Photos by Richard Smith and Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Prince George’s Stadium 4101 Crain Highway Bowie, MD 20716
Year Opened: 1994
Capacity: 10,000
Bowie Baseball
Double-A baseball is where the future stars play. Really. Often, Triple-A baseball rosters are filled with minor league veterans who will seldom see the major league team. But the double-A affiliate of the major league team can be the jumping-up point for the stars of tomorrow.
Since 1993, the Bowie Baysox has been in operation, with all years being part of the Baltimore Orioles organization. The first year, they played in Baltimore’s legendary Memorial Stadium while their stadium was being built. In 1994, they moved into their Bowie home after some construction delays.
This meant they played at a few temporary spots along the way, including at the University of Maryland and the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Before Bowie, the double-A affiliate of the Orioles was the Hagerstown Suns, now a single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.
Food & Beverage 3
Bowie has some good food offerings. On weeknight games, they often close some of the stands, making the remaining open ones very crowded.
The basic stands have many options for all price ranges. The cheeseburger basket is a value, but the helmet-filled cheese fries are even a greater value Some of the other offerings are pizza by the slice, fish and chips, gyro basket, pretzel, corn dog basket, loaded hot dogs, and a stuffed pretzel.
A kids-only meal is available at a stand-alone stand for a reasonable price. This includes a hot dog, drink, chips, and a toy.
Local legend and motorsport competitor Travis Pastrana has a stand called Pastrana’s Pit Stop that features multiple pit beef sandwiches, including a classic pit beef sandwich, a beef and cheese pit beef sandwich, and a Chesapeake pit beef sandwich with crab.
Atmosphere 4
Bowie prides itself on offering a family atmosphere and a place where the entire family can enjoy baseball. The true fan can enjoy the quality play, while the kids can enjoy the carousel, bounce houses, and face painting offered. In-game promotions are also offered to keep the atmosphere fresh and fun. The team tries to keep it happening in between innings to not distract from the game.
There are orange bleachers for general admission sections and green seats for assigned seating. The cheap seats get great views, as well as the fans paying for the more expensive ones. Bowie came along just a couple of years after local Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick set a high standard for local minor league baseball. It is like a larger Frederick and an older version of Ripken Stadium (Aberdeen Ironbirds).
The scoreboard and videoboard are both showing their age and need more modern replacements.
A well-stocked team store is located on the concourse, offering a variety of Bowie and Orioles merchandise.
Neighborhood 3
There is nothing too exciting about the Bowie neighborhood near the stadium. The stadium sits off of a major highway (US Route 301) and is near many shopping centers and fast-food restaurants. A Home Depot and BJ’s Warehouse are even within walking distance of the stadium.
Rip's Country Inn (3809 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD) is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality good food, this is a great option.
Baltimore is 30 miles away, DC 18 miles away and Annapolis 15 miles away, so you should not be limited by the uninspiring suburban choices right near the stadium.
Fans 3
The fans are pretty traditional minor league fans for this area. Some are very knowledgeable about the game, while others are there as part of a family or a group and may be less interested in the actual game.
This is a Baltimore Orioles fan base, so expect to hear the loud "Ohhhhhhh" chant during the appropriate place in the National Anthem. Locals feel that the song is to do with as they please while showing support to the home team. It is good-natured, so who could disagree? With the Nationals located close by you should expect to see many of their fans as well, especially when their Eastern League affiliate, the Harrisburg Senators, is in town.
Access 4
Access is the strong suit of Prince George's Stadium. Sitting at the intersection of US Route 301, US Route 50, and State Route 3, one should have no problem getting to the game. Traffic can be a bear at times, as this intersection is right between the triangle of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC. Plan a little leeway in timing for early evening games.
There is plenty of free parking in the regular lot, as well as the one located on Governors Bridge Road.
Return on Investment 4
There are cheaper minor league games to attend. Bowie reflects the busy metropolitan area and has some tickets that are nearly as expensive as the ones down the road at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The best values are the general admission tickets that start at $11, depending on the game. These seats are close to the action, and give you flexibility to move around and/or get more food.
Be on the lookout for ticket promotions and other events that can make your game experience better. The team is active in the community, and there are many ways to attend the game.
Extras 4
Free programs are available as you come in and are quite detailed.
The Baysox is often one of the first places that the major league club sends rehabbing players since it is close to their home. That is a potential added benefit of attending a game in Bowie.
Look for the lighthouse down the right field line, reflecting Bowie’s location near the Chesapeake Bay.
There is also a kids’ play area down the right field line near the lighthouse, which includes a carousel among other activities.
The large sign on US Route 301 serves to not only notify fans of where the stadium is located but also as a place to learn about stadium activities.
Final Thoughts
Bowie’s stadium is showing some age on its 30-year frame. But it is still a quality minor league stadium that is presenting a nice level of baseball talent.
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