Spring Training Tips

[Richie the Rally Goat]

as Fort Myers was heavily impacted by the hurricane last year and 

@se7799@Squirrel discusses in the other thread, I thought it might be good to discuss on it’s own thread how TDers are navigating the very challenging Spring Training Accommodations.

I can’t make it this year, but my usual air BnB is gone :(

[Vanimal46]

Probably not possible this year due to the hurricane damage… I looked into going before I start my new job and the Hilton, that looked nothing special in the pictures, was going for $275 a night. 

[Squirrel]

Yeah, there is definitely a housing crunch. Still a lot of people displaced and renting places that would normally go to snowbirds. A lot of places are also damaged and just not habitable yet. And then there are places that are just gone on Ft Myers Beach and Sanibel, adding to the mix of much lower supply. Which drives hotel costs and vacancies. Who knows how long it will take some areas to rebuild as contractors and related are stretched thin. That said, a lot of restaurants and businesses in Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita and Naples are operational and would welcome your business, if you can find a place to live. My rental car was relatively inexpensive given the time of year and because of an issue was upgraded at no extra cost, although I think the muscle car I have now is wasted on me. But in ‘normal’ times rental cars can be pricy but I think there are fewer ppl here, so, again supply and demand playing its part on the other way. But, plan ahead. I reserved my rental a while ago.

Also, I’ve noticed the stadium this year isn’t as crowded and traffic not as horrific as it has been in other springs. I think a lot of people have skipped coming this year. 

[ashbury]

Mrs Ash researched this before I got around to it, and she didn't find convenient nearby lodging for three (son Bashbury is also attending).  So we are, once again, off in the hinterlands of Lehigh Acres in a STR house when we come down in a couple of weeks.  Oh joy.

[se7799]

Thankyou @Richie the Rally Goat for starting this thread.  Very helpful.  Also appreciate others info and input on staying in Fort Myers. Pretty cool community here on TD.  

[Squirrel]

I’ve also noticed that there are fewer people at the games … likely because fewer people have travelled to Fort Myers. Seems like tickets should be easy to come by. If you want to chance it, just buy the least expensive tickets and then wander. You should be able to find a seat most anywhere, particularly in the shade. Of course,  maybe attendance will go up later into ST.