ANNAPOLIS, MD — 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.
Business professionals, elected officials, and community leaders continue to praise the agreement: “As a longtime Orioles fan, I am pleased to see an agreement has been reached that will hopefully benefit Baltimore and the State of Maryland for decades to come. My priority will always be getting the best deal for the state and our taxpayers,”
said Maryland Treasurer Dereck Davis. “The Baltimore Orioles have been a source of pride for our state since 1901, and now that they are staying put, it's time to cheer on our team and head to the playoffs.”
“Baltimore Development Corporation is pleased that the State of Maryland and Orioles have reached an agreement to keep the Orioles in Baltimore City for decades to come. We appreciate the commitment of Governor Moore and the Orioles to work together and invest in downtown Baltimore for the long-term,”
said Baltimore Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Colin Tarbert. “We look forward to learning more about the private development components to once again make Oriole Park at Camden Yards a national model of economic development and downtown reinvestment.”
Statement from the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks Maryland:“The announcement of a memorandum of understanding between the Baltimore Orioles’ and the Maryland Stadium Authority ensures the presence of the storied baseball franchise in Baltimore City will span a century. When the Orioles arrived in 1954 they were Baltimore’s first professional sports franchise. Since then– through World Series celebrations, downtown parades, celebrations of individual streaks, and, most recently, the mourning of a beloved local hero, Baltimoreans and local businesses have rallied behind and supported the team and its players.
Successful sports franchises help boost a city’s civic pride and image. The Orioles’ recent run to the American East title is Exhibit A of this effect. But this agreement is extremely significant because it provides the opportunity to leverage the draw of Camden Yards to make the stadium complex and adjoining communities vibrant mixed-use places to dine, work, shop, and play every week of the year whether there is a game or not. In 2022 3.1 million fans attended Atlanta Braves home games but The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park, seen by many as the future of mixed-use stadium complexes, drew 10 million visitors.
A uniquely Baltimore version of The Battery or other similar mixed-use complexes will provide tangible economic development and quality-of-life benefits for a wide variety of stakeholders. Specifically neighboring communities, local charities downtown businesses, hotels, and restaurants.
NAIOP Maryland supports and encourages these endeavors. Our association looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to help the stadium complex and the surrounding communities achieve their full potential.”
“Amazing news! Now lets celebrate with some playoff wins! #LetsGoOs”
said Delegate Dana Jones.