March 3, 2012, is the kick off for the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves Spring Training. The 2012 season for the Houston Astros will mark both the 50th Anniversary of Major League Baseball in Houston, and the Astros 28th season of Spring Training at the Osceola Country Stadium in Kissimmee. The Astros begin the 2012 Grapefruit League schedule with their Spring Home Opener on Saturday, March 3 vs. the Washington Nationals.
In 1985 Osceola County Stadium became the Spring Training home of the Houston Astros when the team relocated from Cocoa Beach to Kissimmee. When it opened, the complex was considered “state- of- the art” and the best of its kind in Florida. The complex’s unique “cloverleaf” design has served as a blueprint for many teams as they began building new facilities.
In addition to moving the Houston Astros to Osceola County, the organization moved their Florida State League club from Daytona Beach and called them the Osceola Astros. In 1995, the club changed its name to better reflect the area by becoming the Kissimmee Cobras. The Cobras won the Florida State League championship in 1999. The Single A club participated in the Florida State League from 1985-2000. At the close of the 2000 season, the Astros farm club had promoted 97 players and coaches to the major leagues. For more information please visit www.osceolastadium.com.
The Atlanta Braves Spring Training returns to the Walt Disney World® Resort for the 15th consecutive year. The Braves are loaded with talent and have their sights set on a World Series run. The 18-game home schedule features marquee matchups against many of baseball’s top teams.
Champion® Stadium is where Atlanta Braves players take the field every spring to prepare their game for the upcoming season. With over 9,500 seats, four luxury sky boxes, and multiple open-air suites and patios, the double-decker stadium offers all the amenities of today’s major league ballparks. Stadium seats, bleachers and a grassy knoll all provide fans an intimate sports experience like no other. Once the Braves head north for the summer, amateur athletes take the stage in this one-of-a-kind venue for their own big league experiences. Champion is the Official Sports Apparel of ESPN Wide World of Sports® complex.
Holiday Inn Main Gate East located just 2.5 miles from the main entrance to the Walt Disney World ® Theme parks, and is a great choice for spring training games. The 444-room, full service hotel features two high rise towers with interior corridors, Italian tile throughout and most rooms with private furnished balconies. All rooms boost colorful and stylish triple sheeted beds, granite countertops and high speed internet. Kids love the kid suites and all the extra amenities the hotel offers like the kid’s theater, kid’s playground, kid’s swimming pool, and a large interactive game room for the entire family to enjoy. Be sure to visit Chianti’s lobby lounge with indoor and outdoor seating. For more information please call 800-327-1128 or visit www.HolidayInnMGE.com.









