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Fans get first look at new spring training stadium in West Palm Beach

Posted at 7:42 PM, Feb 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-20 04:26:48-05

The familiar sounds of spring baseball have been absent in West Palm Beach for decades. That is until Saturday.

The brand new Ballpark of the Palm Beaches opened its doors to the public just a few days before its inaugural game.

The main stadium remained closed to the public, but the rest of $150 million facility got rave reviews from spectators.

The new spring training home of the Astros and Nationals brought in scores of fans to watch practice Saturday.

“The facility is beautiful, easy access to get here,” says baseball fan Junior Delgado. “I'm looking forward to coming again, already.”

“This is awesome,” fan Susan Reichfield says. “This is great to have something so close to home.”

Reichfield and her family drove from Boynton Beach to take in the action.

Her son, Matthew, an aspiring baseball player himself, was hoping to learn a thing or two.

“Certain skill sets that they have that will make them a better player that will help my game out,” he says.

Whether it's quality fundamentals or just some quality time, local fans are just glad baseball is back, in more ways than one.

The Nationals held a full practice at the ballpark on Sunday.