If you’re looking to take the family out to the old ball game or just need a little something fun to put on the spring/summer calendar, look no further. Our stadium guide details the home stadiums, players, and promotions of various professional and semi-professional sports teams in the area.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Home to: Baltimore Orioles (MLB, AL East)
Notable Personnel: Off the back of an outstanding 2023 season, American League All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman will look to continue his success. Jackson Holliday (pictured above), the number one pick in the 2022 draft, will hope to get the call up to the majors after exceeding expectations in the MiLB last season.
New features: For the first time in Orioles history, the Birds will start all Saturday home games at 4:05 p.m., with the exception of 7:15 p.m. first pitch against the Texas Ranger on June 29th. Upper deck seated that was closed off for the 2023 season will be removed and replaced by social spaces, food/drink areas, and an expansion to the already loved kids’ zone.
Food: Whether you’re looking for a classic ballpark dog at Camden Franks or a sophisticated crab cake at Harris Creek Oyster and Lobster Hut, Camden Yards has several food options. Stop by Harbor Crisps for the “gravy fry chipper,” kettle cut chips loaded with mozzarella and topped with a hefty serving of gravy. Vida Taco Bar offers a simplistic take on tacos and nachos, and serves margaritas.
Parking: Right outside of the ballpark you will find several parking lot options. Lots A, B, C, K and L are closest to the stadium, with additional parking in lots D, E, F, G and H, all of which are located in walking distance just outside of nearby M&T bank Stadium, used for the Baltimore Ravens.
Tickets: Prices vary, with several promotional opportunities throughout the season.
Extras: In December of 2023, the Orioles and the state signed a new lease agreement, set for a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years before renewal again. The “Kids’ Corner” offers several activities for the kids who can’t quite contain all that energy until the 7th inning stretch; from jungle gyms to skee-ball to a moon bounce, the Kids’ Corner has plenty of fun things for the kiddos.
Nationals Park
Home to: Washington Nationals (MLB, NL East)
Notable Personnel: 23-year-old CJ Abrams will look to bounce back after a mediocre second season in the league. Hitting stride in the second half of the season that ultimately ended short and fell into a slump, Abrams gave Nats fans a bit of hope for what’s in store in 2024. Danny Haas, the new scouting director hired in 2023, will take charge of the Nationals rebuild. The 2024 season will allow for Haas’ freedom and flexibility to find the right players.
New features: Showing the dedication to Nationals Park, Events DC has invested $20 to $22 million for a new scoreboard that will debut in the 2024 season.
Food: Nationals Park features over 20 locally-run restaurants, giving you a five start taste while enjoying a nine inning game. Hard Time’s Café and Ben’s Chili Bowl offer hearty dishes of chili, nachos, and high-level hotdog variations. Swizzler takes the classic burger and elevates it, using grass-fed beef and combines it with a locally made potato bun. Looking for plant-based option? Melissa’s Field of Greens offers a menu completely free of meat.
Parking: The main two garages, Garage C and GEICO Garage, open two hours and fifteen minutes prior to the first pitch. Aside from these options, there are various local lots within walking distance for fans that come on a first come, first-serve basis. Metro in to the stadium to avoid parking altogether (Navy Yard station is closest).
Tickets: Prices vary, with several promotional opportunities throughout the season.
Extras: A common staple amongst baseball stadiums, Nationals Park features a kids’ zone with a photo station, PlayStation center, playground, and batting cage. If you need to get moving before the 7th inning stretch, Nationals Park offers views of various D.C. landmarks such as the Washington Monument.
Audi Field
Home to: D.C. United (MLS, Western Conference), Washington Spirit (NWSL)
Notable Personnel: Both soccer teams based in the nation’s capital have hired new managers for the 2024 season. Taking over D.C. United will be Troy Lesesne, the former New York Red Bulls interim head coach during the 2023 season. Lesesne started his coaching career in 2005 at the College of Charleston, before moving into the professional ranks as an assistant coach at the USL level in 2014, and ultimately breaking into the MLS as an assistant coach in 2022. On the women’s side, the Spirit have hired head coach Jonatan Giráldez. Having spent three years as the head coach of F.C Barcelona Women’s, Giráldez brings a winning track record to Audi Field. Giráldez led the women to three consecutive Spanish league titles in his three-year tenure, along with winning the 2023 UEFA Champions League. Having had a couple poor seasons in the last three years, both teams have a lot to prove in 2024.
