Bruce Springsteen and Orioles home opener bring excitement and traffic to downtown Baltimore

Baltimore residents, workers, and fans are gearing up for a busy weekend ahead with a plethora of events taking place throughout the city. This Friday marks the opening day for both Orioles baseball and CFG Bank Arena, which will host its first concert since its renovation with legendary musician, Bruce Springsteen.

Marquee events bring potential for rebirth to downtown Baltimore

Friday is anticipated to be one of the busiest days in downtown Baltimore since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The anticipated 100,000 attendees for both events combined create an opportunity for Baltimore boosters to showcase the city’s resilience and potential rebirth. This day of festivities has the potential to bring the city together after a difficult year, and create unforgettable memories for all who attend.

Traffic congestion and parking difficulties expected

The influx of visitors attending both events may cause increased traffic congestion and parking issues throughout downtown. Some roads will also be closed by the Baltimore Police Department in preparation for these events. While this may cause some disruptions for commuters, it is viewed as a positive sign that people are returning to downtown Baltimore after a difficult year.

Orioles home opener postponed one day due to weather

The excitement surrounding the Orioles’ home opener was briefly extinguished when the game was postponed by one day due to thunderstorms coinciding with their original scheduled date. Fans with tickets for Thursday’s game can use them on Friday instead.

Weather forecast for weekend events

Meteorologist Dalencia Jenkins forecasts cloudy and cool conditions throughout the next few days, including during Friday’s home opener game. Sprinkles of rain are expected in the morning, but clearing up by game time. Temperatures will be around low 60s at first pitch at 3:05 pm. Colder conditions with mostly cloudy skies are expected through Saturday with mid-50s temperatures. Fortunately, Easter Sunday will bring sun and a gradual warming trend with temperatures climbing to the 80s by next Thursday.

Opportunity for restaurants and businesses in downtown Baltimore

Having two marquee events on the same day is a welcome sign for the downtown restaurants and businesses following the pandemic. Many are optimistic about the large customer base that will come back to downtown, boosting their revenue. The expected 130 events throughout the year and the extension to double annual concerts planned to about 60 give hope for the downtown area’s revival.

Additional events happening over Easter weekend

The Bruce Springsteen concert and Orioles home opener are not the only events happening over Easter weekend in Baltimore. Residents and visitors can participate in several Easter egg hunts throughout the area or attend other shows such as the Good Friday concert at Lyric Baltimore featuring R&B artists like Carl Thomas, Lyfe Jennings, and Christopher Williams. The Bunny Bonanzoo event at Maryland Zoo and Fed Hill Easter Egg Hunt at Federal Hill Park will provide fun for families with numerous activities to do. Additionally, vintage & makers markets, music shows, and other festive events are bound to bring joy to people.

Conclusion

Baltimore residents have many exciting options this weekend with multiple events happening throughout the city. The simultaneous Bruce Springsteen concert and Orioles home opener game are set to create memorable experiences for visitors, workers, and residents alike. With additional events during Easter weekend providing opportunities for family fun, there is no shortage of things to do in Baltimore this weekend.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons