Minor League Baseball (MiLB) HB 897 (2022) functions like a grant through the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), as it authorizes MSA to issue up to $200 million in bonds to fund the development and /or renovations of sports entertainment facilities across the state including minor league ballparks where renovations will be necessary in order to maintain affiliations with major league teams and continue to play in our state. Proceeds allocated from the Maryland state lottery, up to $25 million annually, will be used to pay debt service on the bonds issued to finance the various projects.

As of August 2023, the following municipalities have memorandums of agreement with the MSA to provide preliminary design, technical and financial assistance as needed through the MiLB 897 program to address improvements required to ensure that the following minor league ballparks and teams meet the recently adopted Professional Development League (PDL) standards.

• Wicomico County -   Preliminary Design Services - Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, Wicomico, MD - Home of the Delmarva Shorebirds (click here)
• Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission - Preliminary Design Services - Prince George’s Stadium, Bowie, MD - Home of the Chesapeake Baysox (click here)
• City of Frederick -  Preliminary Design Services - Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, Frederick, MD - Home of the Frederick Keys (click here)
• Charles County Commissioners - Preliminary Design Services - Regency Furniture Stadium - Waldorf, MD - Home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
• City of Aberdeen - Preliminary Design Services - Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium - Aberdeen, MD - Home of the Aberdeen Ironbirds

Of note, this new fund also may be utilized by other sports entertainment venues such as equestrian centers, multi-use sports complexes, venues for youth and amateur sports tournaments. Recreational facilities are eligible for funding if an economic and feasibility study demonstrates positive economic impact to the state of Maryland.

Since the approval of a long-term lease that reaffirmed the Baltimore Ravens' strong commitment to Maryland and unlocked funds from state legislation, the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and the team have been collaborating on game-changing upgrades to M&T Bank Stadium so that it remains a best-in-class facility in terms of safety, amenities, and fan experience, while making much needed infrastructure investments to extend the life of the stadium for many years to come.

On this page, the ‘Doing Business’ and 'Events' tabs of the MSA website, MSA and the team will share the next steps for the projects contemplated in the lease that may be afforded by the HB 896 (2022) Maryland Stadium Authority - Increase of Bond Authorization - Camden Yards legislation.

HB896 (2022) increased the cap on Camden Yards Sports Complex debt from $235 million to $1.2 billion ($600 million each for Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium), increased the cap on monies for debt service transferred from lottery funds to $90 million from $20 million, and stipulated that the term of any bonds issued could not exceed the term of the team lease where the money is to be spent. This offered a significant incentive for the teams to renew or extend their leases and remain in Baltimore, and provides the opportunity to expand the economic impact of games and other activities at the stadiums.

To promote opportunities for diverse and local businesses to participate in this project, MSA’s Procurement, Compliance, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Business Reserve (SBR) teams hosted outreach, contractor information sessions, and networking events. The overall MBE participation goal for the project was established at 35%. During construction, MSA and our project partners conduct hard-hat tours for state and city officials, stakeholders, and industry professionals to preview the renovations and build relationships.

These multi-year, multi-phase renovation projects include substantial developments on the exterior plazas, expanding pre and post-game fan enjoyment, with every level undergoing renovations ensuring M&T Bank Stadium remains a world-class year-round entertainment venue for all fans.

Phase 1
In August 2024, MSA together with the Baltimore Ravens, delivered the first phase of the $430 million renovations projects of M&T Bank Stadium including a completely redesigned and relocated Press Box, upgraded Club Level, with elevator and escalator modernization throughout. Highlights of the first phase include: 

• Miller Lite Gatehouse & Roof Deck - Over 5,000 sq ft on each level of newly constructed social spaces on the stadium’s east side for fans to experience before, during and after every home game with a sports bar vibe and city views.
• The Blackwing presented by Sagamore - Located just below the Club Level along the Ravens' sideline, The Blackwing features 10 individual suites, with enclosed balconies with retractable glass, all connected to a luxurious lounge. 

