What They Are Saying: Maryland Stadium Authority, Governor Moore and the Baltimore Orioles Agree on Terms to Keep the Team in Baltimore for 30 Years and Revitalize Downtown Baltimore

Published: 9/29/2023

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Yesterday, the Maryland Stadium Authority, Baltimore Orioles and Governor Wes Moore finalized a memorandum of understanding that will keep the Orioles in Baltimore for at least 30 years, modernize facility operations at the best price for Maryland taxpayers, and boost private sector development to revitalize downtown Baltimore City and create more opportunity for all.

Here is what business professionals, elected officials, and community leaders are saying about the agreement:  

"As a life-long Orioles fan, it’s exciting to learn that Governor Moore, the Maryland Stadium Authority and Baltimore Orioles negotiated a quality agreement that keeps the Orioles in Baltimore City,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. “The O’s and Camden Yards are core to Baltimore’s developing downtown entertainment district and now will continue to bring Marylanders together for decades to come. Keeping the Orioles in Baltimore City is vital to Maryland’s growth and future development. This 30-year partnership between the state and Baltimore Orioles is an investment in Maryland and our city. Go O’s!”

“The Orioles have become an integral part of Baltimore’s DNA over the past seven decades, with fans and the team sticking together through the good times and the bad,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. “This new agreement is welcome news for this city – we’re all excited to cheer them on for years to come. Let’s go O’s!”

“Like the Orioles clinching the AL East, this agreement is a victory to celebrate – it’s a win for Maryland, for Baltimore, for the team and its fans,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger. “It ensures our beloved Orioles will remain in the country’s best ballpark for another three decades, with opportunities for more playoffs and, hopefully, more championships along with new investments and more jobs. I congratulate all of the parties for negotiating in good faith and for prioritizing the city’s revitalization.”

“For nearly 70 years, the Baltimore Orioles have been central to the city's identity, culture and local economy. As a lifelong Orioles fan who has had the privilege of representing the Baltimore region in Congress, I am pleased that the O’s will continue playing in Camden Yards,” said Congressman John Sarbanes. “I applaud Governor Moore and the Baltimore Orioles for reaching an agreement that will create good-paying jobs, boost our state economy and continue to bring communities across our region together for decades to come.”

“With the passing of legendary, all-star third baseman Brooks Robinson and the clinching of the American League East pennant, Baltimore has a bittersweet moment to savor this fall. The Orioles continuing their championship run in Camden Yards this October and for 30 more years is an exclamation point which all Marylanders can get behind,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey. “I support Governor Moore’s move to keep one of Charm City’s economic anchors deeply rooted in downtown Baltimore.  It is good for our state spirit and for our sense of pride. Congratulations to the Orioles and to Governor Wes Moore in reaching this promising agreement.”

“The day after the Orioles clinched the AL East title, this is incredibly exciting news – not only for Orioles fans, but also for the thousands of Marylanders who depend on the jobs this team brings to Baltimore. For Maryland, this deal is a win-win,” said Congressman David Trone. “I commend Governor Moore, the Maryland Stadium Authority, and the Orioles for their work in reaching this agreement, ensuring the team’s continued success, and driving economic opportunities in the city. As a lifelong fan, I join millions across our state in celebrating this news.”

“I want to congratulate Governor Moore on a deal that delivers for the community, the fans, and the AL East Champion Orioles,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “Let's go O's!” 

“I want to congratulate the Governor on recognizing how important investment in downtown Baltimore is to the region and the entire State,” said MCB Real Estate Managing Partner P. David Bramble. “I am glad the Orioles have committed to stay in Baltimore for another 30 years. If we are all bullish on Baltimore, we can spur ongoing private investment that will lead to the transformational change we need in our city and region.”

“The Orioles have demonstrated the ability to engage its fan base, the transition to engaging the community in community economic development will be seamless,” said Union Baptist Church Pastor Emeritus and Beloved Community Services Corporation Founder Alvin C. Hathaway, Sr. “Beloved Community Services Corporation is here to assist. We applaud the Governor Moore administration and the Orioles for consummating this deal!” 

“The entire National Aquarium team is thrilled at the news that the Orioles will continue to be our downtown neighbors for the next 30 years,” said National Aquarium Chief Executive Officer John Racanelli. “We could not be more excited by the O's amazing season, and we hope to keep lighting our pyramid orange right through the World Series. We applaud the vision of Governor Wes Moore and the State of Maryland's continued investment in Baltimore City.”

“What a great win for Baltimore to clinch the number AL East Title and to seal the deal on being our team for another 30 years. It adds even more substance to the slogan of the new and bold leadership of our Governor Wes Moore of leaving no one behind. And he is determined to ensure that Maryland is the leading State in the country and that Baltimore’s best days are ahead of us,” said Southern Baptist Church Pastor Bishop Donté L. Hickman, Sr. “Kudos to John Angelos for demonstrating that the history, culture and tradition of the Baltimore Orioles will continue to have a transformative impact upon successive generations through employment, economic empowerment, entertainment and excellence. In times like these I’m so proud to be a Baltimorean. Go O’s.”

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