PORT CHARLOTTE (SNN-TV) – Will there be a spring training in Charlotte County? That’s a question you no longer have to ask when it concerns the Rays and Charlotte Sports Park, because the answer is no.
In a statement released just this afternoon, the Rays and Charlotte County announced: “There is not adequate time before the Rays’ 2023 spring training is scheduled to begin to get Charlotte Sports park in suitable condition to host games. Charlotte County supports the Rays efforts to secure alternative accommodations.”
Charlotte County already had $100,000 earmarked for stadium improvements this offseason, but upgrades were paused by Hurricane Ian. Ian caused heavy damage to the main stadium’s roof and along the boardwalk, with numerous downed or twisted fences, and missing awnings and signage.
The Rays will likely consider conducting spring training, in part, at Tropicana Field, playing host to Grapefruit League games.
The Rays and Charlotte County intend to develop a restoration plan for Charlotte Sports Park in the coming weeks, as the damage is said to be in the millions of dollars.