The Savannah Bananas, a baseball squad known for their barnstorming, showy exhibitions, are set to visit Oriole Park at Camden Yards next year. In a move that aims to encourage the Orioles to host more special events, the Maryland Stadium Authority has voted to allow the team to retain all revenues generated by the Bananas' appearance.Unlocking the Potential of Non-MLB Events at Camden Yards
Incentivizing the Orioles to Host Special Events
The decision by the Maryland Stadium Authority is a strategic move to create a more favorable environment for the Orioles to host non-MLB events at Oriole Park. Historically, the team has been reluctant to schedule such events due to the revenue-sharing arrangement, where the authority would retain a portion of the profits. By allowing the Orioles to keep all the revenues from the Bananas' visit, the authority hopes to remove this disincentive and encourage the team to explore more opportunities to activate the stadium on non-baseball days.
Balancing Revenues and Incentives
The authority's executive director, Michael Frenz, acknowledged the delicate balance between revenue sharing and incentivizing the Orioles. While the authority could opt to take a share of the event's revenue, the concern is that this would lead the team to host fewer special events overall. Frenz's perspective is that "8% of something is better than 100% of nothing," suggesting that the authority's willingness to forgo a portion of the revenue is a strategic trade-off to ensure more events take place at the stadium.
Aligning with Recent Precedents
The decision to allow the Orioles to retain all revenues from the Bananas' visit follows a recent trend in the authority's approach to special events. Similar agreements have been reached with the Baltimore Ravens, where the football team is permitted to keep all revenue from events hosted at the stadium, while the authority retains the amusement tax revenue. This consistent approach across both major sports teams in Baltimore reflects the authority's commitment to incentivizing and supporting the hosting of non-traditional events at the city's premier sports venues.
Maximizing the Stadium's Potential
The authority's board members expressed strong support for the decision, recognizing the importance of keeping Oriole Park active on non-baseball days. Board member Bill Cole emphasized that if the authority did not waive its revenue share, the chances of the Bananas event happening would diminish, which would be a missed opportunity to bring more life and activity to the Camden Yards complex. The board's perspective aligns with the broader goal of maximizing the utilization and impact of the state-owned ballpark.
Exploring the Bananas' Unique Brand of Entertainment
The Savannah Bananas have gained a reputation for their Harlem Globetrotters-esque brand of baseball entertainment, featuring gimmicks, comedy, and unconventional rules. At other stops, the team has demonstrated the ability to sell out MLB stadiums and generate significant revenue. While the exact financial impact of the Bananas' visit to Oriole Park is yet to be determined, the authority and the Orioles are hopeful that the event will attract a new audience and contribute to the overall vibrancy of the stadium and the surrounding area.
Ticketing and Access for Fans
Fans eager to experience the Bananas' unique brand of baseball will have the opportunity to do so, with ticket prices starting at . The initial ticket lottery for the 2024 event has already closed, but fans can join a "ticket interest list" to stay informed about future opportunities to purchase tickets.The decision by the Maryland Stadium Authority to allow the Orioles to retain all revenues from the Savannah Bananas' visit represents a strategic move to encourage the team to host more special events at Oriole Park. By aligning with recent precedents and prioritizing the activation of the stadium on non-baseball days, the authority aims to unlock the full potential of the state-owned facility and provide Baltimore sports fans with a diverse array of entertainment options.
