Opening Day At Camden Yards: Road Closures, Freebies, Start Time

BALTIMORE, MD — Opening Day for the Baltimore Orioles will be Thursday, March 29, at Camden Yards. The O's will play the Minnesota Twins, with the game starting at 3:05 p.m. Here is what to know about parking, festivities, food and more.

When to arrive: Gates open at noon on Thursday, March 29. People are asked to be in their seats by 2:30 p.m. for the pre-game festivities. Make sure to allow time for getting through the security lines. First pitch is at 3:05 p.m.

What to expect upon arrival: Everyone will get a 2018 schedule magnet at the gate. Roving musical groups will perform on Eutaw Street and the main concourses. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan will be walking Eutaw Street at 1 p.m. and will attend the game at 3:05 p.m.

How to avoid traffic: Drivers should expect extra traffic around I-395 at I-95 in downtown Baltimore. Pedestrians will be flooding the area around the stadium.

The following roads will be closed at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, according to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation:

• Eutaw Street from Pratt to Camden Streets
• Camden Street from Howard to Russell Streets
• Lee Street from Ramp D to Russell Street
• Washington Boulevard from Paca to Greene Streets (starting at 10 a.m.)
• Hamburg Street from Russell to Leadenhall Streets
• Left lane on northbound Russell Street from Lee to Pratt Streets

Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced in the city. Here is parking information from the Orioles. As an alternative, find garage parking using Parking Panda.

How to take public transportation: City officials advise parking may be limited in downtown garages since it is a weekday. The Maryland Transit Administration advises fans to take public transportation. The light rail and subway will be operating at peak level all day.

Here are options:

• Take the light rail to the Camden Yards stop, operating every 10 to 30 minutes.
• Take the subway to Lexington Market or Charles Center Station-West and walk to Oriole Park. The subway operates every 8 to 15 minutes. Plenty of free parking is available at Owings Mills, Old Court, Milford Mill, Reisterstown Plaza, Rogers Avenue, West Cold Spring and Mondawmin stations, officials say.
• Another option is the Navy, Yellow and Brown bus and eight LocalLink routes (51, 54, 69, 70, 73, 75, 76, and 94) that pass near Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

The fare for all local MTA services is $1.80 for one way, $3.60 for a round trip and $4.20 for a day pass, which includes unlimited travel on local buses, light rail and metro subway. Return service on the light rail and subway will be extended for one hour past the regularly scheduled final train due to opening day.

What's planned for opening day ceremonies: Orioles Radio Network broadcaster Jim Hunter will emcee the pregame activities. One fan will be selected to represent all O's fans as the team's "10th man" and will be introduced as part of the starting lineup. As the teams are introduced, 100 children from the Baltimore Orioles Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities Softball program will line the orange carpet, holding Orioles flags.

Orioles Executive Vice President John Angelos will present a $200,000 check to the Birdland Community Heroes program, which gives money to charity.

Richard Troxell, a tenor from Frederick County, will sing the national anthem, his 12th time doing so on Opening Day, as an American flag is unfurled in center field.

The Military District of Washington and the Baltimore City Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors. The 104th Fighter Squadron of the Maryland Air National Guard will fly over Oriole Park at the conclusion of the National Anthem, if weather permits.

Longtime Orioles head athletic trainer Richie Bancells will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Bancells retired in 2017 after 30 years as the Orioles head athletic trainer and 41 years in the Orioles organization.

Who's playing: See the rosters for the Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins, and check the game preview from the Associated Press.

What's the forecast: The temps will be a bit warmer than they have been, and there is a chance of rain. The high is 68 degrees and the low is 55, according to the National Weather Service forecast for Baltimore on Thursday, March 29. It will be mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of showers, but rain will likely hold off until late evening. Check the latest forecast here.

What not to bring: Cowbells, bags on wheels, air horns, firearms, knives, weapons, noisemakers and bags greater than 16-by-16-by-8 inches are not permitted.

What kind of food will be there: New this year, there will be different sizes for drinks and some foods. Officials say prices will be lower as well. New food offerings at Camden Yards this season include Attman's Deli, Boardwalk Fries, Lobster Hut, Pinch Dumplings, Pizza John's, Pollock Johnny's and Stuggy's gourmet hot dogs.

How to watch: For those not attending in person, the game will air on MASN, 105.7 FM The Fan and the entire 45-station Orioles Radio Network.

How to get a free sandwich: During select home games for the Orioles, participating Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Baltimore region will give a free sandwich to those dressed for the occasion—fans must be wearing Orioles apparel to qualify for the complimentary sandwich. Each fan is limited to one sandwich per visit. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 29.

Did we miss anything? Check the Oriole Park A to Z guide for more info.

SEE ALSO: Orioles Offer Free Tickets To Kids 9 And Younger

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