Oriole Park’s left field upper deck to be converted into social space

The left field upper deck at Oriole Park at Camden Yards has seldom been used in recent years. That’s set to change.

Ahead of next year’s opening day, the Maryland Stadium Authority will remove about 2,000 seats from that area and convert it into a gathering space where fans can sit next to TVs or watch the action from standing room viewing areas. It will be open to all ticketed fans and can be rented out on nongame days, too.

Renderings depict a standing crowd, as well as a covered space with tables and chairs, concessions and a live music performance.

The renovation is part of a string of state-funded improvements to Camden Yards that represent the most significant investment in the ballpark since it opened in 1992. Upgrades began last year, and others are scheduled for this offseason but have not yet been revealed.

Ballparks have historically focused on a rigid seating structure surrounding the playing field, but some have shifted toward incorporating more gathering spaces. That includes Oriole Park’s right field flag court, the location of a new bar that opened midway through this past season.

“We’ve listened to our fans, who have expressed a desire for more social spaces that offer a vibrant atmosphere to gather, connect, and cheer on the O’s together,” Catie Griggs, the club’s president of business operations, said in a statement. “We’re confident this will quickly become a popular destination inside our gates next season.”

The upgrades will be funded by the state, which owns both Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium. Lawmakers paved the way for public improvements to the downtown stadiums in 2022. Thus far, the Maryland Stadium Authority has issued $305 million in bonds to finance renovations both last year — which included a 7,500-square foot videoboard, new sound system and a patio space in center field — and the changes coming this offseason.

“By strategically reimagining existing spaces at Oriole Park at Camden Yards we are creating new game-day experiences while expanding opportunities for year-round business and community use,” Lindsey Parker, who was recently named the authority’s executive director, said in a statement.

Maryland has also recently spent hundreds of millions to upgrade M&T Bank Stadium, which has hosted more events than ever this year, including a soccer exhibition Saturday.

Oriole Park’s left field upper deck was often closed in recent years, except during particularly busy games. The ballpark will have an estimated capacity of 40,232 going forward.