Spring training: Red Sox stadium proves a hit with ticket buyers

FORT MYERS — The Red Sox set a franchise record for spring training ticket sales during their first weekend of availability for the Red Sox' new spring training venue at Fenway South's JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. The Sox sold 34,705 tickets during the weekend, the highest since 2006 when 34,315 tickets were sold for the 2007 Spring Training season.

"We are grateful for the extraordinary support fans have shown this weekend – many of whom were lining up days in advance for an opportunity to purchase tickets to the opening season of JetBlue Park at Fenway South," said Red Sox Executive Vice President/Business Affairs Jonathan Gilula. "We are excited for the 2012 season at our new Spring Training complex, and once again thank the citizens of Lee County and their elected officials for their vision and support in making this exceptional new facility a reality."

As of midnight Sunday, tickets were still available for all 18 home dates. Five games — March 10 vs. Tampa Bay, March 15 vs. St. Louis, March 17 vs. Baltimore (St. Patrick's Day), March 22 vs. the New York Yankees, and March 24 vs. Philadelphia — were close to selling out.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the City of Palms Park ticket office in Fort Myers, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., online at redsox.com, or by phone at 877-REDSOX9.