Oriole Park at Camden Yards: Still Stands Out After nearly
15 Years
I rank this park 4 out of 30
Amenities: As the second park of the modern era, Camden Yards
was the one that really kicked off the amenity fight. The concourses are wide, although they don't overlook the field. The
right field concourse is one of the best social areas in the game. Crab cakes and other regional specialties make the food
decision tough. The seats are comfortable, and most have good views, but for a small portion in right center. The scoreboard
is attractive, but not that informative.
History: The Orioles, ready to leave decaying Memorial Stadium,
asked fans where to build the ballpark, and the warehouse district was chosen over 11 other possibilities. In 1992, the park
opened to much fanfare. In 1995, Cal Ripken Jr. set the games played record, and the Orioles' new home was cemented as one
of the great parks. By the way, in center field, just outside the park, is the spot of Babe Ruth's original home.
Location: The park is accessible from downtown, though it's not
an easy walk. There is plenty of parking nearby, as the football stadium is right next door. We couldn't mention location
without mentioning the warehouse. This park wouldn't be the same without the giant orange warehouse in right. There is also
a small view of downtown out center field.
Atmosphere: The Nationals were expected to take away some revenue
from the Orioles, and that does look to be the case, but the Os will survive. They get large baseball-saavy crowds, many of
whom still wear Ripken gear to the games.
Aesthetics: I won't fault the park since it was the original to
do so, but having a brick exterior isn't unique. Green seats, unpainted cement, metal old fashioned gates, three decks...all
very typical of new parks, but mostly because Camden did them so well. The field is nice enough, but nothing special. It's
a clean park, at least cleaner than some others its age. Again, though, what makes this park unique is pretty much the warehouse.
