Low fan turnout Friday for spring training tickets

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- Dozens of fans waited overnight at Jet Blue Park to be the first in line for Boston Red Sox spring training tickets to go on sale.

But just like the start to the day, the line for Red Sox spring training tickets got off to a dreary start in Lee County, Friday night.

Gameday staff worker Bob Millen says they expected a bigger turnout when fans were allowed to line up at 6 p.m. that evening.

“Right now, the weather isn’t cooperating. Last year there was a lot more people in line,” said Millen. “So I think the drizzle has kept some people away.”

However, the rain didn’t scare away Southwest Florida most die hard Sox fans like Derek DeArmond, who is also known as Mayor of Fenway South. He’s been the first person in line for the past 15 years.

“I figure if I’m first then I’m one step closer to being there for a world series,” said DeArmond who says he doesn’t mind the long wait come game day.

“You will never get as close as you are here to players at real Fenway or Yankee Stadium but here for a $45 ticket, you can be within 5 feet of the home plate and see your favorite superstars up close,” said DeArmond.

Adam Bradley waited overnight to be one of the first people in line. He’s buying tickets as a present.

“It’s worth it in the end. I’ll stand outside in the rain for a couple hours to make my family and my friends happy,” said Bradley.

Park officials say, they expect the excitement to pick up around midnight and into the early morning hours Saturday, before the ticket windows open.

“They’ll be out here all night, come rain or come shine,” said Millen.

Jessica McDonald says they will enjoy the wait, each other and the excitement of the new season until the ticket windows open in the morning.

“We got the music going, pizza and food and we’re just kind of making new friends I think,” said McDonald.

Spring training tickets for the 17 homes games at Fenway South will officially go on sale at the park and online 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

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