Opened: April 17, 1996
Capacity: 5,200
Affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles
Arthur W. Perdue Stadium
My family used to go to Bethany Beach every summer. One year my dad asked if I wanted to go see the Shorebirds. Sure, so he drove over here. The first time I was here we sat behind the dugout but a massive thunderstorm hit in the middle of the game. Knocked the power out even. Came back the next day and it rained again. Not off to a good start here. Looking at a map this park just seems so far way but back in 2012 I was bored on a Saturday and said what the heck and drove down. I’ve been coming back every year. Sometimes it is for the bobblehead giveaways, other times I tried to time it with a visit to Norfolk to fill out my Birdland Passport. The park underwent a massive renovation in 2016 replacing the benches with stadium seats. Much nicer!
How did I get there?
I can get here two ways, either down to Annapolis and across the Bay Bridge via US 50 or down through Delaware. Either route allows for a visit to several attractions like breweries that I like to frequent. Parking is $4 but if I come for a bobblehead giveaway I get there early and usually beat the parking attendant in.
Ticket prices
They are about standard, $9 can get you in. I have been there when it cost $1 to get in on Mondays.
Finding my seat and amenities
General admission used to take up most of the park so it was not hard to find. Now with actual seating you have an assigned seat. The team draws well on paper but the crowds can be sparse at times as well. The park has the usual food items but they do have large souvenir soda so you at least get some of your money’s worth for that. They also have a nice gelato stand behind home plate.
In game experience
It’s the usual in game experience. Nothing to write home about.
Getting out
Not really that hard though I usually don’t stay for the entire game. In two turns you can be on US 50 and the bypass is right by the stadium. It can take about 2 hours and 45 minutes to get home if traffic is light. I have also been here a few times when rain is about to hit. You can watch it come so you can have an idea when it is going to hit and act accordingly. I’ve managed to be in my car twice about a minute before the heavens opened. I felt so smart!
Wrap
It’s nice to get down here. I’m not a beach go-er and just go down and back the same day. For the level this is a nice park to watch a game but I wouldn’t want to live here.