Orioles announce home spring training schedule

The Orioles today announced their 2018 Grapefruit League home schedule, which opens on Friday, February 23 when they host the Tampa Bay Rays at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla. at 1:05 p.m. ET. The club will wrap up its Grapefruit League home schedule on Saturday, March 24, when the Orioles host the Minnesota Twins at 6:05 p.m.

Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Tuesday, February 13, while the full-squad report date is set for Sunday, February 18. The 2018 season will mark the Orioles' ninth consecutive Spring Training season in Sarasota and the club's eighth at renovated Ed Smith Stadium.

The Orioles will face 10 different Major League opponents during the club's 16-game home schedule. The Orioles will play the Tampa Bay Rays three times at Ed Smith Stadium and the Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Toronto Blue Jays twice each. The Orioles will also square off against the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals each once at home.

Weekends will be full of family fun with 10 of the club's 16 home games falling on either a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Following Sunday home games, all children between the ages of 4-14 will be able to participate in a postgame Kids Run the Bases presented by Comfort Suites.

The Orioles will also play four evening games at Ed Smith Stadium, February 24, and March 11, 20, and 24, with all night games beginning at 6:05 p.m.

Single game tickets for all 16 games at Ed Smith Stadium will go on sale Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Fans interested in Season Plans, or those wishing to receive additional Spring Training ticket information, may call the Orioles Spring Training office in Sarasota at 941-893-6300. Fans interested in suite rentals or pregame party facilities should call 941-893-6317. More information regarding Orioles Spring Training in Sarasota is available at www.orioles.com/spring.

In the eight years since the Orioles moved Major League Spring Training to Sarasota, more than 885,000 fans have enjoyed Orioles games at Ed Smith Stadium. An independent analysis commissioned by Sarasota County Government concluded that the Orioles generate approximately $89 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 additional details, visit www.orioles.com/Sarasota.