Saturday, March 04, 2006
Fan Guide: Atlanta Braves
01/30/2006
In preparation for their attempt to claim an amazing 15th consecutive division title, the Braves will once again utilize Disney's Wide World of Sports complex as their Spring Training headquarters. This will be the ninth year that they've done all their training on Disney's immaculate grounds.
Top players returning for the Braves are Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Marcus Giles, Jeff Francoeur, Tim Hudson and John Smoltz. Their hopes of notching another division title were enhanced when the team managed to acquire Edgar Renteria, who will replace Rafael Furcal as the team's shortstop.
Serving as the team's leader once again will be Bobby Cox, who has been named the National League's Manager of the Year after each of the past two seasons. Cox has been in his current role for each of the previous 14 consecutive division titles.
As Braves fans get ready to visit the land of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, here are some questions and answers that may allow them to maximize their enjoyment on the trip:
When do the Braves arrive at camp? Braves pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 16. Position players will report by Feb. 21, and the first full-squad workout will be held on Feb. 22.
When do games start? The Braves will begin their exhibition season when they host the University of Georgia on March 1. They'll open the Grapefruit League season against the Dodgers at Vero Beach on March 2. One day later, the Dodgers will come to The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports to play the Braves in their Grapefruit League home opener.
The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports, which was formerly called Cracker Jack Stadium, has a capacity of 9,500. Fans sitting from third base around to left field are comforted with stadium seats. Those choosing to sit on the popular left-field berm have a great sightline and the opportunity to catch many home run balls.
A modern stadium environment greets fans, who will find a wide variety of concession items and souvenirs.
Where is Disney's Wide World of Sports and how do I get there? Located in the heart of Walt Disney World, the Wide World of Sports complex is easily accessible from I-4 and is located just 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport. Those choosing to drive from Atlanta can reach their destination in approximately seven hours.
If you are coming to Disney's Wide World of Sports from I-4 eastbound, take Exit 24C to World Drive. Follow Disney's directional signs to Wide World Of Sports, exit right on to Osceola Parkway to Victory Way.
If you are coming westbound on I-4, exit 25B and again follow the directional signs, exit right to Osceola Parkway to Victory Way on the right.
Once on Victory Way, you'll drive approximately one-fourth of a mile and turn right into the complex's parking lot. Parking is free.
How can I watch the team work out? The Braves will work out on a daily basis from Feb. 16-28, with workouts beginning around 10 a.m. ET and running until about noon. Most of the top players stay on the main field, but they also occasionally are moved to one of the back fields, located behind the main field's right-field wall.
Fans coming to see the Braves on Feb. 25 or 26 can sleep a little longer. The players will get physicals in the morning and won't begin workouts until closer to noon.
Admission into the Wide World of Sports complex is $11.00.
Where can I get some autographs? Before the Braves begin playing games, there are a couple of prime opportunities to get autographs in the left-field area beside the players' parking lot. As players walk to the clubhouse (anywhere from 7:30-9 a.m.) or back to their parking lot (anywhere from (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.), fans can line the fence in hopes of getting their favorite players to provide an autograph.
Also during batting practice, players occasionally take time to sign for fans located around their dugout.
What else is there to do around Disney's Wide World of Sports complex? It's been a long time since Walt Disney World consisted simply of the Magic Kingdom. The entertainment paradise now provides options for people of all ages. Adults may choose to enjoy any of the many theme parks during the day and venture to Pleasure Island for the late evening hours.
Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios are all located within five minutes of the Wide World of Sports complex, as are each of Disney's two large water parks.
Other non-Disney entertainment options are Sea World and Universal Studios, two popular theme parks.
As for hotels and restaurants, they are only outnumbered by the number of shopping options the Disney area provides. There are numerous outlet malls located within five miles of Disney's property.
When do the Braves open the regular season? The Braves will begin the regular season on April 3 against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Atlanta's home opener will come on the evening of April 10 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
In preparation for their attempt to claim an amazing 15th consecutive division title, the Braves will once again utilize Disney's Wide World of Sports complex as their Spring Training headquarters. This will be the ninth year that they've done all their training on Disney's immaculate grounds.
Top players returning for the Braves are Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Marcus Giles, Jeff Francoeur, Tim Hudson and John Smoltz. Their hopes of notching another division title were enhanced when the team managed to acquire Edgar Renteria, who will replace Rafael Furcal as the team's shortstop.
Serving as the team's leader once again will be Bobby Cox, who has been named the National League's Manager of the Year after each of the past two seasons. Cox has been in his current role for each of the previous 14 consecutive division titles.
As Braves fans get ready to visit the land of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, here are some questions and answers that may allow them to maximize their enjoyment on the trip:
When do the Braves arrive at camp? Braves pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 16. Position players will report by Feb. 21, and the first full-squad workout will be held on Feb. 22.
When do games start? The Braves will begin their exhibition season when they host the University of Georgia on March 1. They'll open the Grapefruit League season against the Dodgers at Vero Beach on March 2. One day later, the Dodgers will come to The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports to play the Braves in their Grapefruit League home opener.
The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports, which was formerly called Cracker Jack Stadium, has a capacity of 9,500. Fans sitting from third base around to left field are comforted with stadium seats. Those choosing to sit on the popular left-field berm have a great sightline and the opportunity to catch many home run balls.
A modern stadium environment greets fans, who will find a wide variety of concession items and souvenirs.
Where is Disney's Wide World of Sports and how do I get there? Located in the heart of Walt Disney World, the Wide World of Sports complex is easily accessible from I-4 and is located just 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport. Those choosing to drive from Atlanta can reach their destination in approximately seven hours.
If you are coming to Disney's Wide World of Sports from I-4 eastbound, take Exit 24C to World Drive. Follow Disney's directional signs to Wide World Of Sports, exit right on to Osceola Parkway to Victory Way.
If you are coming westbound on I-4, exit 25B and again follow the directional signs, exit right to Osceola Parkway to Victory Way on the right.
Once on Victory Way, you'll drive approximately one-fourth of a mile and turn right into the complex's parking lot. Parking is free.
How can I watch the team work out? The Braves will work out on a daily basis from Feb. 16-28, with workouts beginning around 10 a.m. ET and running until about noon. Most of the top players stay on the main field, but they also occasionally are moved to one of the back fields, located behind the main field's right-field wall.
Fans coming to see the Braves on Feb. 25 or 26 can sleep a little longer. The players will get physicals in the morning and won't begin workouts until closer to noon.
Admission into the Wide World of Sports complex is $11.00.
Where can I get some autographs? Before the Braves begin playing games, there are a couple of prime opportunities to get autographs in the left-field area beside the players' parking lot. As players walk to the clubhouse (anywhere from 7:30-9 a.m.) or back to their parking lot (anywhere from (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.), fans can line the fence in hopes of getting their favorite players to provide an autograph.
Also during batting practice, players occasionally take time to sign for fans located around their dugout.
What else is there to do around Disney's Wide World of Sports complex? It's been a long time since Walt Disney World consisted simply of the Magic Kingdom. The entertainment paradise now provides options for people of all ages. Adults may choose to enjoy any of the many theme parks during the day and venture to Pleasure Island for the late evening hours.
Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios are all located within five minutes of the Wide World of Sports complex, as are each of Disney's two large water parks.
Other non-Disney entertainment options are Sea World and Universal Studios, two popular theme parks.
As for hotels and restaurants, they are only outnumbered by the number of shopping options the Disney area provides. There are numerous outlet malls located within five miles of Disney's property.
When do the Braves open the regular season? The Braves will begin the regular season on April 3 against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Atlanta's home opener will come on the evening of April 10 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
