Orioles to allow 11,000 fans at Camden Yards

When the Orioles take the field for opening day next month, Camden Yards will reopen at 25% of the stadium’s capacity — a self-imposed restriction stricter than new state rules, team officials announced Friday.

The team said it will host approximately 11,000 fans to begin the season, with all attendees required to wear masks covering their face and nose at all times except when eating or drinking at their assigned seats. The capacity percentage may be revised upward as the public health outlook changes, according to the team.

“The long-awaited return of fans is the result of successful nationwide and organizational efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, increase vaccination access for millions of Americans, and strengthen our economy by bringing employees back to work,” said John Angelos, the team’s chairman and CEO, in a statement. “Just as we did in 2020, the Orioles will remain vigilant in our efforts and will continue to consult medical experts every step of the way as we invite fans back to Oriole Park at Camden Yards to enjoy another successful baseball season.”

To implement proper social distancing in what will be a “pod seating” format with groups of two, four or six fans seated together at least 6 feet apart from other fans, the Orioles said they will immediately begin reseating their Birdland Membership holders. They will be notified by email of changes to their seats, the team said.

Once that process is completed, the team will announce how it will proceed with single-game tickets for all games except the April 8 home opener. Those tickets will be reserved for Birdland members, a special group of multi-game ticket-holders, the team said.

The 25% capacity is ultimately less than the 50% capacity Gov. Larry Hogan announced would be the maximum earlier this week, though Baltimore Mayor Brandon

Scott said the city wouldn’t be following all of those reopening measures.

“The Orioles play a critical role in our road map to recovery and the team’s dedication to the safety of our community is what will allow us to take that first step in welcoming fans back into the ballpark,” Hogan said in a statement. “We will work closely with the Orioles to ensure the proper guidelines are in place for fans to safely enjoy America’s favorite pastime and educate fans on the importance of getting vaccinated.”

Scott issued new rules Friday maintaining the city’s stricter approach to reopening even as other jurisdictions followed Hogan’s lead.