Sarasota, Florida, February 10, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles have opened a $21 million, state-of-the-art player development complex at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. This facility, covering 47,700 square feet, includes amenities such as a biomechanics pitching lab, indoor batting cages, and an outdoor agility field. Along with enhancing player training year-round, the Orioles continue to contribute significantly to Sarasota’s economy, having generated over $76 million in economic impact since their arrival in 2010.
Sarasota, Florida – February 10, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles have inaugurated a $21 million, 47,700-square-foot player development complex at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance the training and development of the team’s players year-round.
Facility Highlights
- Player Lounge and Classrooms: A 1,680-square-foot lounge equipped with recreational amenities and a nutrition center, alongside 1,780 square feet of classrooms dedicated to scouting, analytics, and player education.
- Biomechanics Pitching Lab: A 3,400-square-foot lab featuring advanced technology for biomechanical analysis, pitch design, and performance feedback, including over 30 cameras and multiple force plates.
- Indoor Batting Cages: Spanning 15,970 square feet, these cages allow hitters to simulate realistic ball-flight tracking and data analysis, adaptable to convert into a full infield.
- Outdoor Turf Agility Field: A 33,430-square-foot field focused on speed, movement, conditioning, and injury prevention, featuring yard markers to track speed.
- Covered Bullpen and Visiting Batting Cages: A 10,300-square-foot covered area with eight mounds and attached visiting batting cages, providing a high-quality environment for bullpen sessions and visiting teams.
Community and Economic Impact
Since 2010, the Orioles have been a significant contributor to Sarasota County’s economy, generating over $76 million in economic impact and creating more than 1,080 jobs in Florida during the 2023-2024 period. The team’s year-round operations, including spring training and minor league training facilities, have attracted numerous events to Ed Smith Stadium, further benefiting the local economy.
Background
Ed Smith Stadium, built in 1989 and renovated in 2011, has served as the Orioles’ spring training home since 2010. The new player development complex represents a substantial investment by the team to enhance its facilities and support player development initiatives.
Future Prospects
The Orioles’ commitment to Sarasota is expected to continue fostering economic growth and community engagement in the region, with the new facility playing a pivotal role in the team’s long-term development strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the cost of the new player development complex?
The new player development complex cost $21 million to construct.
What facilities are included in the new complex?
The complex includes a player lounge, classrooms, a biomechanics pitching lab, indoor batting cages, an outdoor turf agility field, and a covered bullpen area.
How has the Orioles’ presence impacted Sarasota County’s economy?
Since 2010, the Orioles have generated over $76 million in economic impact and created more than 1,080 jobs in Florida during the 2023-2024 period.
When was Ed Smith Stadium built and renovated?
Ed Smith Stadium was built in 1989 and underwent a renovation in 2011.
What is the significance of the new facility for the Orioles?
The new facility is a substantial investment by the Orioles to enhance their training and development capabilities, supporting player development initiatives and strengthening their commitment to Sarasota.
Key Features of the Orioles’ New Player Development Complex
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Player Lounge and Classrooms | A 1,680-square-foot lounge with recreational amenities and a nutrition center; 1,780 square feet of classrooms for scouting, analytics, and player education. |
| Biomechanics Pitching Lab | A 3,400-square-foot lab with advanced technology for biomechanical analysis, pitch design, and performance feedback, including over 30 cameras and multiple force plates. |
| Indoor Batting Cages | 15,970 square feet of cages allowing hitters to simulate realistic ball-flight tracking and data analysis, adaptable to convert into a full infield. |
| Outdoor Turf Agility Field | A 33,430-square-foot field focused on speed, movement, conditioning, and injury prevention, featuring yard markers to track speed. |
| Covered Bullpen and Visiting Batting Cages | A 10,300-square-foot covered area with eight mounds and attached visiting batting cages, providing a high-quality environment for bullpen sessions and visiting teams. |
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