The Baltimore Orioles have declared an emergency at Camden Yards due to severe flooding that has impacted the iconic stadium.
Heavy rainstorms, which have been lashing the Baltimore area for the past 24 hours, led to extensive water damage both inside and around the stadium, prompting the organization to take swift action to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans.
The situation escalated early this morning when the ground crews at Camden Yards discovered rising water levels inside the stadium’s lower levels, including locker rooms, concession areas, and parts of the field. The flooding, which resulted from unprecedented rainfall overwhelming the city’s drainage system, has forced the Orioles to cancel their upcoming game against the visiting team.
In a statement released by the Baltimore Orioles, team president John Angelos expressed concern for the safety of everyone involved. “The safety of our players, fans, and staff is our highest priority. We are actively assessing the situation and working closely with local authorities to manage the flooding. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans during this challenging time.”
The National Weather Service had previously issued a flood warning for the greater Baltimore area, cautioning residents of potential flash floods. Despite preparations, the sheer volume of rainfall proved too much for Camden Yards’ drainage infrastructure, resulting in significant pooling of water on the field and surrounding areas.
Local emergency services have been deployed to assist in pumping out the water and mitigate further damage. Officials have also requested that fans stay away from the area to allow for emergency response teams to conduct their work effectively. Fans who had tickets for the upcoming games are advised to monitor official Orioles communications for updates on rescheduling and refunds.
The flooding at Camden Yards has garnered significant attention, especially given the Orioles’ successful season thus far. With the team currently in contention for a playoff spot, this disruption adds an unexpected challenge for the organization. The Orioles have announced that the players are being relocated to a safe facility while the stadium is assessed and repaired.
While there is no official timeline for when Camden Yards will be operational again, team officials are optimistic that they can resume games in the coming days, once it is deemed safe to do so. The Orioles organization remains committed to addressing this emergency quickly to minimize the impact on the rest of their season. Fans and the community are encouraged to stay tuned for further announcements.