Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2018 campaign launches today. Up next: the Baltimore Orioles and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The theme of the additions to Oriole Park at Camden Yards this year is family-oriented offerings. Highlighted by their new Kids Cheer Free ticket offering, the Baltimore Orioles are introducing new elements to the gameday experience that appear to be aimed at bringing families to the ballpark.
Earlier this month, the Orioles attracted plenty of attention by announcing their new Kids Cheer Free program. Through this offering, adults who purchase a regularly-priced individual game ticket in the upper deck will be invited to bring up to two children (ages nine and under) to the ballpark, compliments of the Orioles. The Orioles launched the program by opening up tickets for games from March 31 through April 29, and tickets for games later in the season will be made available on a month-to-month basis.
Along with the Kids Cheer Free program, the Orioles have announced plans for an expanded Kids’ Corner that will include a new interactive treehouse activity center and jungle gym. Some existing amenities—such as large-sized bobbleheads, and a throwing inflatable—will be retained in the modified Kids’ Corner.
In a change that affects concessions, the Orioles are now offering small, medium, and large sized portions at new price points. The changes in price points are not limited to food and sodas, as both domestic draft beer ($4.00-$8.00) and import and craft beer ($6.75-$9.75) will be available in different sizes. The Orioles are also expanding the availability of their kids’ size hot dogs and sodas, which will now be sold throughout Camden Yards. These items were previously limited to a location at Kids’ Corner.
That will be one part of the changes at Camden Yards this season, as the Orioles have also mixed up their menu offerings. Local staples like Attman’s Deli, Boardwalk Fries, Pinch Dumplings, Pizza John’s, Pollock Johnny’s, and Stuggy’s will have a presence at the ballpark this year. With that mix, the Orioles are covering a broad range of cuisine, including a Crab Mac & Cheese Dog from Stuggy’s and a slate of dumplings from Pinch that includes pork and cabbage, beef and cabbage, and vegan carrot and cabbage.
In another notable addition, the Orioles will make the Lobster Hut available on the lower concourse behind home plate. The Lobster Hut features chopped lobster with Old Bay seasoning and mayo, and can be served on either a New England roll or over tomato wedges.
Image courtesy Baltimore Orioles.