The Minnesota Twins will kick-off 2026 spring training at their home facility, Hammond Stadium, against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday, February 20. Their first game against an MLB opponent will be the following day, also at home, against the Boston Red Sox.
Including their matchup against the Minnesota Gophers and a game against Team Puerto Rico (which includes Twins catcher Victor Caratini, former Twins catcher Christian Vázquez and possibly former Twins shortstop Carlos Correa), the Twins' 2026 spring training schedule consists of 32 total games, 17 slated to take place at Hammond Stadium. The Twins' 2026 MLB spring training opponents will be the Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays.
With spring training approaching, let's dive into the history of the Twins' spring training home, Hammond Stadium.
Complete History of Hammond Stadium: When did Twins spring training move to Fort Myers?
Hammond Stadium is part of the Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Florida. It was built in 1991, the year the Twins won their second World Series in team history, at a cost of $14 million. These days, the complex features six full and two half-fields. The main stadium was renamed William H. Hammond Stadium in 1994, honoring the deputy county manager who helped secure approval for the complex, which allowed the Twins to move into their new spring training home. The Twins signed a 20-year lease extension with Lee County to use the complex in June 2012.
The Lee Health Sports Complex is also the home of the Twins' Low-A affiliate, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, and the Rookie-level Florida Coast League Twins.
Before the 2008 season, new box seats and lights were installed at Hammond Stadium. The following year, a new scoreboard was installed in left-center field. The scoreboard was moved to straight-away left field in 2014. Three years later, the scoreboard got a digital video board.
Along with the scoreboard upgrade, Hammond Stadium was renovated in many ways in 2014. A second grass berm was installed in left field, and two new bars were installed in right field and down the third base line. The outfield boardwalk has drink rails, chair seating, four-top tables and a lawn.
Before having spring training in Fort Myers, the Twins franchise (formerly the Washington Senators) trained in Orlando from 1936 to 1990.