I have been to OPACY so many times over the years. Huge O's fan, born and raised on WBAL radio. Every time is an excellent experience for one reason or another. While we didn't win tonight, the atmosphere was awesome. Fans never gave up as we don't in Baltimore!
First things first, if there is a giveaway, I highly recommend arriving early. We were waiting in line to enter by 4:15, the gates should have opened at 5pm; however, they were delayed. We looked at the crowd behind us several times and when the gate finally did open, we turned around to see the updated crowd, and were very happy we got there early. Once inside, we passed by more people that did not have the giveaway hockey jerseys than people that did.
Pre-game experience. The O's have improved greatly with communication. I received an email the day prior saying that they were looking forward to having us. The day of, they essentially sent me a game day report via email, including when the parking lots and gates would open, starting pitchers, and ballpark information. It also included the ability to view a park map.
The big thing the email stressed was the fact that the park and parking lots are completely cashless now. This includes vendors going into the seating area. No cash tips. Unfortunately, O's pay was difficult - in fact, we were unable to do self checkout each time we attempted to. We were not alone, at each area we stopped to purchase something, at least one person had an issue.
The food today was overall really good, we got a smashburger, fries, various drinks, and also took advantage of the Birdland Value Menu with a hot dog and cinnamon pretzel bites. The smash burger was crazy good. Fries crisp and fresh.
Birdland Value Menu: The lower priced hot dog was not nearly as good as the other hot dogs throughout the park, but you can't beat $4. We were there as the park opened and there were no regular pretzel bites which we found a bit odd. The cinnamon sugar ones were very good, and the amount of cream cheese icing you get is quite a lot. The hot dog was on the gray side, but we overall greatly appreciated the lower priced options.
All sodas are now refillable, with soda stations stationed throughout the park. We had thought it was only the Birdland Value Menu soda. Great change!
Something to note. We were at our seats 1 1/2 hours before game time. We had some leftovers and took quick trips to the bathroom. By the time we got back 5 minutes later, the drinks and food were gone. One would think that prior to the game, you can leave things at your seat and ushers would leave it alone. After the game, I completely understand, but prior to the game did not make sense to me. That was the only thing that really left a sour taste in our mouths.
It was really great to see the love for Austin Hayes. It was very classy of the Orioles to have a video montage. I loved being part of his 2 standing ovations that lasted several minutes. He is missed and the ovation was well deserved. You could tell it meant a lot to him.
Regarding stadium upgrades, the audio definitely still needs to be fixed. You can tell that all of the audio is coming out of the jumbotron; however, a lot of times it was still very difficult to understand. I'm looking forward to a complete audio revamp they are planning on during the...
Read moreA Night of Unforgettable Magic at Camden Yards:
As a lifelong Orioles fan who attended my first O’s games at Memorial Stadium, there are games you watch, and then there are nights that become core memories. The Orioles-Dodgers game on Saturday night, September 6th 2025 was the latter, an experience so rich with drama, history, and personal significance that it felt less like a baseball game and more like a beautifully scripted stage play.
From our perfect vantage point in Section 55, my 17-year-old bonus daughter, a die-hard Dodgers fan from Los Angeles with blue and white in her veins, and my Maryland Blue Crab & Old Bay seasoned heart, had an Oriole's-eye view of a masterpiece.
The pitching was nothing short of brilliant. Both staffs (Rodgers and Yamamoto) were locked in a duel, with each inning a study in dominant arms and masterful command. For the visiting Dodgers, the performance on the mound was especially captivating. Yamamoto came within a single out of a no-hitter, leaving the crowd in a state of suspended disbelief. It was an exhibition of talent that even the most biased home fans had to respect, and it was a thrill to watch a performance of that caliber from a rival player.
But this night was so much more than just the game. The pre-game celebration of Cal Ripken’s historic 2131-game record was a poignant, powerful display of baseball reverence. Standing and cheering alongside legends of the game, it was a moment of true nostalgia that connected generations of baseball fans. To see the Orioles celebrating one of their heroes while simultaneously hosting another iconic franchise made the atmosphere electric.
Then came the ninth inning. Against all odds, with the potential no-hitter having just been broken up and facing a seemingly insurmountable deficit, the Orioles pulled off an improbable, heart-stopping comeback. It was pure, unadulterated "Orioles Magic," and the roar of the crowd was a sound I’ll never forget.
What made the night truly special, however, was sharing it with my daughter. Five years after relocating to Maryland, astonishingly enough, this was her first time at Camden Yards, and she was absolutely enthralled.
The stunning brick warehouse, the charming sightlines, and the general buzz of the park captivated her instantly. Her indoctrination was completed at Boog’s BBQ, where she instinctively loaded her giant sandwich with onions and BBQ sauce, an act of a seasoned veteran.
Despite the heartbreaking loss for her Dodgers, she was smiling from ear to ear, soaking in every minute. After the Orioles sealed the win with a walk-off, she even high-fived her bonus dad. The game was a memory of a lifetime, a perfect blend of our two baseball worlds colliding in the best possible way & forging a memory that we will both...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of visiting Orioles Park at Camden Yards, and I must say, it was an absolute home run of an experience! From the moment I walked through the gates, I was captivated by the charm and beauty of this historic ballpark.
First and foremost, the location of Orioles Park is fantastic. Situated in the heart of Baltimore, it's easily accessible and surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a great time, this place has it all.
The architecture of the stadium is simply stunning. Camden Yards seamlessly blends the old and the new, with its iconic red-brick facade and modern amenities. The attention to detail is impeccable, and you can feel the rich history of the Orioles franchise as you walk through the concourse.
Once inside, the atmosphere is electric. The passionate fans bring a contagious energy that adds to the excitement of the game. The seating arrangement provides excellent sightlines from virtually every section of the ballpark, ensuring you won't miss any of the action on the field.
The food options at Camden Yards are a home run as well. From classic ballpark favorites like hot dogs and nachos to local delicacies, there's something for everyone. I highly recommend trying the Maryland crab cakes; they are simply delicious!
What truly sets Camden Yards apart is the palpable sense of tradition and community. The Orioles organization goes above and beyond to create an enjoyable experience for fans of all ages. Whether it's the pre-game activities, the behind-the-scenes tours, or the interactive exhibits, there's always something to keep you engaged and entertained.
The park is also well-maintained and clean, with friendly and helpful staff members who ensure everything runs smoothly. Restrooms and facilities are easily accessible, and there are ample amenities to accommodate large crowds.
In conclusion, Orioles Park at Camden Yards is a must-visit destination for any baseball enthusiast or anyone looking to have a memorable time. Its timeless charm, top-notch facilities, and passionate atmosphere make it one of the best stadiums in the country. Whether you're cheering for the Orioles or just enjoying a day out with friends and family, this ballpark will leave you with unforgettable memories. I can't wait to return and experience the...
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