The Baltimore Orioles have always boasted about their fan-first approach and strong fan connections when compared to other MLB teams. The organization strives to display the highest care for all people involved with the team. In 2020, the organization announced a slight change in their off-season plans. The “Birdland Caravan” was originally announced as a community outreach and connections event that would replace the “FanFest” convention. The caravan occurs during the last weekend before players leave for spring training, and typically lasts around three days. The caravan of players, coaches, managers and executives travel over 500 miles across the state of Md. and even into Pa.. The array of events on the trip were wide, from small rallies in school gyms that featured the Oriole Bird mascot, to a bowling happy hour with Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman. One thing was certain after the 2020 caravan, it was a huge success. So with entering the sixth year of the caravan, what should people expect?
This year, the caravan is three days long and contains fun for fans of all ages. Some events are ticketed, while others are first come, first serve. On Jan. 22, there is one event for fans who purchased tickets in advance. There will be a Q&A for the newest members of the Orioles, Pete Alonso and Craig Albernaz. In this event, fans should come prepared with their hottest questions for the new additions to the team.
Jan. 23 features four fun events across the state of Md.. In the early afternoon, fans could purchase tickets to volunteer with Orioles players in packing meals for local charity, “Blessings in a Backpack.” All of the money made in ticket sales for this event is being matched and donated by the Orioles to the “Blessings in a Backpack” non-profit organization. This event features many of the most popular players, such as Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg. This event should be a fun time for fans and players alike, while giving back to the community. Later in the day, fans that are 21-years-old and up can enjoy an arcade happy hour with Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg. With the purchase of tickets, fans can attend the happy hour with 20 arcade tokens, a hot dog bar and an open beer and wine bar. Older fans should have a great time gaming and connecting with some of the biggest stars in baseball. Another ticketed, 21+ event is being held at the same time, with some Orioles becoming bartenders for the night. The Guiness Open Gate Brewery is hosting Craig Albernaz, Samuel Basallo, Dylan Beavers and Tyler Wells as their guest pourers. This event is also ticketed but includes an opportunity to converse with Orioles players and executives while they pour you a drink. To finish off this day of fun, Mr. Splash and the Oriole Bird will be hosting a meet and greet for fans of all ages. This event is first come, first serve and features an opportunity to interact with some of the most energetic and unique mascots in baseball.
Jan. 24 is the last day of the caravan and is most focused on growing the next generation of Orioles fans. “Kids Day,” sponsored by Maryland College Investment Plan, offers seven events across the state. In the morning, fans had the opportunity to purchase tickets to eat breakfast with Jackson Holiday and other prospects in Ellicott City. At the same time, fans can play some duckpin bowling in Linthicum Heights. With the purchase of these tickets, fans are receiving a full meal to eat while they bowl and chat. At this event, fans will see Craig Albernaz, Jeremiah Jackson and Trevor Rogers. In Ijamsville, fans have the opportunity to talk to an Orioles alumni, Brad Brach. Brach was a pitcher for the Orioles and left a lasting impact on the organization. This event is first come, first serve style. Later in the day, there is a pop-up photo opportunity in Prince George’s County. Featured players are to be announced before midnight on Jan. 22 in order to reduce the amount of potential fans since the event is not ticketed. In the early afternoon in Sykesville, there is a small bingo event for families. This event is family friendly and offers prizes, such as stickers and candy, for winning. Jackson Holliday and Brad Brach will be helping host the event and circulate throughout the building to talk with young fans and their families. The last two events of the day will be hosted in White Marsh Mall and Westfield Montgomery Mall. These are two separate meet and greet events with no ticket required for entry. Each event features multiple current players and are fully kid friendly. There will be games, Q&A, photo opportunities and other fun activities.
Fan outreach events, such as this “Birdland Caravan,” are a good way to bring fans out and meet their favorite players. These events appeal to such a wide variety of fans that there is truly something for everyone in this event.