Report puts Orioles' economic impact on Sarasota County at $72 million

Sarasota County Government’s annual economic report found that the Orioles generated more than $72 million in economic impact and created more than 970 jobs in Sarasota County during the most recent reporting period, which took place from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

In addition to the Orioles’ local impact, the report found that the organization generated more than $86 million in economic impact in the state of Florida, while also creating more than 1,000 jobs. The analysis measures the total impact created by the Orioles’ year-round operations in Sarasota, highlighted by the team’s Spring Training efforts, minor league training facility, and numerous events at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O'Neil Baseball Complex.

Since 2015, the Orioles have generated nearly $584.5 million for the local Sarasota County economy and more than $686 million for the state of Florida. 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 a myriad of special events at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex throughout the entire year. Ed Smith Stadium hosted numerous events throughout 2023 including the All-American Women’s Baseball Classic, Sarasota Orchestra’s Outdoor Pops concert, Sarasota County Movie Night, and Orange & Black Gives Back Week of Service youth baseball clinic.

Since the organization made Ed Smith Stadium its Spring Training home, more than 1.3 million people have attended Orioles games in Sarasota. The Sarasota County Government found that attendees of Orioles year-round events spent more than $19.2 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 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. Over the past 14 years, the organization has made it a priority to combat food insecurity, empower local youth through baseball clinics and the annual Orioles Health & Fitness Challenge, and give back when the community needs them the most. The Orioles partner with All Faiths Food Bank to host food collections throughout the year and Ed Smith Stadium is used for their annual “ThankFULL” Turkey Distribution, providing local families in need with necessary food prior to the holidays. This Spring Training, the Orioles will continue to partner with numerous local non-profits, including All Faiths Food Bank, Mothers Helping Mothers, and SunCoast Blood Centers, encouraging fans to assist them in giving back to their Spring Training home. 

For more information on the Orioles’ impact in Sarasota County, visit Orioles.com/Sarasota.