Leadoff: Braves open preview center for new spring training stadium

Ribbon-cutting time at the Braves’ spring training preview center in North Port, Fla. (Contributed photo)

Ribbon-cutting time at the Braves’ spring training preview center in North Port, Fla. (Contributed photo)

As construction continues on the Braves' new spring training stadium in North Port, Fla., the team has opened a preview center nearby to start selling season tickets for exhibition games in 2020.

The Braves are scheduling appointments there -- beginning today -- for people who signed up to request more information.

The preview center, located in a North Port shopping center, will offer a virtual tour of the $125 million stadium project. Images of Braves players past and present, starting with Hank Aaron, adorn the storefront.

Season-ticket deposits can be made during appointments. The Braves also plan a public event in North Port on June 16 where deposits can be made.

North Port is located in Sarasota County on Florida’s southwest coast.

The Braves originally planned to hold their 2019 spring training in the new facility, but decided several months ago to add some construction time by remaining at Disney's Wide World of Sports for spring 2019. The Braves now plan to open the new facility with their final 2019 Grapefruit League game, then hold their first spring training there in 2020.

Construction is well underway, with walls rising for both the stadium and adjacent clubhouse.

(For more information on the preview center: 941-413-5000)

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