Where to sit at Camden Yards

Camden Yards is huge, and in recent years, it has added several new seating options for fans to choose from. So let’s get you fully up to speed on where you should sit at the ballpark to have the experience you’re looking for.

Our favorite seats

Our least favorite seats

Camden Yards Seating Overview

There are three seating tiers at Camden Yards. The field level (both even and odd sections), the 200 club level, and the 300 level upper deck. There’s also the Pepsi Perch at the left field end of the 200 level club in sections 272-288, the Bird Bath in sections 84 and 86 (left center), the Center Field Roof Deck and bar, and various standing room only areas in each area of the outfield.

Until recently, the Orioles were one of the few teams without any deluxe premium seating options. But that changed last year with the creation of the Home Plate Club, which is definitely something to consider. We’ll tell you all about it.

Lower Level Seating: Sections 1-98

We can break down the lower-level seating options into seven categories:

• Front Field Level, Infield (Even Sections 20-54)
• Front Field Level, Outfield (Even Sections 4-18, 56-82)
• Rear Field Level (Odd Sections 1-87)
• Bird Bath (Sections 84-86)
• Center Field Bleachers (Sections 90-98)
• Center Field Roof Deck (next to Section 90)
• Non-ticketed standing room only (left and right outfield, and Kids SRO)

Front Field Level, Infield (Sections 20-54)

These sections are at field level, and extend from the edge of the Orioles’ dugout to the edge of the away team’s dugout. The allure of these seats is obvious: they’re infield seats right off the field, and they are also all cushioned, which is a nice touch. Simply put, these are the best seats in the house, and if tickets here are within your budget, go ahead and buy them.

Front Field Level, Outfield (Even Sections 4-18, 56-82)

There are some perfectly decent seats in this area, but the view gets a little wonky once you move up the third base line towards left field. And in deep left field, you’re pretty far away from home plate, and it feels like you’re a million miles from the game (although it’s a little better since they moved the wall back in). So, unless you’re in the Bird Bath Sections (more on that soon) or have a specific reason to want to be in the outfield (i.e., you want to try to catch home run balls), we say steer clear of anything beyond Section 62 along the left field line.

On the other hand, we like the seats in Sections 4, 6, and 8 as budget options. They are angled towards the field, so there’s no turning of the neck, and you don’t feel as disconnected from the game as you might in typical outfield seats. Additionally, the proximity to Eutaw Street makes it easy to get food and access the right field SRO area for an inning or two. If you’re making a choice, we’d suggest Sections 6 and 8 over Sections 10 and 12, which are obviously closer to the infield.

Rear Field Level (Odd Sections 1-87)

This is one of those seating areas that isn’t very clear when you look at the map. You might think that it is a second tier of the ballpark, but it isn’t: it’s the upper third of the lower level. They are accessed through the same concourse entrances as the Front Field Level and share the same concourse as the Front Field Level. When you enter the seating bowl from the lower level concourse, the even sections are down the steps, and the odd sections are up the steps.

First of all, you should know that the majority of these seats are shaded by the overhang from the 200 level. Which means that if you’re someone who would prefer to be in the shade, these are the seats for you. The only exceptions are the seats in odd Sections 1-5 (right field) and 33-39 (behind home plate), which have no overhang at all—they are all in the open air.

Secondly, in terms of proximity to the field, the Front Field Level has 25 rows in most sections, with the walkway running behind it. So by our estimation, Row 1 of the Rear Field Level is approximately 30 rows from the field. While that might not be super close, consider that there are plenty of stadiums with lower level seating that runs 40 rows deep, so really, the first few rows of the Rear Field level are just a high lower level seat in most ballparks (but are elevated, making them, in our opinion, better than a similar seat in another ballpark).

Having said all of that, here’s our assessment: we think the first four rows of the Rear Field Level are very good seats, especially in the infield. You’re close enough to the action, you’re under cover, you’re still on the lower level with access to all of the concession stands on the lower level concourse and on Eutaw Street, and, oftentimes, you’ll be able to buy these seats at a lower price than the seats below them.

BUT … once you go more than four rows up, it starts to feel very dark and tomb-like in these sections, and, honestly, it’s not something that we like. During the day it feels dark back there, but at night it feels ridiculously dark. So, our recommendation for sitting in the Rear Field Level is to stick to rows 1-4. We’d suggest odd sections 19-53, but you can drift a bit further down the line and still be fine if the price is right.

TSI TIP: If you would prefer to be in the sun, but still want to save some money, then we suggest Sections 33-39 behind home plate, and Sections 1-7 in right field. Sections 1-7 are angled towards home plate, like the seats below them in even Sections 4-8, and thus you can watch the game straight ahead of you rather than having your head turned to the side all day. Meanwhile, the seats in Sections 33-39 behind home plate are just an excellent place to watch a game from.

