masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWith tonight’s crowd of 7,769 for this season’s Spring Training finale at Ed Smith Stadium, the Orioles have drawn a total of 103,294 fans for 15 home games in Sarasota. It is the eighth time in nine seasons that the Orioles have welcomed more than 100,000 fans at Ed Smith Stadium. Since moving Major League operations to Sarasota, 988,349 fans have enjoyed Orioles Spring Training baseball at Ed Smith Stadium.
The Orioles had six sellouts this spring, including the second-highest single-game…

With tonight’s crowd of 7,769 for this season’s Spring Training finale at Ed Smith Stadium, the Orioles have drawn a total of 103,294 fans for 15 home games in Sarasota. It is the eighth time in nine seasons that the Orioles have welcomed more than 100,000 fans at Ed Smith Stadium. Since moving Major League operations to Sarasota, 988,349 fans have enjoyed Orioles Spring Training baseball at Ed Smith Stadium.

The Orioles had six sellouts this spring, including the second-highest single-game attendance total at Ed Smith Stadium with 8,782 in attendance on March 14 against New York-AL. On average, the club welcomed 6,886 fans per game, once again finishing among the top teams in Grapefruit League attendance.

“Each spring we enjoy outstanding support from our fans, from those local to Sarasota to our many visitors from the Mid-Atlantic region,” said David Rovine, Vice President of Orioles-Sarasota. “As we prepare to welcome our one millionth fan next season, we are especially proud that our facilities at Ed Smith Stadium and Twin Lakes Park continue to thrive as first-class destinations for baseball and entertainment – from Spring Training, Orioles Major and Minor League operations, and Gulf Coast League Baseball, to countless clinics, tournaments, and other baseball, arts, and community events throughout the year.”

Recently recognized by USA Today as the top Spring Training venue in Major League Baseball, Ed Smith Stadium has hosted nearly one million fans for Orioles games over the past nine seasons. An independent analysis commissioned by Sarasota County Government concluded that the Orioles generate approximately $97 million in annual economic impact back to taxpayers and residents. By marketing Sarasota to fans in the Mid-Atlantic region, operating a year-round athletic training facility, producing entertainment and sporting events, partnering with charitable causes, and hosting and often subsidizing youth sports tournaments and activities, the Orioles demonstrate an abiding commitment to their Florida home that goes far beyond baseball. For details, visit www.orioles.com/Sarasota.