New York Mets Spring Training 2026 Schedule, Tickets, Location & Stadium
Spring training represents baseball at its most accessible—a time when fans can watch future stars develop, veterans shake off winter rust, and everyone can enjoy the game in an intimate, sun-soaked setting. For New York Mets fans, the annual pilgrimage to Port St. Lucie, Florida, offers something major league stadiums simply can’t: proximity to players, affordable tickets, and the chance to scout tomorrow’s roster today.
The New York Mets Spring Training 2026 schedule promises 29 games packed with roster battles, prospect showcases, and classic Grapefruit League matchups. Whether you’re planning your first spring training trip or you’re a seasoned veteran of Florida baseball, understanding the schedule, ticket options, and stadium logistics will transform your visit from good to unforgettable. This comprehensive guide covers everything from opening day through the final exhibition, with practical advice earned from years of covering spring baseball.
Quick Takeaways
- Mets kick off February 21 at Clover Park, hosting Miami in the Grapefruit League opener with mixed lineups
- 29 total games include 15 home dates with the Yankees, Marlins, and Cardinals as marquee opponents
- Weekend and rivalry tickets sell fast so purchase early through official channels for guaranteed seats
- Clover Park runs completely cashless requiring credit cards or mobile payment for all purchases
- Split-squad matchups offer double value, letting fans see both veterans and top prospects in action
- Regional broadcasts vary by game so check SNY and Mets spring training pages for viewing options
When Does Spring Training Start for the Mets?
The New York Mets Spring Training Schedule 2026 officially begins Saturday, February 21, when the team hosts the Miami Marlins at Clover Park. This opening date marks the start of a five-week journey through the Grapefruit League, where roster spots will be won, lost, and everything in between.
Read more: 2026 Spring Training Complete Schedule Announced: Your Ultimate Guide
Early spring games carry a distinct character. Don’t expect October intensity—starters work through controlled pitch counts, position players focus on timing, and managers rotate lineups to evaluate depth. The February 21 opener typically features a blend of established veterans getting their first live at-bats and prospects making early impressions. For fans, these early contests offer the best autograph opportunities and closest player interactions of the entire season.
Feb 2026 Schedule
| Date | Matchup |
|---|---|
| Feb 21 | vs. Marlins |
| Feb 22 | @ Yankees |
| Feb 23 | @ Blue Jays |
| Feb 24 | vs. Astros |
| Feb 25 | vs. Cardinals |
| Feb 26 (Split Squad) | @ Astros (SS) |
| Feb 27 | @ Cardinals |
| Feb 28 | vs. Nationals |
March 2026 Schedule
| Date | Matchup |
|---|---|
| Mar 1 | vs. Astros (Spring Training) |
| Mar 3 (Exhibition) | vs. Nicaragua |
| Mar 4 (Exhibition) | vs. Israel |
| Mar 5 | @ Nationals (Spring Training) |
| Mar 6 | @ Marlins (Spring Training) |
| Mar 7 | @ Cardinals (Spring Training) |
| Mar 8 | vs. Yankees (Spring Training) |
| Mar 9 | vs. Marlins (Spring Training) |
| Mar 10 | vs. Cardinals (Spring Training) |
| Mar 12 | @ Cardinals (Spring Training) |
| Mar 13 | SS vs. Marlins (Spring Training) |
| Mar 13 | SS @ Nationals (Spring Training) |
| Mar 14 | @ Astros (Spring Training) |
| Mar 15 | vs. Blue Jays (Spring Training) |
| Mar 16 | vs. Nationals (Spring Training) |
| Mar 17 | @ Marlins (Spring Training) |
| Mar 19 (Spring Breakout) | Rays Prospects @ Mets Prospects |
| Mar 19 | @ Astros (Spring Training) |
| Mar 20 | vs. Cardinals (Spring Training) |
| Mar 21 | SS @ Nationals (Spring Training) |
| Mar 21 | SS vs. Astros (Spring Training) |
| Mar 22 | @ Marlins (Spring Training) |
The New York Mets Baseball Spring Training Schedule builds strategically from late February into late March. Opening weekend games prioritize getting work for pitchers and evaluating fundamentals. By early March, lineups start resembling what you’ll see on Opening Day, and by mid-March, the intensity ratchets up as roster decisions loom. The March 19 Spring Breakout game—featuring Rays prospects versus Mets prospects—provides a fascinating glimpse at organizational depth and future big leaguers.
