The Inside Scoop by our Local Expert
Ed Smith Stadium is a baseball stadium residing in Sarasota, Florida. It was built as a spring training and minor league baseball location in 1989. The Chicago White Sox formerly played spring games at the stadium from 1989 and 1997. In 1998, the stadium became the spring training location for the Cincinnati Reds, and the team remained at the stadium until 2008. In 2010, the Baltimore Orioles began using the stadium for spring training. The stadium underwent a $31 million renovation in 2010, and the new features include refurbished seats from the home stadium of the Baltimore Orioles. The stadium also includes three air-conditioned suites and a fabric sun shade. In addition to its almost 7,500 seats, the stadium has standing room to accommodate a total of 8,500 spectators. The stadium also features about a 100 high definition televisions and a LED video board. Other features include a café, gift shop, and various food and beverage stands. A variety of hotels are located near Ed Smith Stadium, including Hilton Homewood Suites, Americas Best Value Inn, and Hotel Indigo.