What Maryland Leaders Are Saying: Governor Moore Announces Approval of Historic 30-Year Agreement To Keep the Baltimore Orioles At Camden Yards

Published: 12/21/2023

ANNAPOLIS, MD — On Monday, Governor Wes Moore announced that the Board of Public Works unanimously approved a long-term agreement between the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Baltimore Orioles. The agreement – which keeps the Orioles at Camden Yards for the next thirty years – represents the fruition of countless hours of work from the Moore-Miller Administration and the Maryland Stadium Authority to deliver a deal that benefits all Maryland taxpayers, keeps the Orioles in Baltimore well into the future, and spurs economic growth – through a lens of diversity and inclusion – in the entire City of Baltimore.

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

“The Orioles are a team not just in Baltimore, but of Baltimore, and I could not be more thrilled that they’ll continue to call Oriole Park at Camden Yards their home,” said City of Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “In the ballpark that forever changed baseball, the Orioles will continue to make their mark on our city, while the city shows them our love right back. I want to extend my thanks and congratulations to Governor Moore, Maryland Stadium Authority Chair Craig Thompson, John Angelos and the entire Orioles organization, and everyone involved in getting this deal across the finish line under sometimes difficult circumstances and lots of attention. I said from the beginning that if I had 99 problems, the Orioles staying in Baltimore weren’t one — and, as a lifelong fan, I knew that faith was warranted. I look forward to working with all of our partners as we embrace this next era for the Orioles in Baltimore and take the next steps to modernize Camden Yards to ensure the park and the surrounding area remains a fixture of our downtown for generations to come.”

“An agreement that provides a pathway for the Orioles to remain in Baltimore for years to come is incredible news for our region,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “The Orioles are a significant source of pride for families throughout Baltimore County and we are excited to continue celebrating this historic team. We are grateful to Governor Moore and partners with the Orioles organization who recognize the potential of our region — understanding that a vibrant Baltimore creates economic opportunities for our residents, communities, and businesses across the state.”

“Keeping the Orioles in Baltimore is an incredible win for the State of Maryland,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. Thank you to Governor Moore for getting this deal done right. I look forward to seeing many more years of playoff baseball here in Baltimore.”

“I applaud the partnership and leadership of everyone involved in this process – from the Maryland Stadium Authority to the Baltimore Orioles to leaders in the Moore-Miller Administration and beyond,” said Baltimore City Councilman Julian Jones. “This final deal puts Marylanders first and delivers for Baltimore.”

“Our Baltimore Orioles are the pride and joy of Baltimore City, our region, and our state. This agreement will help unlock the full potential of our region – giving baseball fans a renewed sense of optimism and positivity that the best is yet to come,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “I greatly appreciate the partnership of the Moore-Miller Administration, Treasurer Davis, Comptroller Lierman, and others in securing this critical deal. I look forward to our continued progress in creating economic opportunities that benefit every resident, business, and visitor across our great state.”

“Keeping the Orioles in Baltimore is about more than baseball. This deal will leave an enduring legacy on the trajectory of downtown Baltimore and the communities that benefit from its economic vitality. Baltimore was just ranked one of the fastest growing economies in the nation and this deal will play a pivotal role in accelerating that progress,” said Delegate Mark Edelson. “This is a win for the ballpark, a win for the 46th District and the city, and a win for the state. I am thrilled to see playoff baseball at the Yard for many years to come.”

“The new long-term lease agreement between the Baltimore Orioles and Maryland Stadium Authority is an exciting milestone in continuing this remarkable Baltimore legacy for generations to come. The new agreement holds immense potential to fuel a transformative wave of economic growth throughout the Downtown corridor, marking a significant moment for our entire region, with Downtown Baltimore at its heart,” said President of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore Shelonda Stokes. “We look forward to continuing to be a reliable partner to both our major league teams and commend Governor Wes Moore, the Maryland Stadium Authority, and our winning Baltimore Orioles for their dedication in advancing this promising new era and getting us all across home plate. Let's Go O's!”

“The GBC celebrates the Moore Administration and the Orioles for reaching this momentous agreement, ensuring they’ll remain our hometown baseball team for up to 30 years. The Orioles are an important franchise in American sports, and there's no better place for the team than in the heart of our region. We take no long-term investment for granted and commend Governor Wes Moore and the many partners who worked to secure and deliver this milestone for our city, our region, and our state,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Baltimore Committee Mark Anthony Thomas. “We look forward to GBC’s continued partnership with the Orioles to advance the Baltimore area and anchor the future of our downtown.” 

“It’s been a hard fought few months to get this point,” said Senate President Bill Ferguson. “Just like the 1983 World Series, a talented and dedicated team of individual leaders came together to negotiate the new Camden Yards lease. This lease will move the City of Baltimore and State of Maryland forward under terms that are fair to Marylanders and the Orioles, sparking a renaissance for downtown Baltimore.”

“State assets and resources must always be used in ways that maximize the benefit to Maryland taxpayers,” said Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. “This new lease between the Orioles and the State ensures that the Stadium Authority and the Board of Public Works continue to have rigorous oversight over how state tax dollars are spent - and recourse if needed - while also prompting the Orioles to make their share of investments over the next 30 years. The certainty that comes from knowing fans will be able to enjoy Orioles baseball for decades to come will help bolster the confidence of local businesses and attract new investment to Downtown Baltimore which will help spur continued economic growth.”

###​