In a bold effort to elevate their in-game entertainment, the Baltimore Orioles—previously ranked among the least engaging teams in Major League Baseball—are undergoing a dramatic transformation. With the hiring of Chief Marketing Officer Mark Fine earlier this year, the team has launched a series of fan-focused changes aimed at boosting stadium energy and modernizing the game-day atmosphere. Collaborating with a California-based marketing firm, Fine has introduced new sound effects, interactive elements, updated music selections, and a reimagined version of the classic hot dog race. These innovations are designed to keep fans engaged during lulls in the action and create a more vibrant ballpark culture.

New Energy at Oriole Park: A Shift in Game-Day Culture

In the heart of Baltimore this season, a fresh wave of excitement has begun sweeping through Oriole Park as the franchise embraces a revamped approach to in-game entertainment. Under the leadership of newly appointed CMO Mark Fine, who joined the organization in early 2023, the team has partnered with a creative marketing agency from San Diego to reimagine the fan experience. Fine consulted directly with players like pitcher Dean Kremer to identify key moments where energy tends to dip during games. Inspired by the Boston Red Sox’s iconic strikeout sound, Baltimore now plays its own custom audio cue after strikeouts. To maintain crowd enthusiasm during pitching changes, digital prompts encourage louder fan participation, including a dynamic noise meter displayed on the scoreboard. Even the musical backdrop has been refreshed, with a shift toward contemporary pop and electronic dance tracks replacing previous selections curated by longtime DJ Bob Popik. Longtime fans have also noticed the absence of the digital hot dog race, which has been replaced with an engaging live version performed at every home game.

A Gradual Shift Toward a More Immersive Fan Experience

As a sports journalist observing this transformation, it’s fascinating to see how the Orioles are leaning into sensory engagement and real-time interactivity to reshape the atmosphere at Camden Yards. While some long-standing traditions have been retired, the team’s efforts reflect a broader trend across professional sports: creating a more immersive, entertaining, and emotionally resonant environment for fans. It may take time for all attendees—especially traditionalists—to warm up to these changes, but early signs suggest that the new energy is beginning to resonate. By listening to both players and fans, the Orioles are crafting a future where the game isn’t just played on the field, but felt throughout the stands.