It’s Baseball mania this spring in Central Florida, as the sport’s future stars descend on Polk County for RussMatt Baseball and softball’s THE Spring Games!
See Baseball’s Future Stars at RussMatt Invitational
Spring in Florida is a little different. While the snow melts and the gray skies peel away in the rest of the country, Spring in Florida means green grass, a slight breeze and baseball.
Even this year.
In Polk County, Major League Spring Training isn’t the only game in town. Nearly 300 college teams from around the nation and at every level converge on Central Florida from February to March, making the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational the largest baseball event of its kind in the nation.
Want to get up close to a future star of tomorrow? Here’s your chance to catch not only future stars on the field but also to chat with some of the former Major League starts who are now coaches – or parents – from the stands.
300 College Teams Competing
Starting Feb. 21, college teams from around the country come to Polk County to test their mettle against one another. In all, almost 300 teams will compete in this year’s RussMatt Collegiate Baseball Invitational representing various divisions in collegiate sports, from Division I through Division III as well as NAIA, JUCOs and NCCAA.
Division 1 ties will include teams from Bradley (IL), Central Connecticut, Dartmouth (NH), Fairfield (CT), North Dakota state, and the University of Maine.
And while Auburndale’s Lake Myrtle Sports Park and Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes Park host the majority of the games, other facilities – such as Warner University in Lake Wales, Henley Field in Lakeland and Polk State College in Winter Haven – will have a few games as well. RussMatt is the largest collegiate baseball tournament in the nation. The tournament ends March 31.
Get the Schedule and Venue Info
For the full 2022 schedule and where to catch a game, visit the following page at russmatt.com
PFX Spring Games
Founded by a two-time Olympian less than 15 years ago, the Spring Games is the world’s largest college softball event, with more than 400 teams from around the country converging on Florida. Find out more here!
Where to Stay During RussMatt & THE Spring Games
Looking for a place to stay during your Spring Training vacation? Use the links below to get more information about hotels within just a few miles from each of the stadiums.
Near Lake Myrtle Sports Complex
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins is just steps away from Lake Myrtle Sports Complex. With cabana cabins that sleep up to 5 people and premium RV sites with resort-style amenities, Camp Margaritaville is the perfect spot for your spring vacation!
Near Chain O’Lakes Stadium
Near North East Regional Park
- Bahama Bay Resort & Spa
- Regal Palms Resort & Spa
- Get more info on Vacation Rental Homes around the area
For more hotel options, check out the RussMatt website or click here.
Things to Do & Discount Attraction Tickets
Central Florida has tons to offer from world class attractions to great outdoor activities events, and a huge variety of great restaurants. Find out more on our Things to do Before and After RussMatt blog.
If you’d like tickets to one of Central Florida’s many great attractions our Welcome Center has Discount Attraction Tickets on sale! Buy at the Welcome Center or online.
For more information about RussMatt visit centralfloridasports.com
If you love baseball you may also be interested in Detroit Tigers Spring Training, and the THE Softball Spring Games.
