The Orioles invite fans of all ages to enjoy summer baseball at Ed Smith Stadium as the Gulf Coast League Orioles take the Main Field for 28 home games beginning Tuesday, June 19. The 28-game home slate also includes family-friendly events with community partners, giveaways, and daily food specials. Admission and parking are free, though fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item to benefit All Faiths Food Bank. The game schedule and promotional details are available at www.orioles.com/Sarasota.
"We're excited to offer fans the opportunity to watch our 'stars of tomorrow' on the Main Field at Ed Smith Stadium all season long for the first time," said DAVID ROVINE, Vice President of Orioles-Sarasota. "Players like MANNY MACHADO, JONATHAN SCHOOP, and CHANCE SISCO got their professional start in GCL, and we can't wait to see the Class of 2018 advance through our player development system. We're providing free admission and parking, and we've planned a series of fun activities and events, along with affordable concessions, to make this a terrific outing for fans of all ages."
Special events begin on Saturday, June 23, with "Summerfest," a free, family fun day with games, giveaways, and chances to win premium prizes. Fans can test their skills at the giant sports inflatable, speed pitch, "Pitch for Prizes," corn hole, and Giant Jenga. Additional activities include caricature art, face painting, tic tac toe, a free photo booth, and more. Kids 14 and under receive a free popsicle. Gates open at 9 a.m., prior to the 10:00 a.m. start of the game versus the GCL Rays.
On August 1, a Career Opportunity & Services Fair will be held in the concourse in partnership with CareerSource Suncoast, Goodwill Manasota, and the Women's Resource Center. Attendees can learn about local job opportunities and explore the mobile career center, as well as talk to experts about job coaching and learn tips for resumes and interviews.
"Back to School" is the theme for Saturday, August 4, with free games, school supply giveaways, chances to win school gear, and more. Kids 14 and under will receive a free snowball treat.
On Monday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 8, the Orioles will focus on wellness. Activities will include free health screenings, interactive fitness demos, on-site nutrition and wellness experts, and a blood mobile. Each guest will receive a free bottle of water. Partners include American Cancer Society, Florida Department of Health - Sarasota County Health In Motion, HealthFit Powered by Sarasota Memorial, Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's, and Suncoast Communities Blood Bank.
The Military Officers Association of America, Sarasota Chapter, will join the Orioles to present Veterans Appreciation Day on Tuesday, August 14. Veterans can enjoy camaraderie with other service members and get information on resources for veterans. Active duty military and veterans will receive a special giveaway.
Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs on Saturday, August 18, for Paws at the Park. Special rules for fans looking to bring their dogs to the ballpark can be found at www.orioles.com/Sarasota. Fans are invited to watch the game with their dog, enter a doggie costume contest, make a memory in the free photo booth, and learn about pet adoption opportunities. Fans are also encouraged to bring a donation of unopened pet food for the Humane Society of Sarasota.
Every Saturday during home games, kids 14 and under will receive a free promotional giveaway. Concessions are available each game, including special food-and-drink packages priced from $5 to $10.
There is no charge to attend the games, which will be held on the Ed Smith Stadium Main Field. Fans may enter through the Left Field Gate, which opens 30 minutes before game time, unless otherwise noted. Free parking is available in the East Lot at the corner of 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue. Game times and locations are subject to change without notice due to weather and field conditions. Guests are permitted to bring sealed bottles of water into the ballpark.
Media interested in covering the GCL season and related special events may RSVP to [email protected]. To receive important special event updates during the season, please register online: www.Orioles.com/SarasotaMedia.
The Gulf Coast League season is part of Sarasota 365, a host of initiatives through which the Baltimore Orioles and OriolesREACH demonstrate the ballclub's year-round engagement with the Greater Sarasota community. An independent analysis commissioned by Sarasota County Government concluded that the Orioles generate approximately $97 million in annual economic impact back to taxpayers and residents. By marketing Sarasota to fans in the Mid-Atlantic region, operating a year-round athletic training facility, producing entertainment and sporting events, partnering with charitable causes, and hosting and often subsidizing youth sports tournaments and activities, the Orioles demonstrate an abiding commitment to their Florida home that goes far beyond baseball. For more information, visit www.orioles.com/Sarasota.