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Take Me Out to the Game!
Camden Yards' Watering System

Underneath the sand-based field is a system of vacuum tubes to suck away rain water or to supply water in a drought to keep the grass in good shape. During times of hard rain, the system can actually suck off the field as much as 75,000 gallons of water per hour. The water goes through a 12-inch line, compared to the average 3/4-inch line going to a house."There’s a lot of water in a stadium," says Dave Thaden, mechanical supervisor for Camden Yards.

"Considering the water used on game days for showers, whirlpools, saunas, concessions and restrooms, as much as half a million gallons might be used," Thaden says.To explain the enormity of the system, Thaden says it would take two days to fill a 24-foot round swimming pool with a garden hose, compared to four or five minutes to fill the same pool using the Camden Yards system.What’s more, when there is an over-abundance of water, it is diverted to a nearby wetlands commune to help preserve area wildlife.

Environmental Benefits
When construction began on Oriole Park in June 1989, the goal was to create a ballpark with a natural charm – one that fans felt a personal bond to, not only the game and its players, but also their environment. Thirty-six months and $110 million later, the Orioles opened the new ballpark in June 1992.

In terms of ambience, Camden Yards suggests an older era in several ways, including brick facing to present a traditional appearance.The seats are made of recycled plastic, but the pattern and shape reflect wooden slats. Railings are black rather than silver metal, so they seem to disappear from sight. Each aisle seat features an 1890s Orioles logo, and there are unique double-decked bullpens in left-center field. Another unusual aspect is that the playing field is 16 feet below street level.

But perhaps best of all, Oriole Park is located only two blocks from Babe Ruth’s birthplace. Ruth’s father operated Ruth’s Café at 406 Conway St., the site of which is now located in center field. Oriole Park has proven so successful, the City of Baltimore now has constructed a $220-million football stadium that they hope will both complement Oriole Park and set the standard for future National Football League stadiums.

Sources
"Oriole Park at Camden Yards." September 1997. Internet.
"Oriole Park at Camden Yards." Washington Sidewalk. Internet. 1998.
"Ravens’ new stadium is football’s answer to Camden Yards." CNN/Sports Illustrated. Internet. 1998.
Schaefer, David. "Example for Seattle Stadium?" Seattle Times. 1996.
"The Evolution of Baseball Parks." Internet. 1998.

Last Updated: 02/16/03
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