There’s more to Baltimore than seafood, Johns Hopkins and “The Star Spangled Banner.”
The city is also a sports fan’s paradise. From baseball, football, boxing, and even horse racing, there are plenty of events and experiences to give both locals and tourists their sports fix.
It can be tough to narrow all the opportunities down, so here are the five best things for sports fans to do in Baltimore:
Head to the ballpark
Baseball fans are sure to be in for a treat in Baltimore.
The city is home to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles. Catching an MLB game is a must-do experience in every area with one, and watching a game in big-city Baltimore should be on every baseball lover’s bucket list.
Plus, the Orioles plan to move the left-field wall back as much as 30 feet to help pitchers, ESPN reported, so fans making the trip soon will get to experience ballpark history.
For those who want even more baseball action while in town, the Aberdeen IronBirds play approximately 40 minutes from Baltimore, so it may be worth the drive to experience the Orioles’ High-A affiliate club.
Put some money down
Want a little action on your favorite teams while in town? Maryland sports betting has you covered.
In-person sports betting is live in the state, with local casinos offering four retail sportsbooks, so if you’re in the area and want to place a bet, it shouldn’t be hard to find an opportunity. The Maryland casinos that offer retail sports betting are Ocean Downs Casino, MGM National Harbor, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, and Live! Casino in Hanover.
Active sportsbooks at the area casinos are TwinSpires, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel. There are plenty of chances for those wanting to bet on Baltimore teams with both the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles and the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens in town.
Mobile betting is likely to launch early this year, so sports fans in Baltimore will have even more avenues to put money down on their preferred wagers once it’s active.
Watch the Ravens play
You can’t talk about the Maryland sports scene without mentioning the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens are one of the NFL’s most electric teams, led by superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. He makes nearly every game a highlight reel, and when he’s healthy and has talent around him, Baltimore is a true playoff contender year in and year out.
The team plays at M&T Bank Stadium, which has a capacity of 71,008 and boasts five levels, 8,196 club seats, and 128 suites. More amenities could be coming, too, as the Ravens are looking into possible upgrades and talking with the state about a new lease, The Baltimore Sun reported.
M&T Bank Stadium is also right beside Camden Yards, creating the perfect setting for sports fans both from Baltimore and traveling in from out of town.
Throw some jabs at Upton Boxing Center
Looking to perfect your boxing skills or learn how to jab for the first time? Look no further than Upton Boxing Center.
The center is a boxing haven in Baltimore, offering classes for both beginning and advanced boxers and featuring plenty of equipment. It’s affiliated with USA Boxing, the Silver & Golden Gloves Competitions, and the Junior Olympics, the center’s website states.
According to The Los Angeles Times, world champion boxer Gervonta Davis even spent time at the Upton Boxing Center as a child. That type of pedigree makes it a prime spot for boxers to practice their craft alongside experienced fighters and trainers.
Keep in mind, though, that the center’s facilities and programming have been temporarily shut down, so make sure everything is up and running before you go.
Bask in horse racing history
Pimlico Race Course is a must-see while in Baltimore if you’re interested in horse racing.
Pimlico Race Course first opened in 1870; throughout its long history, it has been the site of horse Preakness winning the Dinner Party Stakes in the track’s first year, an 1877 race in which Congress shut down so its members could attend. Seabiscuit won the Pimlico Special by beating War Admiral in 1938.
Pimlico is also known for hosting the Preakness Stakes, which acts as the second jewel of the Triple Crown each May. The race usually draws huge crowds, and its purse is $1 million.
Whether they want to witness the Preakness Stakes or just take in the history of one of horse racing’s top spots, sports fans can’t leave Baltimore without visiting the track.
Featured Image by 1778011 from Pixabay
