After losing a year of spring training because of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism leaders in the region warmly greeted news of Major League Baseball releasing schedules for the coming year.

“Spring training is a central part of our winter season business,” said Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County.

“I know our Braves and Orioles fans will be heartened with the mere thought of spring training.”

Sarasota County has long-term contracts with the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles to hold spring training at stadiums in North Port and Sarasota respectively, while Bradenton has a similar contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates to hold its training in Manatee County.

The Orioles players this year will begin reporting to Sarasota on Feb. 16, with a first full-squad workout set for Feb. 22. Half the spring training games for the team this year will happen on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, which should perk attendance. A total of 16 home games will take place at Ed Smith Stadium, with the team on the road the other 16 games. The first home game will be on Feb. 27 against the Braves, the only other Major League team with its spring training within the county.

The Pirates, meanwhile, announced 17 home games at LECOM Park, starting on Feb. 28 when the Bucs host the Braves. The season starts with a road game against the Red Sox, but then the Pirates will host three home games in a row, with both the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays expected in town as well.

The first home game at CoolToday Park for the Braves will take place on March 1. Of the 33 games planned for spring training, the Braves will host 17 at home, including closing the season against the Boston Red Sox.