Orioles stadium plans revealed

The first architectural drawings of the Baltimore Orioles new spring-training stadium were revealed Thursday evening.

Sarasota County and city of Sarasota officials hosted an informational meeting to update the community on the $31.2 million project.

The Orioles will play their 2010 spring-training season in the existing Ed Smith stadium, but as soon as spring training ends, Ed Smith will be demolished and work will begin on the new stadium.

Sarasota architect Gary Hoyt presented his initial plans, which call for a more traditional ballpark, in much the same vein as Baltimore’s Camden Yards.

About 800 additional seats will be added, making a total of about 8,300. There also will be grass berm seating toward the outfield.

It will have upper and lower deck seating. The upper deck creates shade for the lower deck, and extendable fabric awnings provide shade for the upper seats.

“There will be lots of shade, which there isn’t today,” Hoyt said.

Another difference between the new stadium and the current one is the access to concessions. In Ed Smith Stadium, the concession stands are on the outside of the stadium.

Hoyt has designed several concession stands, so they’re easier for fans to access, and they’ll be in full view of the field, so no one has to miss any action, while they’re grabbing a hot dog.

“For the first time, (Sarasota) will have a real ball field,” Hoyt said.

Download the architectural drawings here.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].