Oriolesfan44

Baseball is just around the corner, and the Orioles added to the expectation Thursday by releasing their 2007 Spring Training schedule.
Baltimore opens its Grapefruit League slate against the Marlins at Jupiter, Fla., on March 1, and hosts Florida at Fort Lauderdale the following day for its home opener. The March 2 date marks the first of four home games against the Marlins, including March 5, 14 and 27.

The O's will meet the Marlins eight times during Spring Training.

Highlighting the Orioles' 12th year in Fort Lauderdale are five games against the World Series champion Cardinals, including three at home (March 6, 10 and 28) and two at Jupiter (March 21 and 25). Baltimore also will play host to the Dodgers (March 12 and 24), Mets (March 4 and 17), Red Sox (March 18), Twins (March 16) and Nationals (March 9).

The Orioles then will head north for a trio of exhibition games March 29-31 against the Nationals; at Columbus, Ohio, Norfolk, Va. (new home to Baltimore's Triple-A Tides) and Washington's RFK Stadium, respectively, before opening the 2007 regular season at Minnesota on April 2.

Individual tickets for all home games go on sale at 10 a.m. ET on Jan. 6, and they can be purchased in person, through Ticketmaster, by fax or online at Baltimore Orioles : The Official Site. Single-game ticket costs are $10 for general admission, $14 for reserved grandstand and $20 for box seats. Season-ticket packages will be discounted anywhere from $28-42, depending on seat choice.

Fans age 60 and older will receive their reserved grandstand ticket half off during home weekday games when purchased at least a day in advance. Baltimore also charges children age 14 and under just $5 for their general admission ticket.

This year the team also is offering a travel package which includes hotel, rental car, tickets and airfare through Southwest Airlines (optional). For more information, please visit Baltimore Orioles : Spring Training : Travel Packages, or call (800) 892-7687.

Spring Training kicks off Feb. 15 when pitchers and catchers report. Position players will join the team on Feb. 20. All workouts are free to the public.

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Cal Ripken HOF 2007