Hagerstown Multi–Use Sports and Events Facility (Meritus Park)

In October 2021, with the enactment of the Economic Development – Maryland Stadium Authority – Hagerstown Multi–Use Sports and Events Facility legislation, the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) is authorized to issue up to $59.5 million in bonds to finance the acquisition, design, construction and related expenses to construct the facility. Maryland Governor Hogan’s supplemental budget also provided $8.5 million dollars towards this effort, while the General Assembly designated another $1.5 million in the fy2023 Capital Budget for the project. 

In October 2022, Governor Larry Hogan along with project stakeholders broke ground on a new Multi-Use and Sports Facility in the heart of downtown Hagerstown. The stadium—a project long sought by local leaders—will serve as the home of a new professional baseball team in the Atlantic League as well as other sports, cultural, and community events. City, county, and state officials, along with ownership group Downtown Baseball LLC, see the facility as a catalyst for downtown revitalization, as well as further economic development and tourism for Washington County and western Maryland.

In July 2023, state legislation that allows MSA to borrow up to $200 million for investments into minor league stadiums and other sports entertainment facilities in Maryland was amended to include the Hagerstown project and raised the limit to $220 million. The change allocated an additional $20 million to address inflationary pressures being faced on the project.

Also in July, Downtown Baseball LLC announced the team name selection, the Flying Boxcars, from the numerous submissions in the community’s ‘Name the Team’ contest. This unique name reflects Hagerstown’s aviation history as the home of the famous “Flying Boxcar” manufactured by Fairchild between 1944 and 1955.

In October, nearly a year to the day of the groundbreaking, MSA's Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility project partner, Turner Construction Company Construction, hosted a topping out ceremony. In building construction, a topping out is traditionally held when the last beam (or its equivalent) is ceremonially placed atop a structure during its construction. We are delighted that local leaders and the team ownership group joined us and even signed the beam. Another significant project milestone was the recent installation of stadium lights, scoreboard, and Meritus Park marquee sign.

Upon MSA’s completion of the design and subsequent construction process, the facility will be owned and operated by The Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility, Inc..

The club’s first ever homestand started in May of 2024, when the Flying Boxcars open the doors and welcome fans to the brand-new facility.

Established in 1986, MSA managed the construction and design of Oriole Park at Camden Yards (1992), the world-class award-winning facility in Major League Baseball. Additional Minor League Baseball facilities constructed by MSA include Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium (2002) and Regency Furniture Stadium (2008). 

Promotional Video Showcasing Meritus Park:
(video) Credit Visit Hagerstown

Time-Lapse Construction Videos - Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility now Meritus Park:
(videos) Credit Visit Hagerstown

MSA Stadium Fly Through Video - Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility:
(video) Credit Pendulum and Turner Construction

MSA Preliminary Renderings - Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility:
(download) Credit Pendulum and Turner Construction

MSA Community Newsletters - Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility:
Vol. 1 September 2022 
Vol. 2 October 2022
Vol. 3 December 2022
Vol. 4 January 2023
Vol. 5 February 2023
Vol. 6 March 2023
Vol. 7 April 2023
Vol. 8 May 2023
Vol. 9 June 2023
Vol. 10 July 2023
Vol. 11 August 2023
Vol. 12 September 2023
Vol. 13 October 2023
Vol. 14 November 2023
Vol. 15 December 5, 2023
Vol. 16 January 8, 2024
Vol. 17 February 2, 2024
Vol. 18 March 4, 2024
Vol. 19, April 5, 2024

Governor Hogan and Maryland Stadium Authority Break Ground on New Downtown Hagerstown Ballpark
(more information)

Atlantic League Officially Approves New Team Coming to Hagerstown, Maryland
Minor League Baseball’s return will coincide with the Maryland Stadium Authority’s construction of a new Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility in Hagerstown, Maryland
(more information)

Hagerstown MiLB Ballpark – Market and Site Assessment & Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility Effort
(more information)

Project Completion Photos by Jonathon Irby, MSA Project Manager, Meritus Park:


Meritus Park marquee at dusk by Jonathon Irby, MSA Project Manager, Meritus Park


Meritus Park Homeplate View by Jonathon Irby, MSA Project Manager, Meritus Park


Meritus Park Hagerstown View by Jonathon Irby, MSA Project Manager, Meritus Park