Exploring the Baltimore sports scene

With the fall semester just around the corner, Hopkins students are slowly making their way back to campus. Since most venues have opened up, attending sporting events is a great way to enjoy yourself outside the realm of academics. Ranging from top-notch sports leagues like the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) to collegiate, minor and local sports leagues, the opportunities are endless. Here are some exciting, in-person sports events that you can witness in Baltimore this fall semester.

Baltimore Orioles

What better way to kick off the semester than experiencing America’s pastime? Head down to the historic Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles. Though the MLB regular season ends on Oct. 5, you can still watch them play at home against teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros. Tickets can cost as little as $15, with an average price of $60, so they are definitely more affordable for a college budget. You can find tickets and more dates here.

Baltimore Ravens

Football fans are a little luckier with scheduling. The NFL regular season starts early September and runs into the new year. Just head past Oriole Park to the M&T Bank Stadium, which will be open to welcome back fans of the Baltimore Ravens. The first regular season home game is the Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins. 

Not a Dolphins or Ravens fan? No problem. Throughout the fall semester, the Ravens will be hosting games against the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos, who recently acquired star quarterback Russell Wilson.

Additionally you’ll have the opportunity to watch the only home primetime game when the Ravens face off against Joe Burrow and the Cincinatti Bengals in Week 5, and you can witness a decades-long rivalry between the Ravens and the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 23. Tickets are a little pricier but definitely worth the fun! Find dates and tickets here.

Horse Racing

Another historical Baltimore sport is horse racing. This sport takes place at the Pimlico Race Course, where the Preakness Stakes – one leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing –occurs every year. See more details on the website.

Events in Washington, D.C.

If you’re up for a longer trip, hop on a train to Washington, D.C. where there’s a whole other world of sporting events. Baseball fans can catch a Washington Nationals game at Nationals Park. They close their regular season at home on Oct. 2 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Find more tickets and dates here.

With the National Hockey League draft in mid-July, hockey is also on a lot of people’s minds. Catch the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena starting in late September through into the new year. The first home game of the preseason is on Sept. 25, where the Capitals face off against the Buffalo Sabres. Tickets and dates can be found here.

Soccer enthusiasts can head to Audi Field, home of the Major League Soccer team D.C. United. With a season that started in the spring, you can catch them almost every weekend until Oct. 9, where they’ll play their last home game against FC Cincinatti. Tickets and dates here.

Finally, five miles outside Washington, D.C. is FedEx Field which is home to the NFL’s Washington Commanders. Though they aren’t playing any primetime games at home, there are still plenty of interesting matchups to look forward to. Find tickets and dates here.

Collegiate Athletics

In terms of collegiate sports, there is also plenty to offer. The University of Maryland Terrapins, located in College Park, are a member of the Big Ten Conference which always hosts exciting football games. Right next door are the Towson Tigers and to the south in Annapolis are the Naval Academy Midshipmen.

Heading back to Homewood Campus, don’t forget to support our very own Hopkins sports teams. With a plethora of games starting very soon, you’re bound to find events to attend right here. Take this opportunity to show your support for our athletes and display your school spirit! Hopkins Sports regularly updates the sports events happening around campus and what our athletes are up to.