Sarasota County Government estimates the presence of Baltimore Orioles spring training economic impact now totals $600.5 million since 2015, including a $45.6 million impact last spring.
The county’s analysis measures the total impact created by the Orioles’ year-round operations in Sarasota, highlighted by the team’s spring training efforts, the minor league training facility, and numerous corporate events at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex. The most recent reporting period, which ran from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, found that the Orioles provided $45.6 million in economic benefits to Sarasota County and $55.3 million throughout the state of Florida, despite playing just nine home games at Ed Smith Stadium.
“31 years ago, the Orioles made a commitment to the state of Maryland and in that time, we have tremendously over delivered on our promise, generating more than $10 billion in economic impact for the City of Baltimore and State of Maryland,” said John Angelos, Orioles Chairman and CEO, via press release. “14 years ago, the Orioles made a commitment to the State of Florida, and once again, we immensely over delivered on our promise, generating more than $600 million in economic impact for the State of Florida and Sarasota community. The Orioles have proven themselves to under promise and over deliver, and we will continue to do that as we renew our partnership with the State of Maryland and the greater Baltimore metropolitan community.”
Just in Sarasota County, the Orioles have generated an estimated $512.5 million for the local economy since 2015. This impact is delivered through the club’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 addition to spring training operations, the Orioles bring people to Sarasota County by hosting special events at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex throughout the entire year. Ed Smith Stadium hosted numerous events throughout 2022 including the U-18 Baseball World Cup and the All-American Women’s Baseball Classic, both events bringing the top baseball players from around the world to Sarasota.
Since the organization made Ed Smith Stadium its spring training home, 1.2 million people have attended Orioles games in Sarasota. The Sarasota County Government report has also found that attendees of Orioles year-round events have spent an average of more than $14 million annually at local hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments, another major contributor to the club’s overall impact on the region.
Beyond economic impact, the Orioles have provided more than $3.9 million to local Sarasota organizations through cash donations and in-kind contributions.
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