Jackie Robinson’s Legacy in Daytona: His 1st MLB Game
Where Baseball History Meets the Beach
Every great story has a beginning. For baseball legend Jackie Robinson, that beginning took place right here in Daytona Beach at a small ballpark on the Halifax River, destined to become a landmark of American history.
As the stadium prepares to mark its 111th anniversary tomorrow, June 4th and, ahead of the 80th celebration (April 15, 2027) of Robinson breaking MLB's color barrier, momentum continues to build around recognizing the location as a National Commemorative Site. All the while, visitors continue to come here to reflect on a moment that changed the sport and country forever.
Just minutes from the grounds, Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort puts you at the center of this story and everything that makes Daytona Beach special. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast, a story-seeker, or simply looking for meaningful things to do in Daytona Beach, this is the perfect place to explore Robinson’s legacy -- and enjoy the best of Florida's Atlantic coast.
Jackie Robinson’s Game-Changing Spring Training
Daytona Beach and the Daytona Tortugas are preparing to celebrate another special date in the story of Jackie Robinson. On March 17, 1946, Jackie Robinson stepped onto the field at City Island Ballpark as a member of the Triple-A Montreal Royals, the Brooklyn Dodgers’ top farm team. Barred from playing in other Florida cities because of segregation laws, Robinson found a welcome in Daytona Beach, thanks in part to civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.
This decision didn’t just allow a baseball game to be played, it opened the door for Robinson’s 1947 season with the Dodgers, launching a Hall of Fame career and a pivotal moment in Civil Rights history.
Today, with a rare chance to stand in the place where history was made and country-altering change began, visitors can still feel the weight of that moment at the field where it happened.
Jackie Robinson Ballpark Today: A Living Landmark
Wondering where Jackie Robinson Ballpark is? You’ll find this historic stadium right on City Island along the Halifax River, just minutes from Daytona's iconic stretch of A1A and the Atlantic shoreline.
Affectionately called "The Jack," Jackie Robinson Ballpark remains one of the oldest venues in Minor League Baseball and continues to celebrate Robinson’s enduring impact. Today, it’s home to the Daytona Tortugas, the Cincinnati Reds' Single-A affiliate, as well as the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats.
While the stadium has seen upgrades over the years, ongoing renovations, including expanded dugouts, new dining, and plans for a Jackie Robinson museum and community space, continue to enhance the fan experience while honoring its roots. A statue honoring Robinson, interactive exhibits about his career, and rare video footage of his time in Daytona help bring that history to life. Alongside these exhibits, the ballpark’s traditions help keep Robinson’s legacy alive. Each April 15, on Jackie Robinson Day, the Daytona Tortugas take the field wearing his Daytona-era No. 9 jersey, a tribute to the story that began right here.
Things to Do Around the Ballpark and Daytona Beach
After visiting Jackie Robinson Ballpark, there’s no shortage of ways to explore Daytona Beach. Just down the road between the field and our property, you’ll find the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, offering classic seaside fun with races, arcades, and ocean views. Families can cool off at Daytona Lagoon Waterpark, while history buffs may visit the Halifax Historical Museum or Bethune-Cookman University to learn more about Dr. Bethune’s life and impact beyond fueling Jackie Robinson's Daytona breakthrough.
If you’re visiting during Florida Spring Training season, Daytona’s central location makes it an ideal pit stop for fans road-tripping down the coast to enjoy Grapefruit League matchups. With its sunny skies and rich past, it’s easy to combine a beach vacation with a journey through the game’s most important chapters.
Stay Where the Story Meets the Shoreline
When your days are spent exploring the heritage of Daytona Beach, you deserve a place to relax, recharge, and soak it all in. At Hilton Daytona Beach, the ocean is your backyard and the ballpark is just across the bridge, the perfect home base for uncovering the city’s past while enjoying its comforts today.
Start your morning with a Starbucks coffee and sunrise views over the Atlantic, then wind down with dinner and drinks at one of seven on-site dining spots, from the laid-back Waves Beach Bar to the eclectic flavors of Don Rico's Sports Bar & Grill. Lounge by two sparkling pools, keep your fitness goals on track at the fully equipped gym, or simply claim your spot on the sand and let the sea breeze do the rest.
Whether you're here to follow Robinson’s footsteps, cheer on the Tortugas, or just chase the sun, Hilton Daytona Beach puts you in the center of it all, with the space, style, and service to make your stay unforgettable.
Honor the Legacy. Make Your Own Memories.
Jackie Robinson’s achievement continues to inspire, not just as a symbol of what was, but as a call to keep moving forward.
Here in Daytona Beach, you can experience that story firsthand. Visit the ballpark where Robinson took the field, explore the city that helped make it possible, and stand in the place where a game, and a nation, began to change.
At Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, we invite you to stay in the center of it all. Celebrate that legacy. Walk the grounds where history was made. And immerse yourself in the setting where history lives on.