From The Banner · Hayes Gardner · · 3m
Ravens and Orioles play same day for first time ever
Baltimore's two major sports teams host a rare doubleheader Sunday, creating massive traffic challenges downtown.
In brief
Baltimore's two major sports teams host a rare doubleheader Sunday, creating massive traffic challenges downtown. Plan ahead or avoid driving to downtown Baltimore on Sunday when roughly 100,000 fans will attend both a Ravens game at 1 p.m. and an Orioles game at 7:20 p.m. Originally reported by The Banner.
A Baltimore sports first
The Ravens and Orioles will host regular season games on the same day for the first time ever. The Ravens play New Orleans at 1 p.m., and the Orioles face Milwaukee at 7:20 p.m.
Why this never happens
The Ravens and Orioles have leases with the state that stipulate they avoid scheduling conflicts. Overlapping events using the same parking lots create logistical and security nightmares.
Last time was 1997
The last time both teams played non-preseason games on the same day in Baltimore was October 1997, when the Ravens hosted a regular season game at Memorial Stadium and the Orioles won a playoff series at Camden Yards.
A few close calls
In 1999, the Ravens held a preseason game while the Orioles played that night. In October 2023, an Orioles playoff game was delayed by rain while Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel performed at M&T Bank Stadium the same evening.
“the first "and the last" time the teams played on the same day”
100,000 people expected
Roughly 100,000 people are expected to descend on the Camden Yards Sports Complex on Sunday, not including staff or tailgaters. That's a massive crowd for the 85 acres holding both stadiums.
Skip driving if you can
City officials recommend avoiding driving near the stadiums on Sunday. There are 250 bike parking spots, and the Maryland Stadium Authority encourages public transit use.
Light rail will be packed
The light rail stops at both stadiums and serves fans from Anne Arundel County and northern Baltimore County. But expect crowds, especially postgame, as the aged power system limits how many railcars can run simultaneously.
Ravens relocating some fans
About 10 percent of fans with parking passes have been relocated. Some fans with passes in Lot H will park at the Horseshoe Casino's garage instead. The Ravens offered affected fans a $55 parking credit and $100 concessions gift card.
No postgame tailgating allowed
The Ravens have asked fans to exit parking lots promptly after the game with no postgame tailgating permitted. The team's website urges patience as Orioles fans may be arriving while Ravens fans are leaving.
“Please allow extra time and be patient, as Orioles fans may be arriving in the area at the same time”
September is the tricky month
The teams' leases specify protocol for September, the only month when both have scheduled contests. The Orioles get first pick of September weekends, and the Ravens must work cooperatively to avoid conflicts.
Other cities face same issue
Philadelphia's Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays have rescheduled games to avoid NFL conflicts. In October 2023, the Phillies hosted a playoff game alongside the Flyers' home opener and a soccer exhibition in the same complex.
More doubleheaders likely ahead
State officials have pushed for increased stadium use to generate activity. This year is M&T Bank Stadium's busiest ever, with September featuring 13 Orioles games, a Ravens game, plus rugby and soccer matches.
The takeaway
Plan ahead or avoid driving to downtown Baltimore on Sunday when roughly 100,000 fans will attend both a Ravens game at 1 p.m. and an Orioles game at 7:20 p.m.
