Orioles Welcome 100,000 Fans for the Ninth Time in 10 Seasons at Ed Smith Stadium

Orioles’ 10th Sarasota Spring Training Highlighted by the Celebration of the One Millionth Fan Milestone

With a crowd of 7,357 for this season’s Spring Training finale at Ed Smith Stadium, the Orioles have drawn a total of 103,167 fans for 16 home games in Sarasota. It is the ninth time in 10 seasons that the Orioles have welcomed more than 100,000 fans at Ed Smith Stadium. Since moving Major League operations to Sarasota, 1,091,516 fans have enjoyed Orioles Spring Training baseball at Ed Smith Stadium.
 
The Orioles welcomed their One Millionth Fan into Ed Smith Stadium on February 26. DIANA LOVE of Sarasota was selected at random to represent the one million fans. In a special on-field presentation, Love received a $5,000 shopping experience at Diamond Vault in Sarasota, two Spring Training season tickets for five years, and more. The Orioles are the fastest franchise to reach one million fans in almost a century of Spring Training baseball in Sarasota.
 
“Celebrating our One Millionth Fan at Ed Smith Stadium this year was a thrill. We are tremendously grateful for the support of fans from Sarasota, the Mid-Atlantic region, and beyond who have joined us for Orioles baseball in these first 10 seasons of Major League Spring Training in Sarasota County,” said GREG BADER, Orioles Vice President, Communications & Marketing. “Through our year-round operations in Sarasota, we remain steadfast in our commitments as an economic engine and a passionate supporter of charitable causes, the arts, and youth development – now and for many years to come.”
 
Additionally, the Orioles recorded five sellouts this spring, including drawing a crowd of 8,623 on Wednesday, March 20 against Boston, the fifth-highest single-game attendance total at Ed Smith Stadium. On average, the club welcomed 6,448 fans per game, once again finishing among the top teams in Grapefruit League attendance.
 
The Orioles’ year-round operation in Sarasota County generates approximately $92 million in annual economic impact back to taxpayers and residents, according to an analysis by Sarasota County Government. 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 Orioles.com/Sarasota.