AdventHealth Training Center opens at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark, strengthening athlete care and community connection in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A new chapter at one of America’s most historic ballparks began Thursday as community leaders, Major League Baseball representatives, the Daytona Tortugas and AdventHealth gathered to celebrate the opening of the AdventHealth Training Center at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

The new facility expands athlete training and medical support at the waterfront stadium while continuing broader efforts to preserve and strengthen a venue that has shaped downtown Daytona Beach for more than a century.

The two-story, 30,000-square-foot facility includes enhanced athletic training areas, weight rooms and locker rooms, and is part of a broader effort to modernize Jackie Robinson Ballpark while preserving its historic significance and ensuring it remains a long-term asset for the city.

AdventHealth became the Official Health Care Provider of the Daytona Tortugas in 2024. As part of that partnership, AdventHealth Medical Group physicians serve as dedicated team doctors, providing care to athletes throughout the season.

The new AdventHealth Training Center builds on that relationship, creating a centralized space that brings together training, care and recovery to support athlete performance.

“This facility represents a deeper investment in the Daytona Tortugas, in this ballpark, and in the neighbors who call this area home,” said Lorenzo Brown, CEO of AdventHealth’s Atlantic Coastal Region. “It’s about giving athletes what they need to stay healthy and compete at their highest level. But the impact doesn’t stop with the players; it strengthens the whole community.”

Built on the same field where Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in professional baseball in 1946, the ballpark remains a symbol of progress and connection across generations.

“We stand on sacred ground,” said Paula R. Reed, Daytona Beach Commissioner of Zone 6. “In 1946, Daytona Beach opened its gates so Jackie Robinson could take the field and change the world. This investment is about protecting that history and making sure this ballpark remains a place where future generations can create their own.”

Major League Baseball leaders said the improvements bring the facility in line with modern player development standards.

“Talent alone doesn’t get a player to the Major Leagues. Environment matters,” said Freddie Seymour, senior director of minor league operations and affairs for Major League Baseball. “The AdventHealth Training Center gives players the space to grow, refine their skills and take the next step toward their future.”

The Cincinnati Reds, the Major League affiliate of the Daytona Tortugas, emphasized the importance of updated facilities in supporting players early in their careers.

“This is where many of our players begin their journey, and now they have a place that gives them everything they need to work toward the Major Leagues,” said Nick Krall, president of baseball operations for the Cincinnati Reds.

Tortugas leadership said the expanded amenities will enhance both player experience and fan engagement.

“This is a big moment for our team and for this ballpark,” said Jim Jaworski, president and general manager of the Daytona Tortugas. “From the players to the coaches, seeing their reaction when they walked into the AdventHealth Training Center for the first time said everything. This gives them a place that supports what they need every day — to stay healthy and keep moving forward in their careers.”

The project also reflects ongoing investment in Daytona Beach’s historic downtown along the Halifax River, where the ballpark serves as a hub for events, from baseball games to concerts and local gatherings.

“For us, this is an opportunity to meet people where they are — not just in a hospital, but in the places that are part of their everyday lives,” Brown said. “Whether it’s supporting athletes on the field or connecting with families in the stands, our goal is to help people stay healthy and feel whole.”