Orioles introduce family-friendly, affordable concessions lineup

The logos on the Camden Yards field are painted. The bunting hang along the baseline walls. Opening day is just hours away.

There are many questions that fill the minds of Orioles fans on the dawn of a new season. How will the starting rotation perform? Who will bat leadoff? How will the bullpen hold up without Zach Britton?

But here's another offseason question that may get overlooked during the excitement of opening day: What's new to eat and drink at the ballpark this year?

Just under 24 hours before first pitch, the Orioles announced the 2018 lineup of family-friendly concessions and retail pricing at Camden Yards as part of the club's ongoing commitment to affordability and fan experience. The lineup also includes many popular local brands for fans to enjoy.

The Orioles have lowered the average price of several popular retail items at Camden Yards for the 2018 season, and added a new range of concessions sizing and pricing options. Consistent with the club's new "Kids Cheer Free" program and in support of the club's family-first mission to serve families from all walks of life, the new concessions and merchandise pricing will give fans more choices and greater flexibility.

This season, the Orioles will offer small, medium and large sizes for soda ($2.50-$5), domestic draft beer ($4-$8), and import and craft beer ($6.75-$9.75). French fries ($3.25-$5.25) and popcorn ($4-$6) will be available in small and large sizes. A special kids size for hot dogs ($1.50) and soda ($1.50) will be available at concessions throughout the ballpark, expanding significantly from the previous single location at Kids' Corner. Again this year, fans are invited to bring outside food and beverages into the ballpark subject to a few guidelines.

Additionally, fans will see significantly-reduced pricing throughout the entire season for the most popular retail merchandise items, better aligning pricing with the amounts fans would typically pay outside of the ballpark. All Majestic Orioles jerseys will now cost approximately 25 percent less than last season, while Majestic Orioles player T-shirts will be 12 percent less than in 2017. The price for New Era Orioles on-field caps will be approximately 30 percent lower than last season.

"The fan experience at Camden Yards is defined by our commitment to fan choice, diversity of local food offerings, and family-focused sizing and pricing," said Orioles executive vice president and MASN president John Angelos in a statement. "Our front office team has embarked upon a mission to deliver the most progressive ticket, food, beverage and merchandise value for the fan found anywhere in the professional sports and entertainment world, all presented within America's favorite sports destination. That fan-first mission defines the experience at Oriole Park and the Oriole Way."

In addition, the Orioles will welcome several popular, local brands to Camden Yards this season. Featured among the new offerings are local and regional classics including Attman's Deli, Boardwalk Fries, Pinch Dumplings, Pizza John's, Pollock Johnny's and Stuggy's. New concessions items for the 2018 season will include:

Attman's Deli: Fresh corned beef, pastrami and turkey deli sandwiches made from a Baltimore classic, including the legendary Cloak & Dagger corned beef sandwich served with coleslaw and Russian dressing.
Available on the lower concourse behind home plate

Boardwalk Fries: Ocean City's famous, Boardwalk-style french fries will be available with a variety of sauces and toppings including cheese, sriracha, truffle, garlic parmesan and bacon cheddar ranch.
Available at several locations on the lower and upper concourse

Lobster Hut: Chopped lobster with Old Bay seasoning and mayo served on a New England roll or over fresh tomato wedges.
Available on the lower concourse behind home plate

Pinch Dumplings: A variety of fresh Chinese dumplings from a Mount Vernon favorite including pork and cabbage, beef and cabbage, and vegan carrot and cabbage. Pinch's side dishes including sweet and spicy cabbage, home-style green beans, and daikon radish.
Available on the lower concourse behind home plate

Pizza John's: A Baltimore County favorite, featuring authentic, traditional-style pizza.
Available on the lower and upper concourse and on the club level

Polock Johnny's: Baltimore's favorite Polish Sausage with the works sauce.
Available on the lower and upper concourse

Stuggy's: Gourmet hot dogs and sides from a Fells Point staple including:

* Crab Mac & Cheese Dog - baked mac & cheese, crabmeat and Old Bay seasoning
* Bob Marley - chicken, Caribbean slaw, mango mayo, jalapeños
* Da Beast - baked mac & cheese, chili, grilled onions, bacon, jalapeños, sriracha, corn chips
* Motor City - chili, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions
Available at the north end of Eutaw Street under the center field roof deck

Long providing one of the most affordable, family-friendly experiences in sports, the Orioles recently developed a groundbreaking new program, "Kids Cheer Free," which invites parents to bring children ages 9 and younger to Camden Yards free of charge with purchase of an upper deck ticket. In addition to offering one of the most flexible food and beverage policies in the industry, the Orioles offer family-friendly concessions and retail merchandise pricing to give fans greater choice and flexibility when visiting Camden Yards. The Orioles also host many events exclusively for children and families. Whether it is the popular postgame Kids Run the Bases event on Sundays, Student Nights on Fridays, "Friday Fireworks at America's Ballpark" from May through August, the Junior Orioles Dugout Club program or one of the dozens of promotional giveaways for the whole family, the Orioles invite fans of all ages from all walks of life to Birdland to enjoy the magic of Orioles Baseball each summer.

Opening day seems like a great chance to revamp your Orioles wardrobe. Make sure you also come hungry!