Phase 2
In September 2025, MSA together with the Baltimore Ravens, delivered the second phase of the renovation projects including the ongoing transformation of the North Plaza, creation of three new premium club areas, concourse upgrades, and necessary infrastructure improvements. Highlights of the second phase include:

• Northeast Retail & Hospitality Village - One of the two new buildings that will flank the main entrance of the stadium features a 6,600-square-foot first-floor retail space with a second-floor hospitality area, making the North Plaza an ideal location for events throughout the year.
• The Raven – Situated near the 50-yard line and underneath the lower level on the north side of the stadium, provides another club experience with thematic touches from the poem "The Raven."
• Champions Club, presented by T. Rowe Price – Located behind the west end zone, the Champions Club features two bars celebrating each of the Ravens' two Super Bowl victories.
• The Trust, presented by M&T Bank – Located on the south side of the stadium, this lower concourse lounge, evokes early 1900 Baltimore banks, offers unique team access, including views of the player tunnel at the 50-yard line and the post-game press conference room.
• Legends Suites, presented by T. Rowe Price - Located in the west end zone, new upscale suite space includes a members-only social area with bar and food service stations. 

Phase 3
The next phase, with construction already underway, includes necessary infrastructure improvements, ongoing transformation of the North Plaza with the new three-level Northwest Tailgate & Concert Venue, and 12,000 sq ft of additional space to be added across three locations in the upper concourse including the creation of “The Perch.”

We believe the projects contemplated in the lease that are ultimately were selected will elevate the gameday experience, expand year-round entertainment use, extend the life of the stadium, and create economic development opportunities for many years to come. 

Baltimore Ravens - Take a Look Inside the M&T Bank Renovations (click here for video) 

Gilbane Company - World-class upgrades for an unmatched gameday and year-round fan experience (click here for story, photo gallery) 

Baltimore Ravens: M&T Bank Stadium - The Next Evolution (renderings, videos, press releases)

Ravens Announce M&T Bank Stadium Transformation Projects (click here for press release)

 

In 2024, the Maryland legislature passed HB 1524 Racing Facility Ownership and Construction - Racing Operations which authorizes the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) to issue $400 million in bonds to finance, demolish, design, and reconstruct the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore and to build a new training facility at Shamrock Farm in Carroll County, the site chosen by the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA). Design of both facilities is led by Ayers Saint Gross/Populous and Clark Construction Group, LLC is tasked with the construction. Previously, MSA managed the Pimlico Race Course studies that examined the present conditions of Pimlico, and envisioned an ideal venue for the Preakness Stakes with year-round non-racing use of the facility for the benefit of the community.

In 2025, the MTROA which was tasked with creating and implementing a sustainable thoroughbred racing strategy for the state was sunset by the legislature. On June 30th, MTROA’s roles and responsibilities transitioned to the MSA and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). MSA now owns Pimlico on behalf of the state of Maryland. MEDCO will oversee the Maryland Jockey Club, the newly formed non-profit (bearing a historic name), to operate Pimlico and the future training facility in Shamrock Farm in Carroll County. There is one budget for both projects that assumes $400 million in bonds and approximately $100 million in cash from the Racing and Community Development Financing Fund. 

The state’s new year-round thoroughbred training center will be constructed at Shamrock Farm, located 23 miles from Pimlico, and will be designed with over 800 stalls for horses plus on-site housing, kitchen and recreation areas for workers.

With the final approval by the Maryland Board of Public Works of the demolition package, MSA revealed the design concepts for the Redevelopment of the Pimlico Racing Facility.

As part of the project, MSA will develop an exhibition about the history and significance of the Pimlico Race Course. The exhibition will use artifacts, oral histories, photographs, salvaged materials, and other appropriate graphics for display in the newly constructed Clubhouse and the publicly accessible spaces on the property and its perimeter. Themes highlighted will include, at a minimum, the history of Thoroughbred Racing in Maryland, Pimlico’s role in the history of Thoroughbred Racing, African American jockeys’ roles in Thoroughbred Racing, and the history and significance of Preakness. 

