Orioles' economic impact in the state of Florida tops $545 million since 2015
Sarasota County Government’s annual economic report has found that the Orioles have generated $545 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 found that in just 14 Spring Training games at Ed Smith Stadium last season, the Orioles provided $27 million in economic benefits to Sarasota County and $33.5 million throughout the state of Florida.
“Our renowned facilities have generated $545 million for the state of Florida and more than $10 billion for the state of Maryland, an incredible return on investment for our partners,” said Orioles Chairman & CEO JOHN ANGELOS. “The Orioles have significantly overdelivered economic development to our home cities of Baltimore and Sarasota, serving as a constant source of growth for the local and state economies where we operate.”
Just in Sarasota County, the Orioles have generated nearly $470 million for the local economy in 102 home games at Ed Smith Stadium 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, consisting of youth sports tournaments, arts and entertainment programs, charitable activations, and more. Later this year, the Orioles invite local residents to enjoy the Sarasota Orchestra as they perform at the ballpark on Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7.
Since the organization made Ed Smith Stadium its Spring Training home, nearly 1.1 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 $21 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 $3.6 million to local Sarasota organizations through cash donations and in-kind contributions. Over the past 12 years, the team has made it a priority to help combat food insecurity, empower the youth of the community, and provide arts and educational resources for local children. In the face of the global pandemic, the Orioles turned Ed Smith Stadium into a venue where residents in need could receive essential services. To help alleviate local healthcare systems, the Orioles began hosting COVID-19 testing in August of 2021, which administered more than 45,000 tests in its first six months. The team also partnered with All Faiths Food Bank to help distribute more than 360,000 pounds of food to Sarasota County residents.
For more information on the Orioles efforts in Sarasota County, please visit Orioles.com/Sarasota.