A Unique Venue for Sarasota Arts

We often hear about all the amazing things there are to do in and around downtown Sarasota. The arts, the beaches, the shopping… but did you know that our beloved Ed Smith Stadium hosts more than just pre-season baseball? That’s right, the Orioles club at Ed Smith are here year-round and one of their missions is to provide unique experiences under the stars at their spring training ballpark, hence Arts in the Ballpark was born.

Six years ago for some holiday entertainment, Ed Smith Stadium hosted “Ice on the Diamond,” a dazzling figure-skating show. It was the beginning of a vision to use the park to bring the arts to our community in a whole new way. Since then, the ballpark has hosted the Sarasota Orchestra multiple times, the Jazz Club of Sarasota, and even a couple small music festivals. Don’t be overwhelmed of the word “stadium” in the venue; the audience is kept small, only utilizing the rows from one side of the field so everyone has a good view!

What’s Playing Now

On May 11 & 12, the Sarasota Orchestra was back for a fun night, its annual Pops concert. Women Rock! was aptly performed on Mother’s Day Weekend. The show, which blended the orchestra with strong female vocalists in tribute of women in rock music, was a fun night of familiar tunes, incredible singers, and beautiful orchestral support right under the stars.

Up next, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will be performing their 70’s Soul Party Saturday, May 18 . Always fun to watch, the gentlemen of WBTT will sing and dance their way through 70’s classics such as “Brick House,” “Superstition,” and “September.”

Don’t leave early to beat the traffic if you attend, because the fireworks display that follows up every one of the Arts in the Ballpark performances is one of the best in Sarasota.

Check it Out

We are fortunate to have so many venues in which to enjoy the arts here in Sarasota, but the ability to experience it under the stars on a baseball field performed in front of a small audience is a unique and fun experience that you should not miss. Find out more about the events happening at Arts in the Ballpark on their website here.