Invasion of the Red Sox fans

May 13, 2008

They’re baaaa-aaaack. Strolling around downtown Baltimore today after lunch I noticed an infusion of Boston Red Sox jerseys, tees and hats parading through the streets.

Like death and taxes, it seems another certainty for Baltimoreans is the Red Sox fan invasion when Boston visits Camden Yards. Let’s face it, it’s no coincidence that Oriole Park’s records for the largest four-date, three-date, two-date series and largest regular season crowd were all played against the Red Sox (in 2005, 2007, 2001 and 2005 respectively).

This year’s attendance story has not been different. Aside from the New York Yankees’ visit here in mid-April (when attendance averaged about 40,000 for three games) the fans at Orioles games have numbered between 10,700 and 16,500 since April 7. And anecdotal evidence has it that Red Sox or Yankee games played at Oriole Park tend to be more of a “home” game for the visiting team rather than the O’s.

My guess is that tonight and tomorrow afternoon while the Sox are here will be no different. My question is, is this a bad thing for Orioles fans or (as the attendance numbers might suggest) do they care that their ballpark will probably have more people wearing red and white than orange and black? Do local bars and restaurants secretly love the extra dollars spent at their establishments by the visiting fans?

Is this “Birdland” only when Boston and New York aren’t here?

LIZ FARMER, Business Writer

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Posted by The Daily Record | Filed Under business, sports 

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