Orioles economic impact in Florida tops $600 million since 2015

Sarasota County Government’s annual economic report has found that the Orioles have generated $600.5 million in economic impact for the state of Florida since 2015, the first year that comprehensive data became available.

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, a state-of-the-art 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.

The Orioles have consistently over delivered in their economic impact in both Maryland and Sarasota. In 31 years at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Orioles have welcomed more than 75 million fans, deriving over $10 billion in economic impact for the City of Baltimore and State of Maryland. By making it a priority to have all four Minor League affiliates located within the region, the Orioles have furthered their reach and increased their total economic impact across the region.

“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. “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 nearly $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 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 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. Over the past 13 years, the team has made it a priority to help combat food insecurity, empower the youth of the community, provide arts and educational resources for local children, and be able to help when the community needs them the most. This past November when Hurricane Ian hit, the Orioles acted quickly to step in and help. Players and staff helped compile cases of water, gas tanks, ice, and other supplies, while Ed Smith Stadium parking lots were used to house emergency response providers. The Orioles also partnered with All Faiths Food Bank to provide local families in need with necessary food prior to the holidays.

For more information on the Orioles efforts in Sarasota County, please visit Orioles.com/Sarasota.