Everything You Need to Know About Camden Yards

The Orioles baseball team, more affectionately known as the Birds or the O’s to locals, is named for the black and orange state bird of Maryland. The team plays ball at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, a natural grass ballpark built in 1992, just minutes away from Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor.

Located downtown, Camden Yards is a short walk from numerous Baltimore attractions like the National Aquarium, Port Discovery Children’s Museum and the Maryland Science Center.

Baltimore Orioles players Luis Aparicio, Roger Bresnahan, Reggie Jackson, Joe Kelley, George Kell, Joe McGinnity, Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Robin Roberts, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson and Hoyt Wilhelm have all been inducted into The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

And let’s not forget fan-favorite and hometown hero, Cal Ripken, Jr., who also has his own spot in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. Nicknamed “Iron Man,” Calvin Edward Ripken, Jr. played in 2,632 straight games with the Orioles, a record that has yet to be broken.

Baltimore’s most famous player, of course, is George Herman “Babe” Ruth, who was recruited in 1914 at the age of 19. His boyhood home at 216 Emory Street near Camden Yards is now the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum and features memorabilia from his childhood and career.

This statue of Babe Ruth sits just outside the Eutaw Street entrance into Camden Yards.

Before you head to Camden Yards for an Oriole’s game,  stop by these places to enjoy a pregame beer or crab pretzel!

Pickles Pub

Pickles Pub attracts throngs of O’s fans every game day!

Located among a cluster of rowhomes across from Camden Yards, Pickles Pub has been around since 1988 and is one of locals’ go-to game day destinations. It offers great happy hour specials and plenty of TVs to watch the game. Try the crab patty, a burger topped with crab dip, and pair it with some crabby fries and a Natty Boh for a classic Bawlmer meal. True to its name, the bar serves beer-battered pickles over tortilla chips.

Pratt Street Ale House

Just down the street from Camden Yards in a converted brick rowhome, Pratt Street Ale House serves an impressive collection of English-style craft brews made off-site at Oliver Brewing Co. Sit outside to catch O’s fans on their way to the game and get your crustacean fix with a crab pretzel, crab mac and cheese or flatbread pizza with crab.

The Orioles Grille at the Sheraton Inner Harbor

Filled with Orioles memorabilia, this bar and restaurant offers traditional favorites such as burgers and sandwiches. Try the Old Bay wings for an extra kick while watching the game on one of the many televisions at The Orioles Grille.

Boots & Brats Biergarten

Open for weekend home games, the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor‘s outdoor beer garden offers various draft and canned brews, including beers from Baltimore-based companies Union Craft Brewing and Heavy Seas Beer, as well as a small food menu with bratwurst and other snack items. The garden also features lawn games, an outdoor TV and music, and the hotel has several rooms overlooking the ballpark if you’re traveling from out of town for a game.

The Yard at the Marriott Inner Harbor

Billing itself as a restaurant that loves sports, The Yard takes pride in its seasonal menu and sourcing of local ingredients. Start the evening with the Old Bay chips or the nachos topped with Natty Boh cheese sauce. Pair it with a local brew or your favorite wine from the self-serve beer and wine wall.

Hampden Yards

Located just off Hampden‘s main drag, 36th Street (aka “The Avenue”), Hampden Yards is a laid-back, dog-friendly and entirely outdoor spot that offers craft beer, cocktails, wine, crushes and bites like brats, burgers and pretzels. Plus, they have outdoor TVs for you to watch the game and board games and foosball on deck to keep you entertained during commercials.

Here in Baltimore, we have a few traditions we like to stick to during Orioles games. Feel free to join in if you want to feel like a true local. When you hear the “Star-Spangled Banner” start playing, be prepared to shout “O” during the first stanza. The crowd also gets to their feet to dance to “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” during the seventh inning stretch. And get ready to declare your allegiance to ketchup, mustard or relish during the great hot dog race on the big screen.

Photo credit: The Baltimore Orioles

Camden Yards prides itself on its wide variety of food options, including plenty of local favorites. Some of our ballpark food favorites include fries topped with crab dip and Old Bay, Stuggy’s hot dogs topped with mac and cheese and crab meat, a fried oyster po’boy sandwich and, of course, a classic Maryland crab cake.

Nothing goes better together than beer and baseball.

Check the schedule to make sure you can catch a home game while you’re in town and buy your tickets here.

Photo credit: The Baltimore Orioles

Fans can get access to exclusive free Orioles merchandise while supplies when they attend certain home games at Camden Yards!

• March 31: Home Opener – Orioles Rally Towel
• April 11: Clear Stadium Bag
• April 18: Hockey Jersey
• May 2-4: Star Wars Weekend – Colton Cowser & Gunnar Henderson Star Wars Bobble Heads
• May 30: Bowling Shirt
• June 14: Beach T-Shirt
• June 15: Straw Hat
• June 25: Pride Jersey
• June 27: City Connect Soccer Jersey
• July 10: Yacht Rock Cap
• July 25: Floppy Hat
• August 22: Cowboy Hat
• September 23: Knit Beanie

See more at Orioles.com/promotions

There are also several activities and events before and after home games at Camden Yards for the whole family to enjoy. Take in spectacular fireworks shows after the home games on June 13, July 11 and August 8. Every Sunday, all kids ages 4-14 can run the bases after every Orioles home game.