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Grapefruit League Stadiums: #10 Ed Smith Stadium

Ed Smith Stadium Spring Training Grapefruit LeagueAt #10 in our countdown of Spring Training Grapefruit League venues is Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. The site has been home to the Baltimore Orioles for the past seven seasons.

The stadium is nicknamed “Birdland South” and is a wonderful looking stadium to catch a Spring Training game. Tickets are priced from $8-$36, as the cheapest tickets are standing room only. This is a nice value to view the game from atop the second level. You can also buy the lost cost tickets and walk around to try to find an empty section of seats during the game. Many stadiums do not have ushers that will demand to see your tickets, which can allow you picture opportunities from different points of view.

If you do opt for your own seat, Ed Smith Stadium has shade coverings on either side of the field, as well as at concession stands behind left field. There is grass seating in the outfield as well; this is one of the great things about Spring Training games that you will rarely find at Major League stadiums.

Manny Machado is the Orioles’ bright young star. Playing third base, he is in a great spot to get a close-up view of the All-Star. Baltimore’s other marquee player, Adam Jones, is harder to see out in center field, so make sure you don’t miss his two or three at-bats for a better picture.

Ed Smith Stadium Spring Training Grapefruit LeagueThere are various small parking lots located around the stadium. They charge around the average of $10, with some a little less depending how far you are willing to walk to the gates. Ed Smith Stadium has nice outside concourse scenery, and you will want to take a stroll around to take it all in.

Foul balls are the most common way to get a free souvenir, but this field is also one of the first stops to catch a home run ball. The left field fence has grass seating that is littered with fans that will be scrounging for any balls that leave the yard. It is filled with both children and beer drinkers, so watch out for fans running towards you if any action comes your way.

The Orioles have a new long tenured lease at Ed Smith Stadium. They have one of the larger gift shops of the Grapefruit League venues and should be selling plenty of merchandise in the upcoming years. Baltimore just re-signed Chris Davis, giving fans plenty of reasons to head to Sarasota in March. There is ample playoff talent to go with their renovated, yet classic, stadium.

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