Where the Mets Play: Clover Park & the Spring Training Facility
New York Mets Spring Training Location means one place: Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets have called this facility home for decades, and recent renovations have modernized the experience while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that makes spring training special. With a capacity around 7,160, New York Mets Spring Training Stadium ranks among the cozier Grapefruit League venues—which translates to better sightlines, easier player access, and that “you’re part of something special” feeling major league parks can’t replicate.
The New York Mets Spring Training Facility extends beyond the main ballpark. The complex houses practice fields, batting cages, bullpens, and clubhouses where the real spring training work happens. Fans who arrive early for batting practice can watch players work through drills on adjacent fields, offering unscripted glimpses of preparation you’ll never see during regular season games.
Several practical considerations make or break your New York Mets Spring Training Ballpark experience. First, Clover Park operates as a completely cashless facility—credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay are your only options for concessions, merchandise, and any other purchases. Gift cards are available if you prefer not using your primary payment method, but plan accordingly before arriving.
Parking fills quickly on high-demand days, particularly weekend games and rivalry matchups like the March 8 Yankees game. Arriving 60 to 75 minutes before first pitch isn’t excessive—it’s strategic. Early arrival unlocks batting practice access, prime parking spots, better concession lines, and optimal seating choices. The New York Mets Spring Training Field allows fans to wander near dugouts and down the baselines during BP, creating autograph and photo opportunities impossible during regular season.
The 2026 Mets Spring Training Schedule: What to Watch
The New York Mets Spring Training schedule features 29 total games with 15 home dates at Clover Park. This balance gives local fans plenty of opportunities while maintaining the travel schedule that makes spring training valuable for team chemistry and logistics preparation.
High-Profile Matchups: The March 8 home game against the Yankees stands out as the premier ticket. Subway Series energy carries over to Florida, drawing both Mets and Yankees fans for what becomes the most attended game of spring. Multiple matchups against the Marlins (February 21, March 9) offer division-rival intensity, while Cardinals games (February 25, March 10, March 20) provide National League competition.
Split-Squad Strategy: February 26 and March 13 feature split-squad games where the Mets simultaneously field two rosters—one home, one away. These days offer tremendous value for fans attending Clover Park. You’ll see a mix of major league regulars and top prospects, essentially watching two different teams’ worth of talent for the price of one ticket. Split-squad games are ideal for prospect evaluation and seeing depth players who might not appear in standard lineups.
Exhibition Showcases: The March 3 game versus Nicaragua and March 4 against Israel add international flair to the schedule. These exhibitions often feature more experimental lineups and give coaching staffs chances to evaluate players in different contexts. The March 19 Spring Breakout game between Rays and Mets prospects represents must-see baseball for serious fans—it’s essentially a future big league game played today.
TV and Broadcast Schedule: The New York Mets’ Spring Training TV Schedule varies significantly by game. SNY, the Mets’ primary broadcaster, typically carries select games, while MLB.com offers streaming options for many others. Not every spring game receives television coverage, making the NY Mets Spring Training TV Schedule lighter than regular season. Check the official Mets spring training website and SNY schedule pages as game dates approach for confirmed broadcast information. Radio coverage often extends beyond TV, with the Mets’ flagship station typically broadcasting most games for fans who can’t watch.
Tickets: Buying, Prices, and Best Practices
New York Mets Spring Training Tickets range from budget-friendly to premium depending on opponent, day, and seating location. The official Mets ticket portal remains your safest, most reliable purchasing channel. Secondary marketplaces offer convenience and sometimes better availability for sold-out games, but verify seller ratings and understand potential price markups.
Ticket Strategy for 2026: Weekend games and rivalry matchups—particularly that March 8 Yankees game—sell quickly. If you’re targeting specific dates, buy tickets as soon as they’re available. The Mets often offer flexible multi-game packages and season-long spring training passes that provide both cost savings and guaranteed seats for popular games. These packages make sense for snowbirds spending extended time in Florida or dedicated fans planning multiple trips.
Note: Spring training tickets will go on sale on a date to be announced — keep an eye on Mets.com and the Mets spring-training ticket page for the official on-sale notice. The team typically announces on-sale timing and any multi-game packages in the months after the schedule release.
