bring your pup along to the game as part of a special ticket package. 

If Fido isn’t fond of fireworks, however, you may want to leave him home, as there will be a postgame fireworks display, and the Tortugas will also be wearing special uniforms to mark the holiday. 

---

Fun All Summer Long

If you have already made your July 4 plans, do yourself a favor and check out the Florida State Minor League baseball schedule to catch a game this summer. Games are played every day at one park or another, and many feature great food and drink specials that the entire family can take advantage of. 

Cover Image

Photo: Unsplash

Recommended Gear for This Adventure

Disclaimer: We earn a commission if you click any of the links above and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.