SPORTS
![[color photograph of horse]](/msa/mdmanual/01glance/images/i002964a.jpg)
- Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore hosts the Preakness Stakes (one of three thoroughbred horse races in the world famous Triple Crown). The race is held on the third Saturday in May (most recently on May 20, 2000). It contributes to Maryland's reputation as "horse country."
Horse in stable, Timonium, Maryland
1998. Photo by Diane P. Frese.
The Maryland area is home to several professional sports teams, large sporting facilities, and more than a dozen nationally competitive college-level sports teams.
- The Baltimore Orioles baseball team is part of the American League (East Division). The team plays in Oriole Park at Camden Yards, one of the nation's first retro-styled stadiums built to recall early baseball parks. Located in downtown Baltimore, the Stadium opened in 1992. It seats 48,262 people. Adjoining buildings include the Orioles' offices, shops, and restaurants.
- The Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League debuted in the 1996 season at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium. In 1998, a 69,300-seat stadium was completed to host the team. Ravens Stadium was renamed PSINet Stadium on January 26, 1999 and is part of Baltimore's Camden Yards sports complex.
- The Washington Redskins National Football League team plays at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The Stadium opened in 1997 and seats 80,116 people.
- The University of Maryland athletics program, perhaps best known for the Terps (Terrapins) basketball team, organizes many sporting teams. The University operates the 48,000-person capacity Byrd Stadium at College Park.
- Navy football is played at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Opened in 1959, the Stadium seats 30,000. It is home to the midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy athletics department. Throughout the year, other activities center near the Stadium, including runs sponsored by the Annapolis Striders.
- The Baltimore Arena hosts the Baltimore Blast (indoor soccer) and the Baltimore BayRunners (basketball).
The Maryland Stadium Authority is concerned with construction and operation of certain stadiums and other large facilities in the State.
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