In the hope of drawing more families with children to games on school nights, the Orioles are pushing up the start time of some weeknight games in 2020, to 6:35 p.m. from 7:05 p.m.
The earlier first pitch will affect games before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, when kids are back in the classroom. In all, 16 home games will take place a half hour earlier as a result of the change, nine in April and May and seven in September.
“The earlier start time for select weekday games is based upon extensive feedback from our fanbase as we continue to explore efforts that can enhance the Oriole Park experience for families, children, and fans of all ages,” Greg Bader, Orioles Senior Vice President of Administration and Experience, said in statement.
The O’s will continue other programs to create what Bader called the “most family-friendly experience in Major League Baseball,” including the Kids Cheer Free program giving free tickets to children age 9 and younger with the purchase of a regularly priced upper deck ticket.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards also has a Kids’ Corner with a recently renovated playground and kid-size food and drinks at a reduced price.
Sunday home games will keep a 1:05 p.m. start time, ending with the popular post-game rounding of the bases for all children ages 4 to 14.
