One of the biggest events on the spring-training schedule is St. Patrick’s Day. Now is the time to plan ahead for some of the most popular games in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues.
Partying is always a big part of spring training, and St. Patrick’s Day is always one of the big party days anywhere. Plus, St. Patrick’s Day is on a Sunday in 2019, which means many fans will head to spring training for the weekend, culminating with an afternoon game on a day that may or may not begin with a few Bloody Marys and with a cold one or two at a local brewpub or sports bar. Adding to the festivities: we should be well into March Madness by this time. Expect a lively crowd at the local Bradenton brewpubs or the downtown Scottsdale watering holes before and after a game.
And this is why you need plan ahead: Most, if not all of these games will sell out.
All games at 1:05 local.
Grapefruit League
Atlanta Braves at Detroit Tigers The season-ticket holders at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium treat St. Patrick’s Day like a national holiday, all decked out in green gear. A Tigers St. Pat’s Day game is one of the great traditions of spring training. More information about the game here.
New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies This game would be a sellout no matter what, given the fever pitch of Phillies fans in spring training, but the presence of the spring-training crosstown foes will surely lead to a party atmosphere. Expect the Phillies to be sporting something green on the field. More information about the game here.
Boston Red Sox at Pittsburgh Pirates There’s always plenty of green at LECOM Park, but especially so on St. Patrick’s Day. Hardcore fans show up decked out with plenty of beads, oversized hats and leprechaun wear. Again: This game would be a sellout no matter what, but the added presence of the Red Sox in town will draw a lively crowd. More information about the game here.
Cactus League
Colorado Rockies at Chicago Cubs Again, a game that would normally sell out is juiced by its scheduling on St. Patrick’s Day. The Cubs are the biggest draw in Arizona, and the crowd should be in an especially festive mood. More information about the game here.
Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers This rematch from the 2018 playoffs would already have plenty of appeal and scheduling the game on St. Pat’s Day should lead to a large crowd. More information about the game here.
Kansas City Royals at San Francisco Giants Only the Cubs surpass the Giants as a Cactus League spring-training draw in terms of sellouts. You can bet the Old Town Scottsdale bars will be rocking before and after a game, and that party atmosphere should spill into Scottsdale Stadium. More information about the game here.
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