Sarasota, Orioles to Hold Free Family FanFest on Nov. 14 at Ed Smith Stadium to Celebrate Team's Arrival

In celebration of their new spring training home, the Baltimore Orioles will join with The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau to host Orioles Family FanFest--a free event for the entire community--at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, November 14 from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. The afternoon will feature autograph sessions with current and former Orioles players, Orioles giveaways, fan forums, a variety of kid-friendly family activities, including Kids Run the Bases, and a free hot dog and soda for every person in attendance. Orioles Manager DAVE TREMBLEY, centerfielder and 2009 All-Star ADAM JONES, outfielder NOLAN REIMOLD, pitchers BRAD BERGESEN and JIM JOHNSON, and Hall of Fame pitcher and current MASN broadcaster JIM PALMER, are expected to attend the event. The Oriole Bird will also be on hand to greet families throughout the afternoon. Free parking will be available for all fans. One lucky fan in attendance will win a trip to Baltimore, including airfare, hotel stay at the Sheraton Inner Harbor and Orioles game tickets, compliments of Visit Baltimore and the Sarasota CVB. "The Orioles are excited to be a part of the Sarasota community, and this event is our first opportunity to meet many of our neighbors," said Orioles Director of Communications GREG BADER. "Our year-round partnership extends well beyond the traditional spring training season, and we look forward to demonstrating our commitment to the community in the weeks, months and years to come." "The Chamber and its Sarasota Tomorrow initiative worked vigorously to secure the future of Major League Baseball in greater Sarasota," said JOHN CRANOR, GSCC immediate past chair. "A part of the County for more than 80 years, baseball is not only a critical economic driver for Sarasota, but it is also infused in our quality of life. We are happy to join the community in welcoming the Orioles as they make Sarasota their spring training home." This event is the first official welcome for the Orioles since July's announcement of an agreement to move their spring training operations to Sarasota. Ed Smith Stadium is located at 2700 12th Street in Sarasota.