SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Sarasota County Government’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.

“As an organization, some of the most important things that we do are those that go beyond the playing field,” said Catie Griggs, Orioles President of Business Operations. “Our impact in Sarasota and the State of Florida, both from an economic and community standpoint, are great examples of that. It is something that we are very proud of and look forward to expanding in the future.”

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 Orioles’ 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 Orioles’ 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.

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 club’s overall impact on the region.

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.

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