Multi-Year Partnership Will Cross Promote The Two Organizations And Their Mutual Commitment To Sarasota – Michael Saunders & Company has launched a multi-year partnership agreement with the Baltimore Orioles, it was announced today from the company’s headquarters in downtown Sarasota, Florida. The two organizations saw an opportunity to link the growing number of Orioles fans visiting Sarasota with a team of local real estate experts who could help them purchase, rent or simply inquire about properties throughout Southwest Florida.
“Florida in March usually conjures up visions of perfect weather and pristine beaches; and Sarasota unquestionably offers the best of both,” says Drayton Saunders, president of Michael Saunders & Company. “But for more people than you might imagine, Sarasota is the only place to be in March when the Baltimore Orioles take to the field and toss the first pitch of their 2016 Spring Training season.”
The partnership agreement comes just as tourism to Sarasota from the Orioles’ home market has reached record levels, largely thanks to a multi-platform marketing package the Orioles provide to showcase Visit Sarasota County’s tourism campaign. Last year, visitors from the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area travelled to Sarasota County in such increased numbers that the mid-Atlantic region now surpasses the New York area as the number one source of visitors to Sarasota.
“Thanks to the Orioles, we can also be proud that Sarasota has received yet another honor to add to its long list of community accolades,” Saunders adds. “Ed Smith Stadium just received the Field of the Year award for 2015 from the Sports Turf Managers Association, placing Sarasota’s ballpark among the best professional sports facilities in the country. Sarasota is truly Birdland South.”
The Orioles have been a part of the Sarasota community for more than two decades, operating an athletic training center at Twin Lakes Park since 1991. Since the ballclub moved Major League training operations to Sarasota in 2010, more than 650,000 fans have enjoyed Orioles’ Spring Training games at Ed Smith Stadium.
“What thrills me most about our partnership with the Orioles is that it unites two great organizations steeped in values and tradition; and with a deep sense of commitment to the Sarasota community and its residents, especially our youth,” adds Michael Saunders, the company’s founder and CEO.
“The Orioles’ activities in Sarasota County go well beyond Spring Training baseball. Their organization hosts a variety of baseball and non-baseball events and activities throughout the year; and, like Michael Saunders & Company, is committed to year-round community-focused philanthropy. Similar to our MSC Foundation, the Orioles embrace local youth activities, charitable causes, and other civic priorities through its Sarasota 365 and OriolesREACH initiatives.”
Opening Day for Orioles Spring Training is Tuesday, March 1 against the Atlanta Braves in Lake Buena Vista. The home opener at Ed Smith Stadium is Wednesday March 2 at 1:05 p.m., also against the Braves.
To learn more about the Baltimore Orioles and the Spring Training season in Sarasota, visit orioles.com/sarasota. To find out more about Sarasota real estate and the residential and commercial opportunities available in Southwest Florida, visit michaelsaunders.com.
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