Mariff

We are flying into Sarasota on Friday night and driving over to Miami for the games on Saturday and Sunday. Any recommendations on where to stay in Ft Lauderdale or any other coastal town that may not be too far from the stadium but less expensive than staying in Miami? Or - - places/areas in Miami that may be affordable. I saw other posts about allowing plenty of time to get to the game. Any pointers if we're coming from Lauderdale area? Is it faster to park somewhere and take public transporation? Any hints would be appreciated - - even though we are Cubs fans! (Also, any tips on where to stay/things to do in Sarasota for our final night and day?) Thanks.

mrt

First you better have tickets before you get there. There is nothing around the stadium except a racetrack and bad neighborhoods. There is no public transportation from anywhere so plan on driving. The stadium is located near the Dade County and Broward County line, kind of between Ft Lauderdale and south miami beach only far west. From the ocean it will take at least 30 plus minutes and more the farther south or north you go.

Heartburn3

There are some nice hotels west of the stadium area and I understand it's easier to get there from the west because there is less traffic. I've never been this way, so mrt might know more about this. Anyway, you could stay off I-75. I'll try to find out which hotels are located at Sheridan Street & I-75.

You can also stay in Fort Lauderdale or there are loads of places in Plantation. There is a Renaissance at Pine Island Rd & I-595, you might be able to get a room really cheap through Priceline.com. Pine Island Road is one exit (1 mile) from University Drive. University Drive is the road you can take to the stadium and it runs directly on the west side of Pro Player Stadium. Pine Island Road is also only about 3 miles from the Florida Turnpike which runs on the east side of the stadium. Let me know what the price range is that you want to pay and I'll let you know what's around.

Heartburn3

Here's what I found by looking on Expedia.

PEMBROKE PINES:
Hampton Inn Ft Lauderdale West $99/incl b'fast (7 miles from Pro Player)

WESTON:
Townplace Suites Weston $70
AmeriSuites Ft Lauderdale Weston $80

DAVIE:
Comfort Suites $75
Homestead Studio Suites Plantation Davie $60

PLANTATION:
LaQuinta $66
Hampton Inn $74 (incl b'fast)
Wellesley Inn $40 (fantastic price and free b'fast -- I've stayed here and it's average, but in a nice area)

I listed these locations from closest to farthest away from the Stadium. All are close to major highways and it will make it easy for you to access the main routes to the Stadium. All are also in very good neighborhoods, too. None of these are near the beach, but the prices usually get higher and the traffic is a little heavier if you stay at the beach.

I'll check back to see if you have any questions. I'm very familiar with this area as I've lived here 48 years.

I hope this helps you out!

Mariff

Thanks for the hotel ideas. I got a room for $89/night at the TownPlace Suites Ft. Lauderdale West. Its address is 3100 Prospect Road. Any advice on how best to get to the stadium from this location to avoid some of the traffic you've forewarned us about? How much time should we allow? Also, we do NOT have tix for Friday night and wondered about the chances of showing up and getting tix there from a scalper. From what I have read, that may not be a good idea. The reason we are not buying tix in advance is that our flight times make it a close call as to whether we'd make the game time. We will not be able to determine whether we could make it until we land on Friday. Any ideas?

Heartburn3

Is there a particular reason you selected TownPlace Suites in Fort Lauderdale? If you are taking the I-75 route from Sarasota, you'll have to go out of your way to get to Prospect Road. Also, this location is next door to a local, active airport (mostly daytime flights) with industrial and business areas nearby.

If you plan on staying at this location, you should go west on Commercial Blvd, past U.S. 441/St Rd 7 a few blocks to the Florida Turnpike and go South to the stadium.

Personally, I wouldn't care to stay in that area, however, it is a decent neighborhood.

If you stay in one of the cities I suggested, you would be alot closer to the stadium (it would save you about 20 minutes in driving because you'd be close to the major roadways.) You may as well stay in Ft. Lauderdale close to the beach for that price and the drive to the interstate/turnpike would be about the same as Prospect Road.

From Prospect and Commercial Blvd it should take you about 35-45 minutes to get to the area of the stadium on the Turnpike, and then you have to wait to park and wait again to get into the stadium and to your seats. Check out the website for Pro Player to find out which parking area is closest to your gate and seats.

As far as getting tix at the gate, I have no idea what your odds will be of getting tickets near each other. You can always stop at a local sports bar and watch the game with the crowds. You might be intimidated by the Marlins fans, but I'm sure you'll survive...LOL!

margiecpa

GO CUBBIES!!!

I have tickets to the game on sunday but could not find any airfare under $400 which stinks!!

If you are interested in the tickets please email me back at [email protected]. FV of tickets is $25.

Mariff

We have tickets to Sunday's game. We need tickets for Game 1 on Friday. Airfares were high - - that is why we're flying into Sarasota - $200/ticket on Priceline.

As for why we chose Town Place Suites - - we are traveling in a group of 4 (married couple and 2 single guys). This hotel has two bedroom suites so that we have a room, one guy has a room and one guy has pull out sofa. $89 seemed good in lieu of cost of 2 separate rooms. We will not be spending much time in room so maybe I should look into changing to one room with 2 double beds. Trying to cut costs where we can.

Heartburn3

Your choice of places makes sense now that I know why. The 2 BR unit seems perfect and a great price! You'll probably have a full kitchen, too, so you can stock up at a local grocery store for the weekend b'fast and lunches. I think there's a Winn Dixie not far away on Commercial Blvd, and I KNOW that at the corner of SR7/US441 there's a Publix (they have good deli stuff and would be a great place to pick up some sandwiches for the game.)

Do you need directions from I-75 to where you are staying? It's easy to get to, and not far from I-95 and the Commercial Blvd exit.