MSA—in partnership with MEDCO and the Maryland Jockey Club, with the Park Heights community—will oversee the construction of the new Pimlico racing facility. Clark Construction will host outreach events for interested trades to learn about the project scope and schedule and the prequalification process. Subcontractor opportunities are and will be available through multiple contracts. In addition to a local hiring initiative, the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) goals are set at 35%.

MSA encourages residents and businesses near the Pimlico project to sign-up (click here) for the monthly community newsletter for information on upcoming construction activities, outages and major impacts, project milestones, plus bid and employment opportunities.

The Preakness Stakes 150th was held at Pimlico. Demolition of Pimlico will begin in Summer of 2025 and construction will begin soon after. All racing and training will occur at Laurel Park during the demolition and construction process. Preakness 151 will take place at Laurel Park and the Preakness is expected to return to Pimlico in 2027. Upon the completion of the new Pimlico, all racing will occur at the new facility with Laurel Park being retained by the private ownership group for a use they see fit.

During this multi-year transformation, the Pimlico Race Course will become a year-round racing facility bringing in economic benefits to the surrounding communities and further elevating Maryland, home of the Preakness Stakes, as a premiere sports tourism destination.

Community Newsletters / Boletín:
January 2026 - Construction Update (link) - Volume 9
Enero 2026 - Actualización de Construcción Boletín  (link) - Volumen 9
December 2025 - Construction Update (link) - Volume 8
Diciembre 2025 - Actualización de Construcción Boletín  (link) - Volumen 8
November 2025 - Construction Update (link) - Volume 7
Noviembre 2025 - Actualización de Construcción Boletín  (link) - Volumen 7
October 2025 - Construction Update (link) - Volume 6
September 2025 - Construction Update (link) - Volume 5
August 2025 - Construction Update (link) - Volume 4
July 2025 - Construction Update (link) - Volume 3
June 2025 - Construction Update (link) - Volume 2
May 2025 - Construction Update (link) - Volume 1

Presentation:
July 15, 2025 - Pimlico Community Public Meeting Presentation (link) 

Press Release:
August 21, 2025 - Governor Moore Marks Critical Milestone for Pimlico’s Revitalization during Demolition Ceremony (link)

July 23, 2025 - Maryland Stadium Authority Announces Demolition of the Pimlico Facility On Track (link)
Structural demolition of barns and outbuildings scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 24, 2025 (link)

May 7, 2025 - Board of Public Works Approves Investments to Promote the Future of Thoroughbred Racing in Maryland (link)

Contracting Opportunities:

Please monitor the Contracting Opportunities in the Doing Business homepage tab of the Maryland Stadium Authority website. 

Request for Expressions of Interest – Pimlico Out Parcels
The Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) is issuing this Request for Expressions of Interest (REI), in collaboration with the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) to provide an opportunity for businesses, developers and other interested parties to propose potential development of six parcels of vacant land located adjacent to the northwest boundary of Pimlico Racetrack.​ Learn more: https://medco-corp.com/rei/ (link)

Question, comment or feedback about the Maryland Stadium Authority's Redevelopment of the Pimlico Racing Facility and New Training Facility Project? 

Please complete this online form (link) and a member of our project team will respond promptly​: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeG8qdLN6RuMTwPW1TPkVHFxJpf2rXPhOC-r2zs6mNfHQPxbQ/viewform

Project Executive:
Gary McGuigan, Executive Vice President, Capital Projects Development Group

Project Director:
Al Tyler, Vice President, Capital Projects Development Group

Architect/Design:
Ayers Saint Gross + Populous

Construction Management Services:
Clark Construction Group, LLC

Anticipated Bond Proceeds:
$400 million

Historical Legislative Actions and Efforts (link) Regarding the Redevelopment of the Pimlico Racing Facility and New Training Facility