Orioles announce new club section behind home plate, pregame notes from Camden Yards

The Orioles are renovating and relocating the Jim Henneman Press Box for the 2026 season, using the current space for a new premium club section behind home plate.

The club section will accommodate a capacity of 380 members as part of the upgrades to Camden Yards set in motion since the Orioles reached agreement with the Maryland Stadium Authority on a new lease.

The MSA approved a $600 million bond program to that will be used for additional improvements. Other renovations on the horizon include an improved sound system, larger scoreboard and video board, and new control room.

The team’s press release today details perks of the club section and describes it as an immersive indoor-outdoor experience that will feature “the best views in Oriole Park and include VIP parking, a private entrance, and a rotating upscale menu and beverage program.”

Construction is scheduled to begin following the 2025 season and will be operational for 2026. Fans can follow along with all the ballpark renovations at Orioles.com/OrioleParkUpgrades, and the Orioles encourage them to sign up to be on the priority list at Orioles.com/premiumclub.

As for the press box, it will be located next to the current spot, which was renamed in Henneman’s honor prior to the 2024 season. Henneman was a long-time Orioles reporter and official scorer who passed away last month at age 89.

MASN has moved its pre-game and post-game set to the warehouse.

The press view will be unobstructed by the ballpark’s columns. And the box will feature operable windows that allow for air conditioning and heating. Furnishings and monitors will be updated.

Some other teams, including the Blue Jays and White Sox, have moved their press boxes further up the lines. The Orioles are keeping the Camden Yards box between home plate and third base, which also meets requirements demanded by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

The Orioles have lost three of their last four games after reeling off six wins in a row. They made it through this morning and the early afternoon without another roster move.

Zach Eflin has posted a 4.47 ERA and 1.122 WHIP in eight outings. He’s posted back-to-back quality starts after beginning the season with three straight.

Eflin has made two career starts against the Tigers and allowed two runs in 11 2/3 innings. Kerry Carpenter is 2-for-5 with a double and home run. Gleyber Torres is 2-for-18.

Jackson Holliday has an OPS of 1.066 at home since the beginning of May, compared to just .584 on the road.

The Orioles have lost all four games against the Tigers this season and six in a row dating back to last September.

Tigers right-hander Casey Mize is 6-1 with a 2.91 ERA in 10 starts. He’s allowed five runs and 14 hits with six walks in his last two starts over eight innings.

Mize faced the Orioles in Game 1 of an April 26 doubleheader at Comerica Park and allowed one run and eight hits in 5 1/3. He has a 2.16 ERA in three career starts against them.

Ryan O’Hearn is 6-for-11 with two home runs against Mize.

Detroit’s pitching staff ranks in the top five in the majors in ERA, starter ERA, bullpen ERA and WHIP, while the Orioles rank 26th or lower in all four categories.

Zack McKinstry hit .188 against fastballs last year but has raised his average to .327 this season.