Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/119978
Sarasota News Leader April 5, 2013 Page 54 ORIOLES SET FRANCHISE SPRING TRAINING ATTENDANCE RECORD With the March 30 crowd of 7,642 for their 2013 Grapefruit League finale against the New York Mets at Ed Smith Stadium, the Orioles set a franchise record by drawing 120,455 fans for their 17 home games, the team announced. The figure also represents a new spring training season attendance record for Sarasota, a community which has hosted spring training since 1924, a news release notes. The previous record for both the Orioles and Sarasota, set in 2011, was 115,506 in 16 home dates, the release notes. On March 14, the Orioles drew an Ed Smith Stadium record 8,797 fans for a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, one of nine sellouts this spring. "The Baltimore Orioles are proud to shatter our spring training attendance record in 2013 at the beautifully remodeled Ed Smith Stadium," said David Rovine, vice president for Orioles-Sarasota, in the release. "We are grateful for the fans from the Sarasota region, the Mid-Atlantic states and beyond who came out to enjoy the ballpark and support the local charitable causes we spotlighted on game days. This new record not only demonstrates the powerful attraction of professional baseball in Sarasota, but also underscores the positive relationship that continues to grow between the Orioles and the Sarasota County community," he added. Orioles center fielder Adam Jones bats against the Minnesota Twins. Photo by Norman Schimmel