CITY HOSTS AAU TOURNAMENT

Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota will add to its rich history of baseball tradition by hosting 1,000 of the nation’s best young Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) players at the City of Sarasota Sports Complex and Ed Smith Stadium Sat., July 19 – Fri., July 25, 2008. This is the 12th time in the past 13 years the City has hosted the AAU 14-Under National Championship Tournament.

The 6-day tournament is expected to attract 40 baseball teams from 13 states across the country. It is anticipated the event will stimulate the local economy by an estimated $4 million to $5 million. “Sarasota will see some of the highest quality youth baseball at this tournament as well as a significant impact on the economy,” said Patrick Calhoon, City of Sarasota Sports Facilities Director.

Games are scheduled throughout the Sarasota and Manatee County area, including the Sarasota Sports Complex and Ed Smith Stadium, Cardinal Mooney High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, Sarasota High School’s Ronald Drews Field, and Venice Wellfield Park.

Tickets can be purchased at the Sarasota Sports Complex, 2700 12th Street. Single day passes are $10, and tournament passes $40. Children six and under will be admitted free of charge.

The Florida State League’s Sarasota Reds, the summer tenant at Ed Smith Stadium, will co-sponsor the AAU opening ceremonies at their game Sat., July 19th against the Palm Beach Cardinals at 6pm. Tournament pass holders will get in free.

As part of the AAU tournament activities, the Tampa Bay Rays will host “AAU 14-Under National Championship Rays Night” Tues., July 22nd. The young winner of the tournament’s skills competition held Sat., July 19th will be awarded a Rays field pass. The winner of the home run derby will win a Rays field pass and the honor of throwing out the first pitch the night of July 22nd, when the Rays play the Oakland A’s. Game time is 7:10pm. The Rays are also offering discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more that night.

For more information contact Linda Needs at Ed Smith Stadium: 941-954-4101, ext. 5200.

 

 

For more information, please contact:
Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com