TSI TIP: We think Sections 9-13 are a bit of a dead zone. You’re better off moving closer to or further from the infield, since we think the view is better in either direction.

The Bird Bath (Sections 84-86)

During the 2023 season, the Orioles hitters came up with a new series of celebrations, all themed around water. The trend picked up steam on social media, and the Orioles leaned in by creating the “Bird Bath.”

They took Section 86, an otherwise unremarkable area just to the right of the bullpens, and made it a specially ticketed cheerleading section. There is a section leader who, decked out in swimwear and floaties, sprays the fans with a super soaker and water hose for every Orioles extra base hit (and whenever he feels like it). And somehow it became so popular that they expanded it to include Section 84 as well.

We were skeptical that it would feel silly and gimmicky, and … it definitely was. But fans seem to enjoy it, so who are we to ruin anyone’s good time? 

To get into the section, you show the ushers your ticket, and they put a bracelet on you so they know you’re actually allowed in this zone and that you have consented to be sprayed. 

Who knows how long the Bird Bath will last, so if this is your sort of thing, get in while it’s still around. On many days, tickets start at around $45 each, and they often sell out on weekends, so if you’re interested, be sure to buy your tickets early.

Center Field Bleachers (Sections 90-98)

This area is about as far as you can be from the game on the lower level, and that’s not great. In sections 96 and 98 it is hard to see all of right field, and in all of these sections the main and out-of-town scoreboards are almost completely obstructed. These two factors make the bleachers an easy pass for us. These sections are near Eutaw Street, the statues, and the center field roof deck, but there are better seats near all of those attractions that you should sit in before buying a ticket in the bleachers. If you do choose to sit in the bleachers, stick to sections 90-94.

The Center Field Roof Deck

In center field, next to Section 90, lies a hidden gem that we love: the Center Field Roof Deck. Up the stairs just to the right of the bleachers (as you’re facing the field), this area has an amazing view of the field, and a very popular huge bar, which makes it a great spot to pregame during warmups, or to hang out for the entire game (albeit with a limited view, depending on where you are). The bar is general admission, so all fans are welcome to hang out there.

But the real gem is the two rows of rail seats at the front of the patio, which have an amazing view of the field. It’s a private space – the ushers keep the general admission bar patrons away from these seats, but you’re still right next to the party. It’s the best of both worlds – the social hangout, but with private seats.

But if you want to sit here, you need to buy the tickets, and the Orioles don’t make that easy. According to their box office, they release them “a week or two in advance, but sometimes we don’t get to it, but they always sell out.” That’s not exactly what we consider a fan-friendly answer, because it means you need to constantly be checking to see if these tickets are available. And if they aren’t, you won’t know if they haven’t released them yet, or if they’ve already sold out.

This would be a TSI top seating pick if the team didn’t make it such a wild card. But, since it is, we say go ahead … pop onto their website to see if you can find one of these, but don’t obsess about it.

Non-ticketed Standing Room Areas

There are three standing room only areas in the Camden Yards outfield, and the cool thing about them is that you can use them no matter where your actual ticketed seat is.

In left field, the standing room area is in front of the Orioles statue park and behind the bullpens (to the left of and behind Section 86 as you’re looking at the field). It is by far the worst of the standing areas due to the distance from the game. You can see the entire field, but you’re standing about 40-50 feet away from the outfield fence in the deepest area of the park. It’s just too far to really see anything well. Skip this area.

On the other hand, the right field standing room area is amazing, and a long-time fan favorite. You walk into the area from Eutaw Street, which is the most unique part of the park, just to the right of Section 1 as you’re looking at the field. The railing in the front of this area directly borders the field above the out-of-town scoreboard.

This area is spacious, has a bar, hi-top tables and picnic tables, and all of the MLB team flags are here as well. At some point during your trip, we encourage you to take in an inning from this vantage point. It’s a Camden classic. (And if you’re the Instagramming type like me, this is a great spot for a photo.) But be warned – for busy games, it can be packed. If you want a spot along the rail, you need to get there early, and make sure you have a wingperson who will save your spot when you go to get refreshments or use the restrooms.

A new addition to the SRO portfolio is the Kids Home Run Porch in left field in front of sections 76-82. For fans who purchase special tickets in these sections, you and your kids will be able to hang out in the SRO zone. It’s actually unlike anything we’ve seen at other MLB stadiums, and is kind of cool. If you’re interested, click here to purchase tickets from the team.

