The Orioles are planning to remove 2,000 seats from the left field upper deck at Oriole Park and create a new “social space” in time for Opening Day in 2027.
The change will reduce the estimated ballpark seating capacity at Oriole Park to 40,234, but it will give fans a new vantage point from which to view home games.
The as-yet unnamed space, on the left field upper deck, will be accessible to all ticketed fans. On non-game days, it will be available to be rented for private events, just as the new Bud Light Talon performance and gathering space at M&T Bank Stadium is.
The project is part of a trend in which sports teams are exploring ways to create spaces that can be active during home games and then generate more revenue at times when games aren’t scheduled. Replacing fixed seats with more flexible spaces is one way to do that. Adding more places to buy a wide range of food and drinks, rather than relying on roving vendors, is another potential way to generate more revenue.
Construction is expected to begin immediately so the new space is ready by the start of the 2027 season.
“Guests will be able to enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere with drink rails, standing room viewing areas, spacious gathering zones with tables and chairs, a central bar, diverse concession offerings, and televisions positioned throughout the space to follow every pitch,” the team said in a press announcement.
“We’re extremely excited to begin these renovations and bring this space to life at Oriole Park,” said Catie Griggs, Orioles President, Business Operations, in a statement.
“We’ve listened to our fans, who have expressed a desire for more social spaces that offer a vibrant atmosphere to gather, connect, and cheer on the O’s together,” Griggs said. “We’re confident this will quickly become a popular destination inside our gates next season.”
“By strategically reimagining existing spaces at Oriole Park at Camden Yards we are creating new game-day experiences while expanding opportunities for year-round business and community use,” said Lindsey Parker, the new Executive Director of the Maryland Stadium Authority, in a statement.
The stadium authority manages the ballpark for the State of Maryland, its owner, and serves as the Orioles’ landlord.
“The Maryland Stadium Authority looks forward to our continued partnership with the Baltimore Orioles on these renovation projects and ensuring this iconic ballpark continues to serve fans, the community, and the State of Maryland for years to come,” Parker said.
