Everything You Need to Know About Camden Yards

History

About the Orioles

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.

Famous Players

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.

Babe Ruth statue outside of Camden Yards.

Pregame Fun

Where to go before the game.

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

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.

Maryland Yards

Directly across the street from Camden Yards, Maryland Yards offers an elevated yet inviting game day experience. When the Orioles play at home, you can enjoy drink specials on draft beers, crushes, bombs and more. Coming with a group? Indulge in the beer tower featuring your choice of Guilford Hall draft. And if you need a pregame meal, you’ll find plenty of Maryland classics on the Maryland Yards menu, including crab dip and Smith Island cake.

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.

Traditions

What to expect at an Orioles game

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:

For the ultimate fan experience, purchase a seat in the Bird Bath Splash Zone (sections 84 and 86). Come prepared with a signature celebratory move, whether it’s turning on the faucet, activating the sprinklers or drinking out of the homer hose. And don’t forget your waterproof clothes; Chief Hydration Officer Mr. Splash hoses down the section after extra base hits!
Don yourself in head-to-toe orange during Orange Out Saturdays to match the team, and enjoy orange-themed concessions.
When you hear the “Star-Spangled Banner” start playing, be prepared to shout “O” during the first stanza.
Root for your favorite condiment during the Berks hot dog race!

Get on your feet to dance to “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” during the seventh inning stretch.
Declare your allegiance to ketchup, mustard or relish during the Berks hot dog race. An animated version typically airs on the jumbo screen, but a live race with mascots takes place during Sunday home games and select dates throughout the season.

Food

What to eat at Camden Yards.

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.