Maximizing Your Experience: Single-game tickets often include batting practice access if you arrive early enough. This seemingly small perk delivers outsized value—BP sessions let you watch players up close, collect autographs, and soak in the relaxed spring atmosphere. From experience covering dozens of Grapefruit League games, the fans who arrive for gates opening always leave more satisfied than those who show up at first pitch.
Weekday morning games offer the best ticket value. These typically feature lower demand, better availability, and cheaper prices than weekend afternoon games. If your schedule allows flexibility, targeting Tuesday or Wednesday morning matchups provides an economical entry point without sacrificing the core spring training experience.
Cashless Consideration: Remember that New York Mets Spring Training Stadium operates without cash transactions. Whether buying a hot dog, picking up a New York Mets Spring Training Hat 2026, or purchasing a New York Mets Spring Training Jersey, you’ll need digital payment. Some fans prefer loading funds onto stadium-specific gift cards to track spending or avoid using primary credit cards repeatedly.
Roster Watch: Who to Follow
New York Mets Spring Training Roster composition changes daily as players arrive at different times and coaching staffs rotate appearances. Spring training serves two primary purposes: preparing established players for the regular season and evaluating prospects pushing for major league opportunities.
Prospect Spotting: The Mets’ organizational depth will be on full display, particularly during split-squad games and the Spring Breakout showcase. Following the team’s Top 30 prospect rankings provides a roadmap for which young players might make the biggest impressions. Pay attention to pitchers working on new pitches, position players getting extended looks at unfamiliar defensive positions, and September call-up candidates from the previous season.
Position Battles: Spring training decides roster spots that aren’t already locked in. Backup catcher competitions, fifth starter battles, and utility infield roles typically play out across these 29 games. The New York Mets Spring Training Stats matter less than performance quality and consistency—a .220 hitter who displays excellent plate discipline and defensive versatility often earns roster spots over higher-average players with narrower skill sets.
Bullpen Formation: Relief pitcher roles are notoriously fluid entering spring training. Veterans with guaranteed contracts get shorter leashes than hopeful non-roster invitees. Watch pitch efficiency, command consistency, and how pitchers bounce back from rough outings. The Mets’ April 1 bullpen often looks different from the March 1 projected bullpen based entirely on spring performance.
Conclusion
The New York Mets Baseball Spring Training experience at Clover Park blends accessibility, affordability, and authentic baseball evaluation into something special. With 29 games starting February 21 and running through late March, the 2026 schedule offers diverse matchups, prospect showcases, and the relaxed atmosphere that makes spring training beloved by casual fans and serious scouts alike.
Success requires modest planning: purchase tickets early for premium matchups, arrive well before first pitch to maximize batting practice access, and prepare for cashless transactions throughout the facility. Whether you’re evaluating New York Mets Spring Training Roster battles, introducing children to baseball in a low-pressure environment, or simply enjoying Florida sunshine with a hot dog and cold drink, spring training rewards curiosity and preparation equally. The players are more accessible, the stakes feel lower, and the baseball remains genuinely meaningful—it’s baseball at its purest, and Port St. Lucie delivers that experience better than almost anywhere else in the Grapefruit League.
FAQ
Q: When does New York Mets spring training start in 2026?
A: The Mets open their Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday, February 21, 2026, hosting the Miami Marlins at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. This date marks the beginning of 29 scheduled spring games running through late March.
Q: Where is Mets spring training located?
A: The Mets conduct spring training at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida, their longstanding Grapefruit League home. The facility includes the main stadium (capacity approximately 7,160) plus practice fields, batting cages, and player development areas throughout the training complex.
Q: How many spring training games do the Mets play in 2026?
A: The 2026 spring training schedule features 29 total games, with 15 home games at Clover Park and 14 road games at other Florida facilities. This includes standard Grapefruit League matchups, split-squad games, international exhibitions, and prospect showcases.
Q: Are Clover Park concessions cashless?
A: Yes, Clover Park operates as a completely cashless facility for all transactions. Fans must use credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payment platforms for concessions, merchandise, and any other purchases. The stadium offers gift cards as an alternative payment option for those preferring not to use primary payment methods.
Q: What’s the best way to get Yankees vs. Mets spring training tickets?
A: Purchase through the official Mets ticket portal as soon as tickets become available. The March 8 Yankees game at Clover Park consistently sells out due to rivalry interest, making early purchase essential for guaranteed seats at face value rather than inflated secondary market prices.
