Orioles announce Opening Day celebrations and new ballpark features for 2021

In preparation for the club's home opener on Thursday, April 8, at 3:05 p.m. ET against the Boston Red Sox, the Orioles have announced celebration plans and new ballpark features for the 2021 season.

Festivities will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET with a special pre-game ceremony emceed by Orioles broadcaster Rob Long. Opening Day will feature:

Welcome Back Video: The Orioles will welcome fans back to the ballpark with a video tribute during pre-game ceremonies, featuring an original poem by Baltimore-based poet and author Kondwani Fidel.

Ceremonial First Pitch: Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh will throw a joint ceremonial first pitch. Mayor Scott, a lifelong Baltimorean and diehard Orioles fan, will join the former Mayor of Boston in a moment of unity between our two cities as we celebrate the long-awaited return of fans to our ballpark.

National Anthem: Zadia, a multidisciplinary artist and musician born and raised in West Baltimore, will perform her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" from the Center Field Roof Deck.

Color Guard: Colors will be presented by The Continental Color Guard, a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard from the Military District of Washington.

Flyover: The national anthem performance will conclude with a flyover by the 104th Fighter Squadron of the Maryland Air National Guard 175th Wing.

Mo Gaba's Fan of the Year: The club's traditional "10th Man" honor will now be forever known as "Mo Gaba's Fan of the Year," in remembrance of 2021 Orioles Hall of Fame inductee Mosilla "Mo" Gaba. The 14-year-old O's super fan was elected as the second-ever recipient of The Wild Bill Hagy Award, presented to the most passionate and devoted fans in franchise history. This year, all fans throughout Birdland will be celebrated as Mo Gaba's Fan of the Year, in recognition of their unwavering support that fuels the team each and every day. The entire crowd will shout the ceremonial "Play Ball!" prior to first pitch.

Frontline Workers Recognition: The Orioles will recognize frontline workers in a special moment as part of the pregame ceremony. The recognition will pay special tribute to those who are working tirelessly to keep our community safe and continue to promote vaccination education.

Birdland Community Hero: The Orioles will again honor and recognize those in our community who have distinguished themselves by selflessly working or volunteering in fields that care for, serve, teach, protect, and improve the lives of others through the Birdland Community Heroes program. On Thursday, the Orioles will recognize Dave Seel, Board President of the Baltimore Restaurant Relief Fund, as our Birdland Community Hero at the conclusion of the fifth inning. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing restaurant industry crisis, Dave founded The Baltimore Restaurant Relief Group as a resource for the local hospitality industry with financial support for Baltimore's restaurants and its employees.

Auction: Fans can bid on Opening Day items including game-used bases, jerseys, and baseballs to benefit the Baltimore Restaurant Relief Fund. The auction will run on Orioles.com/Auction from Friday, April 9, through Sunday, April 18.

The gates to Oriole Park at Camden Yards will open one hour before first pitch, at 2:05 p.m. Fans attending Opening Day are encouraged to be in their seats, and fans at home are encouraged to tune to MASN, by 2:30 p.m. to enjoy the Opening Day pregame festivities.

What's New at Oriole Park?

The Orioles are thrilled to introduce new experiences at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 2021, including:

Food & Beverage

Charm City Diner, presented by Pepsi: Featuring a selection of roast beef sandwiches, patty melt, chili cheese dogs, and gravy fries. Located on the Lower Level Concourse at Section 72. Including:
* Fells Point Patty Melt - Beef patty, toasted sourdough, American cheese, fried onions, patty sauce ($13.25)
* Saratoga Roast Beef Sandwich - Provolone cheese, horseradish mayo, arugula, toasted hoagie roll ($15.00)

Vida Taco Bar: The Orioles are bringing one of Baltimore's favorite taco experiences to the ballpark, featuring a selection of tacos, nachos, and margaritas. Located on the Lower Level Concourse at Section 29. Including:
* Chicken Tinga Taco - Roasted & shredded chicken, tomato chipotle sauce, pico de gallo, queso fresco, cilantro ($5.75)
* Sweet Potato Hash Taco (vegetarian) - Sweet potato & black bean hash, pickled red onions, roasted garlic chipotle aioli ($5.75)
* Vida Nacho - Chicken tinga or Gringo beef, queso dip, warm black beans, pickled cabbage, pico de gallo, queso fresco, cilantro, scallions ($13)

The Bird's Nest

Although many aspects of the gameday experience will be different this season, fans will still have the opportunity to interact with the Oriole Bird at The Bird's Nest, an all-new experience on the Center Field Roof Deck. Fans can purchase and reserve a time slot for a photo with the Bird at Orioles.com/Bird. All proceeds will benefit the Orioles Charitable Foundation.

Health & Safety

To better serve fans, the Orioles are introducing several new features for the 2021 season that will prioritize health and safety by limiting touchpoints and reducing congestion at purchase points. For a complete list of the Orioles Health & Safety guidelines, please visit Orioles.com/WelcomeBack.

Mobile Ordering: Fans will have the opportunity to skip the lines by ordering food and beverages from their phone at select concession stands. By using the MLB Ballpark App or designated QR codes throughout the ballpark, fans will be able to place their order in advance and pick it up when ready to avoid waiting in line.

Cashless Policy: Oriole Park at Camden Yards will be a completely cashless ballpark in 2021. In conjunction with this policy, there will be two "Reverse ATM" machines that can exchange cash to card for use at concession and merchandise stands. These machines will be located on the Lower Level Concourse outside of Section 52 and on the Upper Level Concourse at home plate.

Digital Ticketing: Fans will be required to show tickets on their mobile device upon entry by utilizing the ballpark's complimentary Wi-Fi network. Tickets will not be printed in 2021.

Mask Protocols: Fans will be required to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth at all times. Fans may eat and drink at their pod seating locations and only remove their mask while actively eating and drinking.

Bag Policy: To speed the entry process at ballpark gates and reduce touchpoints, bags will not be permitted at Oriole Park this season. Only medically necessary and nursery bags will be permissible. Outside food and beverage will also not be permitted this season.

For those that are unable to make it to the ballpark, the Orioles are bringing the ballpark experience directly to fans' homes with the return of the O's At Home initiative. The Hot Dog Race and Crab Shuffle return, plus new sweepstakes opportunities throughout the season, Digital Kids Corner activities and games, and much more. Fans are encouraged to follow along on Orioles.com, MASN, the MLB Ballpark App, and Orioles social media channels.