Reds announce key spring dates
Pitchers, catchers report to Sarasota, Fla., on Feb. 16
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
CINCINNATI -- Reds fans eagerly waiting for the 2008 season now have some dates to circle on their calendars.
Pitchers and catchers will report to Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla., on Feb. 16. Position players are scheduled to report on Feb. 19.
Two-game ticket packages for Reds Grapefruit League games go on sale via reds.com and other outlets on Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. ET. Single-game tickets are available for sale the following week on Jan. 26 at 9 a.m.
A 34-game Reds exhibition schedule opens on Feb. 27, and includes 17 games at Ed Smith Stadium.
The Reds could be entering their final year of working out and playing exhibition games in Sarasota. The lease to use the facility ends in October, but there are three one-year club options that could extend the stay through 2011. Voters in Sarasota rejected a referendum for stadium renovations that would have guaranteed the Reds keeping Spring Training there.
Seven games this spring will be considered "premium games," including afternoon exhibitions against the Indians (March 4), Yankees (March 6, March 14), Braves (March 8) and Tigers (March 17). They also include home night games against the Phillies (March 13) and Blue Jays (March 24).
From Saturday, January 19, through Friday, January 25, fans only can purchase any or all of four two-game ticket packages that include the Yankees (March 6) and Pittsburgh Pirates (March 7), Braves (March 8) and Astros (March 11), Yankees (March 14) and Phillies (March 16) and Tigers (March 17) and Pirates (March 18).
Prices for 2008 Grapefruit League tickets have not increased from 2007. It will be $14 for box seats, $12 for reserved seats and $7 for general admission. There is an additional $2 charge per ticket for each of the seven premium games.
Tickets can also be purchased at the third-base ticket booth on the east side of Ed Smith Stadium, or by phone at (877) 647-7337. For more information, visit the Spring Training ticketing section of reds.com or call (941) 954-4464.
