Larry Marrisus, who’s from the Boston suburbs, said Red Sox fans are fans like no others.

“At Fenway Park they’ve sold out over 750 consecutive games – that’s how diehard we are.  I think we’re one of the few teams that’s sold out all the spring training games as well,” he said.

And that’s good news for Lee County. The county spent $78 million to build Jet Blue Stadium which is modeled after Boston’s famous Fenway Park but also includes acres of practice facilities.  Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau Director Tamara Pigott  said the big turnout for the first day of practice is a good sign. 

“We’ve made a significant investment in the facility. We’re excited that Red Sox nation is so excited,” she said.

And Pigott also mentioned the effect of trickle-down economics. 

“It’s good for the local community to have those dollars come into the area from out of the area.”

Pigott said a study done in 2009 found spring training’s economic impact in Lee County is about $24 million.  The Minnesota Twins also have spring training here. Fans spend an average of  $167 a day at local hotels, restaurants and other attractions.     

And the new stadium will hold a maximum of 11,000 fans – a 30 percent increase over  City of Palms Park, which it replaces. 

Meanwhile, the fans enjoyed a splendid day. Jack McClenning who’s been following the sox since 1946 said he has high hopes for a great season.

“I like the lineup, I like the manager, we’ll see what happens – always hopeful in the spring,”  he said.

The first test comes Sunday, Mar. 4 when the Red Sox face off against the Twins at Jet Blue Stadium.