Oriole Park at Camden Yards is home to the Baltimore Orioles, Maryland’s only MLB team. The first stadium to boast a “retro-classic” look, it became an inspiration for traditional-feeling asymmetrical ballparks in many US cities and also encouraged “retro-modern” ballpark designs. Its unique and astounding history led fans to call the Oriole Park stadium “the Ballpark That Forever Changed Baseball” and “Hitter’s Ballpark.”

Since its day of the inauguration, Oriole Park at Camden Yards has witnessed many unforgettable games, outstanding players, cheering crowds, and fans to get listed as one of the most-sighted baseball parks. A super family-friendly environment offering endless adventures and all essential modern amenities continues to rank it among the most favored baseball stadiums.

The History

 Oriole Park at Camden Yards replaced the multipurpose Memorial Stadium as Baltimore’s top MLB venue. When the Orioles moved to the city in 1954, they shared the stadium with the NFL franchise Baltimore Colts. In 1984, the Colts dubbed the stadium as “antiquated” and made a highly controversial decision to relocate to Indianapolis. This prompted the city administration to plan a new, bigger sports arena to keep the Orioles and avoid losing their status as a major-league city.

For the new ballpark, the city opted for an 85-acre site few blocks away from the Inner Harbor. It was adjacent to the birthplace of Babe Ruth, the Yankee great and one of baseball’s most famous stars. Oli Jacobs, the then Orioles owner wanted to name it Oriole Park. But then Maryland Governor William Schaefer suggested calling it Camden Yards. Finally, it was named Oriole Park at Camden Yards to keep both of them happy.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards was opened for the public on April 6, 1992, with hosts beating the Cleveland Indians. Chris Hoiles scored the first run.

 Design and Renovations

The construction started in 1989 and went on for 33 months later. Architectural consultant Janet Marie Smith played a key role in preferring a “retro-classic” style. Ashton Design introduced vintage logos, illustrations, and designs that spoke about the Orioles’ turn-of-the-century origins. The construction cost was $110 million, which is equal to $220 million in 2020.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards has some of the most eye-pleasing corners to lure visitors. Look at any of the sides, and you will find something mesmerizing to cherish. From the upper deck, fans can enjoy the vibrant and finest view of the Baltimore skyline. At least 21 other ballparks find their inspiration in Oriole Park’s famed design, key features, and baseball concepts. This included Progressive Field in Cleveland, NYC New Yankee Stadium, and Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago.

The 2008 renovation added a new HD video display and scoreboard while the sound system was upgraded in 2009. Improvements were there adding party suites and luxury boxes before the 2011 season. A year later, the upper deck, food court, and the central field lounge underwent modifications and the Oriole Baseball Hall of Famers was added to celebrate the 20th anniversary. 

The Pinnacle

The Orioles finished third in the inaugural season and the next and won 1997 and 2014 East Division Titles while based at the ballpark. Oriole Park at Camden Yards hosted the 1993 All-Star Game. Cal Ripken surpassed the 2,130 consecutive games played by Lou Gehring during the 1995 season. A 1999 fan voting ranked his performance on that day “the all-time baseball moment of the 20th century.”

Oriole Park at Camden Yards witnessed an MLB record of 257 home runs in the 1996 season. The Orioles hosted the Cuban national team in May 1999. Cal Ripken bade adieu to baseball in 2001 and the final home game preceded a ceremony retiring his No. 8 jerseys.

The 2000 season saw a massive 40,000-plus average crowd making Oriole Park at Camden Yards second rank holder in the league. First baseman Chris Davis hit a 16-RBI record at the 2013 home opening game and this included a grand slam. Four days later, he became the player with the most home runs in the team history.

Purely Baseball Things To Know

• Oriole Park has two orange chairs amid 45,000+ green chairs. The orange chair at Seat 23, Row 7 in Section 96 is the landing place of Eddie Murray’s 500th home run. Other Seat 10, Row FF in Section 86 commemorates the spot where Ripken’s record-breaking 278th home run hit the stand.
• The Orioles hosted Texas Rangers on August 22, 2007, and it broke all scoring records of the past 110 years.
• Brian Roberts made a team record 59 doubles in 2009.
• Then US President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore were in attendance when Cal Ripken surpassed Lou Gehrig’s record on September 6, 1995.
• On June 30, 2009, the home team made a record comeback win from a 10-1 deficit against the Boston Red Sox.
• Chris Hoiles’s rare grand slam scored on May 17, 1996, continues to mesmerize baseball lovers around the world.
• Oriole Park at Camden Yards hosted the Cuban national baseball team on May 3, 1999.
• Hideo Nomo walked with three with a strike rate of 11 on April 4, 2001, to register his name as the first no-hitter at the ballpark.

Other Events

•  Paino man Billy Joel hold his concert at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 26, 2019.
• Pope John Paul II graced the mass at the ballpark during his US visit in 1995.