Ed Smith Stadium /
Sarasota Reds / Cincinnati Reds
(click on the image
for a larger photo)
Year Opened |
1989 |
Capacity |
7,500 |
Architect |
HOK Sport |
Dimensions |
340L, 375LC, 400C, 375RC, 340R |
Playing Surface |
Grass |
Last Visit |
2006 |
Web Site |
sarasotareds.com |
Online Broadcasts |
No |
Online Ticket Sales |
Yes |
Phone |
941/954-4464 |
Ticket Prices (2006) |
Box Seats, $6; General Admission, $5 |
League |
Florida
State League |
Parking |
Plentiful near the ballpark. |
Address/Directions |
2700
12th Street (12th Street and Tuttle Avenue), Sarasota.
Coming from the north on I-75, exit at University
Parkway; go west on University to Tuttle; turn left and
head south on Tuttle; stadium is located on the right at
the intersection of 12th and Tuttle. There is adequate
signage to the ballpark. |
Written by: |
Kevin
Reichard |
Rating |
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(click on the image
for a larger photo)
Ed Smith Stadium is a
very basic ballpark, serving as the spring home of
the Cincinnati Reds and the regular-season home of
the Sarasota Reds. Built in 1989 as the spring
home of the Chicago White Sox, Ed Smith Stadium
lacks many of the amenities you'd expect in spring
training, such as a covered concourse or expanded
concessions.
(click on the image
for a larger photo)
The
design is basic. All seating is between the foul
poles, and seating down each line is not angled
toward the infield. The better seats are in the
back of the grandstand: these seats are shaded.
(click on the image
for a larger photo)
Concessions are in back of the
grandstand. Even for spring training the
concession offerings are basic, though you can
find Big Red Smokies on the menu in the spring..
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for a larger photo)
It’s
no surprise the Reds are seeking a new
spring-training facility. Ed Smith Stadium was
built before the retro movement in Florida
spring-training facilities. While the complex is
convenient for the Reds -- practice fields are
beyond center field -- the ballpark isn't designed
to draw in the fans, and as a result the Reds
rarely sell out a spring game. The situation is
even worse for the Sarasota Reds: there's nothing
at the ballpark to attract the fans, no places to
stand and watch the game, and none of the
specialty areas (like the Tiki Hut in Clearwater)
that have proven so successful both in spring
training and the regular season.
(click on the image
for a larger photo)
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