200 Club Level Seating (Sections 204-280)

In a lot of stadiums, the “club level” offers some sort of premium seating features. But Camden Yards isn’t one of those stadiums. The 200-level club is, for the most part, just another seating tier that happens to have an air-conditioned concourse behind it.

That’s not to say that it doesn’t have certain advantages. The climate-controlled concourse can be a nice perk if you’re there on a really hot or really cold day and want to grab a seat at a table inside for a while. You’ll also get a good view of the field from the infield sections, as well as a nice view of the city skyline. There’s also some good memorabilia inside the concourse, including World Series, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger trophies in the center of the concourse. And, most importantly to some, the sometimes less-trafficked club level means cleaner and less busy restrooms.

Oh … the Orioles have also made an improved effort to bring more of the ballpark’s unique foods into the club level, so now you can get yourself a Boog’s sandwich or various crab dishes without having to go to the main concourses. And let’s not forget that they also have dessert carts on the floor – the same ones that make the rounds to the private suites. So if you have a sweet tooth, this could be the place for you.

So if those benefits are worthwhile to you, then a 200-level club ticket may be worth it. Keep in mind, only fans with a 200-level ticket can access the Club Level, but all tickets in Sections 204-280 are club-level and share the same concourse. So if you want club-level access but are more price-sensitive, then look for seats further into the outfield.

But brand new on the club level is … the Home Plate Club!

For its entire existence, Camden Yards has lacked a premium, high-end club. But no more. The Orioles now have the Home Plate Club, which is a restaurant area located behind home plate on the 200-Level Club concourse.

The package comes with a ticket on the first base side of the club level in Section 228, and a full buffet inside the club (there is no view of the field from the club – you eat and then go to your seats). And the buffet is pretty impressive, featuring, as you might expect, a variety of fresh seafood options, amongst other choices. Additionally, for most games, they also offer a special dessert or pastry, which we tried during our visit and found to be delicious. 

The Pepsi Picnic Perch (Sections 272-288)

The Pepsi Picnic Perch is a special all-you-can-eat section of the 200 level, all the way out in left field. With your special ticket, you get access to an all-you-can-eat buffet of ballpark food, including unlimited fountain soft drinks. The Orioles don’t publish the price range, but we’ve seen most of them go for between $60 and $110, with the price fluctuating depending on who the Orioles are playing and the level of demand for tickets. 

The seats themselves are in left/left-center field, with the far end of the Perch overlooking the bullpens and Bird Bath section below. So make no mistake: these seats are pretty far from home plate. But since they are elevated, they still have an acceptable view of the field.

To get to the Pepsi Perch, you’ll walk through the 200-level concourse all the way to left field. You’ll exit the air-conditioned concourse and enter a concrete hallway that feels like an employees-only area, but no, this is the right place. Take a few steps into the hall and you’ll see the check-in area to your right, the seating bowl behind that, and the buffet area down the hall to your left. 

There are six rows of standard seats, and high-top tables with four seats at the back of each section. The seats at the high-tops are ticketed, but don’t have to be purchased in groups of four, so you could end up sharing a table with a new friend if you purchase fewer than all of the tickets at the table.

The view of the field is largely the same no matter where you sit in these sections, so we think the tables are actually the best option if you can get them. It’s just nice to have a place to put your food if you’d rather eat at your seat. 

And speaking of the food, which is what you’re really paying for at the Pepsi Perch, the menu is pretty much the same for every game, and typically includes items such as:

• Build-your-own-nachos bar
• Soft pretzels
• Garden salads
• A rotating seasonal salad
• Hot dogs (including vegetarian dogs)
• Italian chicken sausage
• Pulled pork sliders
• Fresh fruit
• Popcorn 
• Peanuts
• Pre-packaged ice cream
• Cookies
• Fountain sodas

300 Level Seating (Sections 306-388)

Camden Yards was the first in a wave of too-big stadiums built in the 1990s. This manifests in a stadium that often looks poorly attended, and wide swathes of empty seats in the 300 level. For many games, the far sections of the 300 level are roped off, and the tickets aren’t even sold.

If you are going to sit in the 300 level, we’d obviously suggest looking for a low row and trying to sit in the infield. At least that way you’ll be somewhat connected to the action on the field.

Bottom Line

Obviously you can’t go wrong sitting in the lower level infield. The view is great, the seats are cushioned, and, if you carefully monitor ticket prices, you can snag a ticket at a very reasonable price.

Our advice: Camden has gotten more expensive over the years, but it’s still a fairly cheap park. Unless you’re planning on spending the whole game at a GA area like standing room only, buy a 100 level ticket. You can get great seats for decent value in the lower concourse, and all of our favorite areas of the park are down there too.