Spring is in the air – the days are getting longer, trees are starting to leaf out and a few bulbs are beginning to show off their blooms. If you listen closely you can almost hear it. No, not the sound of birds singing but rather the sound of a bat cracking as it connects with a baseball. Glorious music to the ears of baseball fans everywhere and a much anticipated time of year.

Spring training has been well underway since late February to kick off both the weather and the season. However, March 31st is the official Opening Day of the Major League Baseball season and to many passionate fans, this special day should be recognized as a national holiday. Ask any baseball devotee and they’ll tell you that there is nothing more American than a baseball game, a hot dog at the ball park, the American flag and our National Anthem.

To get your Spring season kicked off, consider taking in a game, or two in any of these warm weather states. And if you need an excuse to travel, consider it your patriotic duty to participate in the season’s opening games. If you’re a Coach-Net member, take advantage of your Trip Planning benefit to have your route mapped and get brochures and guides of other points of interest along the way and in the area.

California 
This schedule includes games at three great stadiums, both historical and state of the art, in sunny California. The Oakland A’s play the Cleveland Indians in the first listed game, in what guarantees to be a warm night game for premier opponents.

Take an extra day on your trip to see the Padres and be sure to include a side trip to the world famous San Diego Zoo. Or better yet, catch the Oakland game and then take a trip down the scenic coast to see the Padres and Dodgers square off.

California Baseball Game Suggestions
Athletics vs. Indians in Oakland
3/31 at 10:05 pm ET

Angels vs. Mariners in Los Angeles
3/31 at 8:05 pm ET

Padres vs. Dodgers in San Diego
4/01 at 8:00 pm ET

Arizona
The great American baseball city of Phoenix hosts an opening day game in its landmark Chase Field. Opened in 1998, this air-conditioned facility ensures fans can enjoy the game without worrying about Phoenix’s summer heat or monsoon-like storms.

Looking for stuff to do the day before or after the game? Phoenix has several world-class golf courses including Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club, one of the best public courses in the country.

Arizona Baseball Game Suggestion

Diamondbacks play Giants in Phoenix
3/31- 4/2 at 9:40 pm ET

Texas
A baseball road trip to the Lone Star State is almost guaranteed to be an All-American vacation complete with southern hospitality and charm. Both Globe Life Park and Minute Maid Park proudly live up to this great sports tradition with world-class amenities and great nearby sports bars that cater to the baseball crowd.

Texas Baseball Game Suggestions

Rangers play Phillies in Dallas-Fort Worth
3/31 at 2:05 pm ET
4/1- 4/2 at 8:05 pm ET

Astros play Yankees in Houston
4/1 at 7:10 pm ET
4/2 at 8:10 pm ET

Florida
Marlins’ Park is a brand new stadium that boasts the distinct style of Miami. From the food to the in-stadium fish tank, this is an innovative and beautiful stadium that all baseball fans should see.

Florida Baseball Game Suggestions

Marlins play Rockies in Miami
3/31 at 7:05 pm ET
4/1-4/2 at 7:10 pm ET

Rays play Blue Jays in Tampa
3/31 at 4:10 pm ET
4/1-4/2 at 7:10 pm ET