Statement: Maryland Stadium Authority's 2022 Departmental Bills

HB 896 Maryland Stadium Authority - Increase of Bond Authorization - Camden Yards
HB 897 Economic Development – Sports Entertainment Facilities and Events, Prince George’s County Blue Line Corridor Facilities, and Racing Facilities
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The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) is extremely grateful for the support of HB 896 - Maryland Stadium Authority - Increase of Bond Authorization - Camden Yards and HB 897 Economic Development – Sports Entertainment Facilities and Events, Prince George’s County Blue Line Corridor Facilities, and Racing Facilities throughout the 2022 legislative session. These bills received final passage with widespread support from both parties and every section of the state and were signed into law by Maryland’s Governor and the presiding officers.

With the success of both of these bills, MSA will further elevate Maryland as a sports and entertainment destination by investing in our facilities to maintain our professional teams, support Maryland’s attraction and retention of major sports events, and create economic development opportunities across the state for years to come.

Since 1986, the MSA has served as an economic development engine through the construction of sport, entertainment and education facilities across the state that uplift communities, inspire investments, and increase revenues to Maryland.

For 35 years, by working with state, city and county partners, MSA’s construction, study and sports marketing activities have improved the quality of life of Marylanders and those who visit our state. MSA is headquartered in the Warehouse at Camden Yards, adjacent to Oriole Park, our first and most famous project that ushered in a new era of stadium design and urban revitalization across the nation.

Whenever the MSA is asked to take on projects and studies our response is always “we’re here to serve”. For 35 years, it has been our sincere pleasure to serve the citizens of Maryland. We look forward to collaborating with the professional teams and sports and entertainment venues across the state for Marylanders continued enjoyment and enrichment.           __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HB 896 - Maryland Stadium Authority - Increase of Bond Authorization - Camden Yards
In the House - Third Reading Passed (123-10)
In the Senate - Third Reading Passed (43-0)
In the House - Returned Passed
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 60

HB 897 - Economic Development - Sports Entertainment Facilities and Events, Prince George's County Blue Line Corridor Facilities, and Racing Facilities
In the House - Third Reading Passed (122-9)
In the Senate - Third Reading Passed (43-0)
In the House - Returned Passed
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 61
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Bill Signing Ceremony, April12, 2022 (video)

MSA's Statement - Passage of HB 896 and HB 897 (pdf)





About MSA's Departmental Bills:

In 2022, the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) had two departmental bills we advanced during the legislative session. HB896 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 offers 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.

HB897 allows MSA to borrow up to $200 million for minor league stadiums and other sports entertainment facilities in Maryland and creates a $10 million fund to promote major sports events in Maryland. Amendments were added to our original bill to allow MSA to borrow up to $400 million for Blue Line Corridor development in Prince George's County, begin design at Pimlico race track, and produce reports on cost and schedule at Laurel Park.

Both bills passed overwhelmingly in the House of Delegates and unanimously among those voting in the Senate. The bills were also strongly supported by business and political leaders across the state reflecting their belief in the importance of the bills to economic vitality in the state and MSA's ability to successfully carry out the programs these funds will support.