Compare Yankees and Tigers and Rays: Spring Training in Tampa Bay by Road Scholar vs California Panorama by Omega Tours

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
St. Petersburg, FL D Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg Downtown
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet at the front desk when you check in. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Travel and transportation will be via Eckerd College bus. The MLB Spring Schedule is usually published in December or January. At that time we will list the specific three games for this program. The schedule of lectures and activities may be adjusted accordingly. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In our private dining room at the hotel, we will have a plated meal including salad, a hot entrée, side dishes, bread, dessert, coffee/decaf, iced tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 2
Tropicana Field, Free Time, Spring Training Game
St. Petersburg, FL B,L Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg Downtown
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Walking and climbing to ballpark seats.

Breakfast: In the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers hot items such as eggs (boiled or scrambled) and meat (bacon or sausage), as well as cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt, breakfast bread or pastry, milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We'll take a short bus ride to Tropicana Field where a popular former sports anchor will lead us on a behind the scenes exploration of this domed stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Rays since 1998. As a participant in the planning, he is especially qualified to point out its unusual features. We’ll then visit the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame at Tropicana Field. The museum is dedicated to the greatest hitters who ever lived, from Ted Williams himself to Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Sadaharu Oh. Ted said he hoped the museum would be an architectural tribute to “what I think is the single most difficult thing in all of sports: hitting a baseball.” The priceless collection includes personal memorabilia of the players, their on-field accomplishments, and their lives beyond baseball.

Lunch: Plated meal at the hotel.

Afternoon: Play ball! We’ll attend the first of three games in this Road Scholar Spring Training program. Our program was planned far in advance when details of games were not confirmed. The MLB Spring Schedule is usually published in December or January. When available, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. At that time, we will list the specific three games for this program. The schedule of lectures and activities may be adjusted accordingly.

Dinner: Dinner is on your own at the ball park.

Evening: Return to the hotel after the game.

Day 3
Baseball Lecture, Spring Training Game, Baseball Lecture
St. Petersburg, FL B,D Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg Downtown
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Driving approximately 1/2 hour to ballpark. Walking and climbing to ballpark seats.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll gather an expert-led session on a baseball related theme. We'll then board the bus and head to another ball game.

Lunch: Lunch is at the ballpark.

Afternoon: Play Ball! We'll attend the second of the Spring Training Games.

Dinner: Plated meal at the hotel.

Evening: We’ll gather for an expert-led session on a baseball related theme.

Day 4
Baseball Lecture, Spring Training Game, Baseball Lecture
St. Petersburg, FL B,D Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg Downtown
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Walking throughout ballpark, standing at museum.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll gather for an expert-led session on a baseball related theme, then ride to the ballpark.

Lunch: At the ball park

Afternoon: Play ball! We’ll attend the third of our three games. Our program schedule may be adjusted after the MLB publishes its Spring Schedule.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: We’ll gather for an expert-led session on a baseball related theme.

Day 5
Lectures, History Museum, Free Time
St. Petersburg, FL B,L,D Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg Downtown
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Walking and climbing to ballpark seats.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: In our meeting room at the hotel, we'll be joined by Bill Mathews, Eckerd College Assistant. Athletic Director, Assistant. Professor of Physical Education, and former Coach. He will walk us through team strategy, roster lineups, and how to use a scorecard. After a short break, Coach Mathews will delve into the ethics of baseball. Coach Mathews is the Tampa Bay Rays official MLB game scorecard keeper and had the honor of scoring during the 2008 playoffs and World Series at Tropicana Field. Coach will explain what constitutes an "error" and how he makes on-the-spot decisions during a game.

Lunch: Plated meal at the hotel.

Afternoon: For a change of pace, we’ll board our bus and head out for a field trip to the St. Petersburg Museum of History that collects, preserves, and communicates the history and heritage of Florida with emphasis on St. Petersburg and the Pinellas Peninsula. An expert will introduce the “Little Cooperstown” exhibit that features Dennis Schrader's collection of nearly 5,000 signed baseballs, certified by Guinness World Records as the largest collection of its kind. The exhibit also features stories and artifacts of some of baseball’s legendary players and leagues as well as Tampa Bay’s history as a Spring Training site. We will also have time to explore independently and see other museum exhibits.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with salad, choice of entrée, dessert, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 6
Program Concludes
St. Petersburg, FL B
Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

DAY 1: LOS ANGELES ARRIVAL

Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer independently to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles, or similar

DAY 2: LOS ANGELES > MOJAVE DESERT > LAS VEGAS

Meet your Tour Director and depart for Las Vegas, the glittering “Entertainment Capital of the World,” for non-stop fun, gambling, and world-class entertainment. Your tour stops at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas.

Accommodation at the Luxor Las Vegas, Las Vegas, or similar

DAY 3: LAS VEGAS > DEATH VALLEY > MAMMOTH LAKES/FRESNO

Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for its superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.

Important note: Winter Routing The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).

Accommodation at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes, or Piccadilly Inn, Fresno

DAY 4: MAMMOTH/FRESNO > YOSEMITE > MODESTO

Your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass (please see important note on day 3) into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in Modesto.

Accommodation at the Doubletree by Hilton Modesto, Modesto, or similar

DAY 5: MODESTO > SAN FRANCISCO

Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).

Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar

DAY 6: SAN FRANCISCO (NAPA VALLEY OPTIONAL)

Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic.

Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and ”Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine-tasting tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).

Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar

DAY 7: SAN FRANCISCO > MONTEREY/ CARMEL > CENTRAL COAST

Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries, and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.

Accommodation at the Radisson Santa Maria, Central Coast, or similar

DAY 8: CENTRAL COAST > SANTA BARBARA > SANTA MONICA > LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE

Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, an orientation tour commences to include Hollywood, portions of Beverly Hills, and Century City before arriving in Santa Monica, home to the finish line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier before departure or arriving at your hotel.