New features: Having opened in 2018, Audi Field was designed as a soccer-specific stadium (that has hosted lacrosse and football games as well) filled with premium spaces and modern design. Given its recent opening and attention to upkeep, Audi Field will not be in the need for any major renovations, upgrades, or updates in the near future.
Food: Similar to Nationals Park, Audi Field ensures you will have options to experience the local D.C food scene while at sports game. Arepa Zone is a fan favorite for Southern and Latin American cuisine. The pupusas found in various locations through the stadium are always a crowd favorite, and of course you can’t forget some delicious desserts from the Sweet Carousel.
Parking: Geico Garage at Nationals Park opens two hours prior to kickoff for a majority of D.C. United and Washington Spirt games. There are several small lots located around the stadium, most of which can be accessed by paying in person or pre-purchasing parking on the Audi Field SpotHero Parking Page, which can save you up to 50 percent off.
Tickets: Ticket prices vary, with options for: single game tickets, full- and partial-season tickets, group tickets, premium suites, and premium memberships.
Extras: The Chico Stand, sections 136 and 137, is where the D.C United supporters stand, cheer, and sing all game long. “Play on the Pitch” allows youth teams to play on Audi Field during one selected night (teams must fill a minimum 40 ticket purchase). The Washington Spirit offer several promotional nights and are very active in community service/engagement with several ways for fans to get involved each season.
Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium
Home to: Annapolis Blues (NPSL, Mid Atlantic Conference), Navy Athletics (NCAA D1)
Notable Personnel: Jacob Murrell, Blues 2023 leading goal scorer, was selected by D.C United in first round (7th pick) of the 2024 MLS draft and signed his first contract with the club on January 12, 2024. The 2024 season will see the return of head coach Colin Herriot, who will aim to take top talent from the Annapolis area on a deep run toward the NPSL National Championship. Navy women’s lacrosse will host 10 home games, looking for another stellar season from sophomore Ava Yovino, who was named to the 2024 D1 Women’s Preseason All-America list after leading the midshipmen with 92 points (42 goals and 50 assists) in the 2023 season. The men will host eight home games, looking to improve upon last season’s 8-8 record. Jackson Bonitz, Jackson Peters, and Max Hewitt have all been named to the 2024 USA Lacrosse Preseason All-America teams.
New Features: Since it originally opened in 1959, the stadium has gone through a few renovations, starting in 2004. The first change made was an expansion of the west-side press box, followed by new club level seating and lounges. In that same year, the stadium also saw the playing field lowered to allow for more an increased seating capacity of 34,000, along with improvements to ADA accessible facilities.
Food: Food trucks are a staple of Annapolis Blues games found in the parking lot and tailgate areas. With its emphasis on local, the Blues make sure to have as many local restaurants as possible and food trucks on site. Once inside the stadium you will find several classic stadium offerings, along with restaurants such as Chick-Fil-A.
Parking: Parking is available onsite and is composed of two large lots with six gate entrances for general admission and two gates for VIP/ADA access. Parking prices vary based on the team, league and sport being held on that day.
Tickets: Annapolis Blues season tickets are $120 per adult (ages 13-plus), and $96 for youth (12 and younger). Season tickets come with a large amount of promotion such as free scarf, various VIP event access, and other season ticket member exclusives. Single game ticket prices for the Blues forthcoming. Navy lacrosse games are $10 per adult and $5 per youth (12 and under); there is an additional discount for group tickets which require a minimum of 20 tickets purchased.
Extras: The Annapolis Blues have already sold over 4,300 season tickets for the 2024 season. The Blues offer various promotional events throughout the season, such as: youth teams playing on the field before games/at half time, honoring a military member for their service before every game, halftime games for prizes, and much more. The Blues are very active in the community, offering several meet and greets, free clinics, and various other community engagement opportunities.
Prince George’s Stadium
Home to: Bowie Baysox (MiLB Eastern League, Orioles Double-A affiliate)
Notable Personnel: Coby Mayo, third baseman and 2023 Eastern League MVP is one of the top five prospects in the Orioles system. Finishing with 55 RBIs in 62 games, Mayo’s hot streak continuing in the 2024 season will be pivotal to the Baysox success. Catcher Samuel Basallo has caught the attention of a few scouts. Basallo will be a standout player for the Baysox this season, coming into the higher MiLB ranks through the 2023 season after a standout half season with the Delmarva Shorebirds. With the 19-year-old on a fast rise, the only question is how long until he moves onto the MLB?
