The Baltimore Orioles have asked fans to take a survey regarding plans for a renovation at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The survey offered a lot of insight into the team’s ideas for the stadium which include many new social spaces and amenities.
The Orioles have a new 15- to 30-year lease at Oriole Park at Camden Yards which unlocks $600 million in taxpayer-financed bonds for stadium improvements. This funding was authorized last year by the Maryland General Assembly.
The survey had a section on potential “seating experiences” and “seating areas.” Here’s additional information on what the survey said.
Seating Experiences
The first concept in the survey was a “Family Zone.” About:
The first concept to consider is a larger, improved, and dedicated area for families and children.
The family area could include a large playground, lawn games, snack shacks, wiffle ball field, batting cage, baseball radar gun, and more.
All the images below are from the survey. They are all conceptual images from other ballparks and not renderings.
Concept #2 is an “In-Stadium Museum.” About:
In addition to monument park, a dedicated team museum could be created that pays homage to the Orioles organization, from the history, fans, and players.
The museum would house some of the organization’s most famous memorabilia, trophies, and share stories of the players and teams past.
Concept #3 is “Crab Shack.” A picture of Nick’s Fish House was shown, but no additional details were provided.
Concept #4 is “Pre-Game Dining.” About:
Premium Pre-Game Dining could include access to a private club with a buffet, purchased in addition to your gameday ticket, or an in-venue sit-down restaurant experience. Both would provide elevated food and drink options inspired by local flavors, along with early access to the ballpark.
Concept #5 is a “Membership Club.” About:
Members of this exclusive club will enjoy year-round access to a newly-designed social club situated within the warehouse with sightlines into Camden Yards. This club, featuring a restaurant and bar, will be activated throughout the year, serving as a members-only lounge space on gamedays and hosting a wide range of events and programming on non-game days (e.g., watch parties & game nights), ensuring members stay connected with the Orioles year-round.
Seating Areas
Concept #1 for seating areas is “The Nest.” About:
This social patio, standing-room only area provides fans a casual environment to enjoy the action with a view of the field.This social patio experience might include drink rails and/or high top bar tables on a first-come-first-served basis, and include various common areas for fans to gather on gameday. The experience typically features pre-game entertainment, access to nearby televisions, dedicated concession stands with expanded food and beverage options, and a private bar.
The survey said this area could be behind home plate in the upper deck or behind the visitors dugout in the club level.
Concept #2 for seating areas is the “Loge Box.” About:
This premium seating experience provides the comfort and convenience of a semi-private seating area.
These private tables include four comfortable chairs, a shared table space with your party, and a premium sightline to the field. Furthermore, guests in this seating experience would receive one premium parking pass along with in-seat food and beverage services.
Concept #3 is the “Premium Club.” About:
Another concept is a Premium Club Seat with access to an exclusive lounge space.
This premium club features infield level cushioned seats, upscale all-inclusive dining plus a full-service private bar, and access to an exclusive climate-controlled lounge with the comfort of luxurious furniture. Club lounge décor can vary from an upscale sports bar to a luxurious lounge space, all highlighting local aspects that are unique to the community.
The survey said this club could be behind home plate on the first or second level, or behind the dugouts. This concept has been seen at many new and renovated stadiums such as National Park, Yankee Stadium, and Rogers Centre.
Concept #4 is a “Field Level Lounge.” About:
This premium club offers the closest seats to the action, sunken at field level. The lounge could be located between the dugouts and foul poles or directly behind the outfield fence, both just feet away from the players. Tickets would include access to oversized, theater-style seats, an exclusive lounge area and full-service bar directly behind the seats all with a view onto the field, a curated rotating all-inclusive menu, and VIP parking.
Concept #5 is a “Social Suite.” About:
Social suites offer the perfect balance of a private party space and shared communal area for networking with other suite holders. In a Social Suite, guests will receive indoor and outdoor seating for a scenic view of the field, annual food and beverage credit, a dedicated suite attendant and access to a climate-controlled club lounge only accessible to Suite ticket holders.
The social suites would be in the club level.
Baltimore-born billionaire David Rubenstein took over as controlling owner of the Baltimore Orioles at the start of the season. Along with improving Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Rubinstein is looking to develop areas around the stadium as well.
In a statement Rubenstein said, “Importantly, the impact of the Orioles extends far beyond the baseball diamond. The opportunity for the team to catalyze development around Camden Yards and in downtown Baltimore will provide generations of fans with lifelong memories and create additional economic opportunities for our community.”
Rubenstein is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, a private equity company that has invested more than $19 billion in United States real estate.
Rubenstein’s partners include Michael Arougheti, co-founder and chief executive officer of Ares Management, and Mitchell Goldstein and Michael Smith, co-heads of the Ares Credit Group. Ares Management has $48.8 billion of real estate assets under management as of September 30, 2023.
SouthBMore.com Photos of Oriole Park at Camden Yards
