Orioles Impact in Sarasota
Sarasota County GovernmentĄ¯s annual economic report, which took place from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, found that the Orioles generated more than $76 million in economic impact and produced more than 1,080 jobs in the state of Florida, including an impact of more than $61 million and 1,030 jobs in Sarasota County.
The analysis measures the total impact generated by the OriolesĄ¯ year-round operations in Sarasota, highlighted by the teamĄ¯s Spring Training efforts, minor league training facility, and numerous events at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O'Neil Baseball Complex.
In addition to their Spring Training operations, the Orioles make it a priority to give back to the Sarasota community. This past fall, in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Milton, the Orioles partnered with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support relief efforts through Season of Sharing, a long-running initiative that provides support to neighbors in need. The Orioles committed an initial $250,000 and encouraged their players, coaches, fans, and front office staff to donate, matching every additional dollar raised up to another $250,000. In total, the OriolesĄ¯ efforts raised more than $1.2 million to aid those impacted and support ongoing relief efforts. In an effort to provide additional, long-term support all net proceeds from the OriolesĄ¯ 2025 Spring Training 50/50 raffle will be donated to All Faiths Food Bank.
Ed Smith Stadium was also used as a staging area for Florida Power & Light, while the Twins Lakes Complex was used as a staging site for forestry operations and emergency staff meal preparation.
The Orioles have generated more than $646 million for the local Sarasota County economy and more than $762.9 million for the state of Florida since 2015, the first year that data is available. This impact is delivered through the clubĄ¯s continual efforts to promote tourism in the region, including $1 million annually in marketing opportunities for Visit Sarasota during broadcasts on the Orioles Radio Network and Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.
In that same time, more than 1.4 million people have attended Orioles games at Ed Smith Stadium. The Sarasota County Government found that attendees of Orioles year-round events spent more than $21.5 million at local hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments during the most recent report period. On average, attendees spend more than $14 million annually at local establishments, another major contributor to the clubĄ¯s overall impact on the region.
The Orioles recently announced plans to expand their footprint at the Ed Smith Stadium Complex, investing more than $21 million dollars of team funds in a state-of-the-art player performance center. The one-year project is expected to be operational in 2026 and marks a long-term improvement to the teamĄ¯s facility in Sarasota, providing another example of the OriolesĄ¯ on-going commitment to their Spring Training home.
Since making Sarasota their Spring Training home in 2010, the Orioles have hosted a myriad of special events for the community and donated more than $4.4 million to local Sarasota organizations through cash donations and in-kind contributions, with an emphasis on combatting food insecurity and empowering local youth.