January 13, 2011

Bottom of the 9th

Spring training is just about one month away and this is what the Grapefruit League home of the Baltimore Orioles looks like.  The number of workers at the Ed Smith Stadium construction site has increased dramatically over the past couple of weeks and you can see why.  They still have a lot of work to do!  But, the stadium is looking fantastic.  Really top notch.  A few years ago, this seemed unlikely -- having a newly renovated stadium and a new baseball team.  A referendum to build a stadium was rejected by voters.  The Cincinnati Reds left Sarasota.  Sarasota wooed the Red Sox, only to be snubbed for Ft. Myers.  Then, along came the Baltimore Orioles and a deal was struck to reconstruct the current stadium using a tourist tax.  Lawsuits ensued including an appeal to the Florida State Supreme Court.  Just last month, bald eagles nested in right field...and were moved.  And now the pressure is on to finish before game time.  Whew!  Can't wait to post a game photo.  Click here to see more about  Ed Smith Stadium.

4 comments:

cieldequimper said...

I wonder if the eagles got over losing their baby!

Jim Klenke said...

I think you should apply for a press pass with field access. You do help promote Sarasota.

Lowell said...

This almost-constructed building has quite a history...glad that things are working out for you. And I agree with Jim about the press pass. Your photography always shows Sarasota in a good light!

Jack said...

Well, I'm glad that the Red Sox are staying in Fort Myers, along with the Minnesota Twins, but I don't understand the idea of a poor and debt-ridden county paying so much money for a facility that is used for so little time. But, I will go to some games and try not to think of economics.