The Baltimore Orioles hold spring training at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida, where a renovated 7,500-seat ballpark, free morning workouts, and one of the Gulf Coast’s best beach towns create an intimate, relaxed baseball experience that is hard to beat anywhere in the Grapefruit League.
Sarasota has quietly become one of the top spring training destinations in Florida, and the Orioles’ resurgence as a competitive team has only added to the appeal. Ed Smith Stadium puts you close to the field, the surrounding area delivers world-class beaches and dining, and the whole trip doubles as a Gulf Coast vacation. Here is everything you need to plan an Orioles spring training visit.
Ed Smith Stadium: The Orioles’ Spring Home
The Ballpark Experience
Ed Smith Stadium has served as the Orioles’ spring training home since 2010, and major renovations transformed it into one of the Grapefruit League’s most polished facilities. The seating bowl wraps close to the field, giving even upper-level ticket holders clear sightlines to home plate. According to the Sarasota County Sports Commission, the complex has hosted over 100,000 fans in peak spring training seasons. The open concourse features local food vendors that bring Sarasota flavor to the ballpark, and the overall layout keeps everything walkable and easy to navigate.
Morning Workouts and Player Access
The real draw of Orioles spring training starts before the first pitch. The team’s practice fields sit adjacent to Ed Smith Stadium, and morning workouts are open to fans free of charge. You can watch pitchers throwing bullpen sessions, infielders taking ground balls, and outfielders shagging flies from just a few feet away. Players regularly stop to sign autographs and take photos along the fence lines. For younger fans, this kind of access is something you simply cannot get during the regular season at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Arriving by 9:30 a.m. gives you the best chance to see the full roster working out before they head inside.
Sarasota: Where Baseball Meets the Beach
Gulf Coast Beaches and Downtown Charm
Sarasota stands on its own as a vacation destination, and that is a big part of what makes an Orioles spring training trip so appealing. Siesta Key Beach consistently ranks among the top beaches in the United States — according to TripAdvisor and Dr. Beach’s annual rankings — thanks to its powdery white quartz sand and calm turquoise water. Downtown Sarasota’s Main Street is lined with restaurants, galleries, and shops that deliver small-city charm without feeling sleepy. St. Armands Circle on Lido Key adds waterfront dining and boutique shopping within a 10-minute drive of the stadium.
Combining Baseball with a Gulf Coast Vacation
Most Orioles spring training games start in the early afternoon, which means your mornings are free for the beach or brunch and your evenings open up for dinner along the waterfront. If you are spending several days in the area, you can also catch nearby Grapefruit League teams — the Pirates train in Bradenton (20 minutes north), the Rays in Port Charlotte (about 50 minutes south), and the Red Sox in Fort Myers (roughly 90 minutes). Major League Vacations can map out a multi-team Gulf Coast itinerary that covers two or three parks without the stress of planning logistics on your own.
Planning Your Orioles Spring Training Trip
Travel and Accommodations
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest option, with service from several major carriers. Tampa International Airport is about an hour north and typically offers more flight options and competitive pricing. Hotels near downtown Sarasota or along the keys put you within a short drive of Ed Smith Stadium. Sarasota is a popular snowbird destination, so hotel availability tightens during peak March weeks — booking four to six weeks in advance is a smart strategy. Coordinate your dates with the full spring training schedule to catch the best matchups.
Game Day Tips
Arrive at least an hour before first pitch to explore the complex, grab food from the concourse, and settle in. Sunscreen is essential — Ed Smith Stadium has limited shade, and the Florida sun is strong even in February and March. Parking is straightforward with lots surrounding the stadium. If you want to combine your Orioles trip with regular-season plans, MLV also offers MLB travel packages to Camden Yards, one of the most beautiful ballparks in baseball. And if you are building a broader spring training road trip, check out the complete fields guide to compare facilities across the Grapefruit League.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the Baltimore Orioles play spring training?
The Orioles train at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida, located at 2700 12th Street. The facility includes the main stadium plus adjacent practice fields and minor league facilities that are open to fans during morning workouts.
What is the best week to visit Orioles spring training?
Mid-March offers the strongest combination of competitive rosters and reliable weather. By the second and third weeks of March, starters are typically playing several innings, and the games feel closest to regular-season baseball. Early-season games in late February feature more minor leaguers.
Can I see other Grapefruit League teams while visiting Sarasota?
Yes. The Pirates train in Bradenton (20 minutes away), the Rays in Port Charlotte (50 minutes), and the Red Sox in Fort Myers (about 90 minutes). A multi-day trip can realistically cover three or four parks along the Gulf Coast corridor.
Are Orioles spring training tickets affordable?
Spring training tickets at Ed Smith Stadium are significantly cheaper than regular-season prices at Camden Yards. Outfield and lawn seats are the most affordable option, while premium infield seats cost more. Weekend games and popular matchups against teams like the Yankees or Red Sox tend to carry higher prices than weekday games.
Ready to catch the Orioles in Sarasota this spring? Check when spring training starts, then browse custom travel packages from Major League Vacations to lock in your Gulf Coast baseball trip.