Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is the iconic home of the Baltimore Orioles, located in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It opened in 1992 and is the first of the so-called 'retro-style' ballparks that were built during the 1990s. It has become a popular destination for both baseball fans and tourists alike, and is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball (MLB).
History
Oriole Park at Camden Yards was built to replace the aging Memorial Stadium, which had served as the home of the Orioles since its opening in 1954. The new park was designed by the architectural firm HOK Sport, with the intention of creating a modern stadium that still embodied the traditional feel of a classic baseball park. Construction began in 1989 and the park was opened in 1992, with a capacity of 48,876.
Location
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is located in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, and is part of the Camden Yards Sports Complex, which includes the adjacent M&T Bank Stadium, home to the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. The ballpark is accessible by car and public transportation, and is located near many local attractions, such as the National Aquarium and the Inner Harbor.
Capacity
Oriole Park at Camden Yards has a seating capacity of 45,971, with approximately 7,000 additional standing-room tickets available for certain games. The ballpark also has luxury seating options, such as the Eutaw Street Club and the Flag Court, which offer premium views of the field.
Design
Oriole Park at Camden Yards was designed to be a modern stadium with a classic feel. It features a brick and steel exterior, along with an open concourse that allows fans to walk around the entire ballpark. The park also features an asymmetrical playing field, with the bullpens located in foul territory. The dimensions of the field are 325 feet to left field, 375 feet to center field, and 340 feet to right field.
Amenities
Oriole Park at Camden Yards features many amenities, such as concession stands, souvenir shops, and a team store. The park also has a number of different dining options, including a sit-down restaurant, a bar and grill, and a variety of food stands. In addition, fans can enjoy a variety of activities, such as batting cages and a miniature golf course.
Team
The Baltimore Orioles are a Major League Baseball team that has been based in Baltimore since 1954. The team is currently a member of the American League East Division and has won three World Series titles and six American League pennants. The Orioles have a long and storied history, and have featured some of baseball's greatest players, including Cal Ripken Jr., Eddie Murray, and Brooks Robinson.
Fan Experience
The fan experience at Oriole Park at Camden Yards is like no other. The park is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and passionate fans, who often dress in orange and black and cheer on their team throughout the game. The park also features a variety of activities, such as the Kids' Zone, which features interactive games and activities for children.
Famous matches played at the Oriole Park at Camden Yards
- July 13, 1993 - Cal Ripken, Jr. plays in his 2,131st consecutive game, breaking Lou Gehrig's record.
- October 7, 1997 - Brady Anderson hits a record-tying 3 home runs in a single game.
- October 7, 1997 - Eddie Murray hits his 500th career home run at Oriole Park.
- October 14, 1997 - The Orioles win the American League Championship Series at home.
- October 19, 1997 - The Orioles win their first World Series since 1983.
- October 5, 2012 - Chris Davis hits his 50th home run of the season, setting a new franchise record.
- October 10, 2016 - Mark Trumbo hits a record-setting 47th home run of the season.
- October 8, 2018 - Manny Machado hits a walk-off home run in the 10th inning, clinching the Orioles' spot in the playoffs.