New features: Since opening in 1994, Prince George’s Stadium has not undergone any major renovations or additions. The Baysox will host the first game of the season, having been on the road three times in the last five seasons for opening day.
Food: Having several of the common baseball concessions, Prince George’s Stadium’s standout favorite among fans is the gyro stand. Offering a Greek twist on classic American food, this is one you cannot miss. It’s not a baseball game without the Dippin Dots, which are offered at several locations throughout the stadium.
Parking: Parking is easily accessible in two locations, a main lot and an auxiliary lot. All parking is free, however you can pay an additional $8 for preferred parking, which will guarantee you a spot in the main parking lot.
Tickets: Ticket prices vary, however the Baysox offer several promotional offers and discounts on a near-nightly basis.
Extras: Kids aged 3–12 are invited onto the field to run around the bases after every Friday and Saturday home game. Those 60-years and older can join the Silver Sox Club, a free of charge membership club that offers in season promotions, luxury suite events, and much more. Additionally, there are firework shows presented after several home games!
Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium
Home to: Aberdeen Ironbirds (MILB South Atlantic League, Orioles High-A Affiliate)
Notable Personnel: Pitcher Kyle Virbitsky finished off last season with a 6-1 record and will look to continue his streak that was just starting at the tail end of the 2023 year. At only 21 years old, Frederick Bencosme has been a hopeful for many Ironbird fans over the last couple years. Seeing a slight drop last season in his OBP from 2022, Bencosme will need to have a standout year if he wants to see a path to the majors.
New Features: Opening in 2002, Leidos Field was designed with top-level facilities and quality design. The stadium has seen minor updates and renovations to what is an already state of the art facility, with no major changes set to take place in the foreseeable future.
Food: Seafood is a staple of Maryland cuisine, so you cannot miss the Richard’s Crab Deck pop up, offered during select games throughout the season. Located along the first base concourse you will find some of the best BBQ in the MiLB. After your main course, finish it off on the third base concourse with ice cream and frozen treats from the South Mountain Creamery.
Parking: Located on site and just outside of the stadium entrance, the easily accessible parking lot with over 1,600 spaces is free for all visitors at home games.
Tickets: The Ironbirds offer various ticketing options, such as: Single games, 5-game flex packs, season tickets, and several promotional offerings.
Extras: Leidos Field plays host to various events outside of baseball. “Brews and Boos” will be back for its fifth year. Leidos Field will be filled with a spooky spectacular, plus contests, food, beverage, and various other events. “Bend it at the Ballpark” allows guests to partake in a Saturday morning yoga session, offered a few times throughout the summer.
Arthur W. Perdue Stadium
Home to: Delmarva Shorebirds (MiLB Carolina League, Orioles Single-A affiliate)
Notable Personnel: After losing Samuel Basallo to the Bowie Baysox, the Shorebirds will rely on a few of their catchers to fill in the big cleats left by Basallo. Pitchers Deivy Cruz and Moisés Chace will need to build a solid rapport with the catchers to continue on their success from the 2023 season.
New Features: 1996 marked the year Arthur W. Perdue Stadium opened. Since then, the only major upgrades were made in 2007, coming via a new scoreboard, 360-degree wrap around deck, and new seats. Given that the Shorebirds are the only professional sports team on the Eastern Shore, the stadium is used sparingly outside of the MiLB season. However, there was recently a new lease agreement signed with Wicomico County that will allow for funding and visions of several improvements to take place in the near future.
Food: Renowned as a crowd favorite, the Bird’s Eye Café on the upper level is the one stop you have to make. From shrimp salad to crab dip and, even, a Delaware favorite, scrapple, the Café is a staple in the diet of Shorebird’s fans.
Parking: There is one parking lot on site for all fans, costing $5 per car and $10 per bus unless a pre-sold pass has already been purchased.
Tickets: Whether you want to pop out to the park for one game or never miss a single at-bat, the Shorebirds have several ticket offerings: Single game, full- and half-season ticket packages, mini plans, and promotional nights.
Extras: Kids 14-and-under are invited to run the bases like their favorite Shorebird after every Sunday home game.
