Ed Smith Stadium

Front of Ed Smith Stadium, Aug-2003.

The seats, as seen from left field.

How the folks behind the plate see the game.

• Location: Tuttle Avenue at 12 Street North, Sarasota, Fla.
• Opened: 1988
• Home team: Sarasota White Sox (1989-92), Red Sox (1993-2008), Reds (2009), Florida State League; spring training, Baltimore Orioles (1991-92, 2010-present), Cincinnati Reds (1998-2009)
• Capacity: 7,500

Chronological Tour: Stop 264

Rating: 2 baseballs

The only thing that seemed really good about this place was the press boxes. Otherwise, from the seating bowl to the concession stands, the park was simply blah. They even got a buck to park, which I didn’t think was necessary. At least the side grandstands have partial roofs, which came in handy during a rain delay I experienced here. In addition, there are no bleachers; everything is stadium seating.

Ed Smith Stadium got a facelift in time for the 2011 season, as the Baltimore Orioles, who occupied the facility when it was first built, moved back in and made major upgrades.