Improvements on the field and in the stands lead off an exciting 2026 for Orioles fans

The 2026 Orioles are hoping to make a big splash and turn some heads with enhancements both on and off the field. While new skipper Craig Albernaz will manage a group of returning veterans and Birdland favorites, the additions of Chris Bassitt and Shane Baz to the rotation and Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge to the bullpen are welcome signs for fans. And alongside 2025 home run leader Gunnar Henderson, new Orioles Taylor Ward and Pete Alonso will bring some additional firepower to the lineup.

The Orioles have also made quite a few enhancements off the field with a new scoreboard, an improved stadium sound system and new seating areas like the renovated Club Level, right field and third base bars, and the Truist Club.

The Maryland Lottery is also back with some enhancements to its Home Run Riches Contestant of the Game promotion. Fans participating will still have a chance to win big when Orioles sluggers hit big, but they will now also have a chance to win a VIP seat experience in the Orioles’ new Truist Club seats behind home plate!

All season long the Contestants of the Game selected in monthly drawings will celebrate the big hits as each home run belted out of the ballpark puts $500 towards their total and each grand slam an extra $5,000. And new this year, each monthly drawing will select one VIP Contestant of the Game who will win seats for them and three additional guests behind home plate in the Truist Club section. This one-of-a-kind VIP experience includes all the fun of being the Contestant of the Game plus an additional $1,500, free food and beverages, parking, behind-the-scenes access to the “MASN All Access” studios, and a chance to take in batting practice from the field!

To be selected in one of the monthly drawings through August, fans can enter Maryland Lottery FAST PLAY Home Run Riches Walk-Off Winnings tickets for a chance to be selected. Each winner receives $500 for being selected and will be designated as the Contestant of the Game for an upcoming Orioles matchup. They’ll also win an additional $500 for each home run or $5,000 for each grand slam hit by the Orioles during their designated game.

The Orioles hit 188 home runs last season plus three grand slams leading to $190,000 in prizes for the Contestants of the Game.

With an upcoming entry deadline of April 20, the next batch of Contestants are just around the bend. To participate, enter winning or non-winning FAST PLAY Home Run Riches Walk-Off Winnings tickets into your My Lottery Rewards account now through Aug. 24, 2026. Each drawing must be entered separately this year. Once a drawing is held, entries are wiped clean. Not a member of My Lottery Rewards? Click here to start your free account today!

The $5 FAST PLAY Home Run Riches Walk-Off Winnings game is available from clerk-operated terminals or self-service vending machines at all Maryland Lottery retailers. The game features a progressive jackpot that starts at $40,000 and grows with the sale of each ticket until a jackpot-winning ticket is sold. There are also thousands of additional prizes ranging from $5 to $5,000.

This article is presented by the Maryland Lottery.