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

In October 2021, with the enactment of the Hagerstown Multi–Use Sports and Events Facility legislation, the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) was authorized to issue bonds to help finance the facility with a construction cost of $78.5 million. 

In October 2022, project stakeholders broke ground on the 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. State, county, and city 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. 

Once the logistically challenging downtown site was prepared, over the next twelve months MSA’s project team, construction and trade partners, worked six days a week, with up to 200 workers on site, to complete the facility in advance of Opening Day.

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.

In October 2023, nearly a year to the day of the groundbreaking, MSA's 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 were delighted that local leaders and the team ownership group joined us and even signed the beam. 

The innovative three-story multi-use facility features a 360-degree fully ADA accessible wrap-around concourse with premium fan amenities for game watching and socializing, offering multiple food and beverage concessionaire spaces, restrooms, team stores, and an outfield picnic deck with great views of the field and historic Hagerstown. The suite level includes a bar and banquet areas for gathering and networking. For the team, MSA constructed state-of-the-art locker rooms and practice areas, a synthetic turf playing field surface, and spaces for team operations plus storage. Fans can see the score and stats from any seat in the facility on the large scoreboard in the outfield or ribbon board attached unto to the suite level. Stadium lighting was installed for night games and events.

The new team’s name, the Flying Boxcars, reflects Hagerstown’s aviation and manufacturing history. Throughout the facility, the design incorporates the aviation theme from retail to hospitality areas, and architectural features, all in an exciting and aesthetically pleasing way.

In May 2024, MSA delivered Meritus Park for the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars first ever homestand, and were delighted as the new club opened the doors and welcomed fans to the brand-new facility. MSA's leadership and Meritus Park project team attended a series of opening events, welcoming state officials, providing tours and even throwing out a first pitch and being recognized in on-field ceremonies. 

Throughout the design and construction process, MSA collaborated with project stakeholders and delivered an innovative multi-use facility that complements historic Hagerstown, incorporates the cultural trail, and further elevates Maryland as a sports and entertainment destination. 

The facility has already received awards and exceeded attendance expectations. In addition to an exciting season of minor league baseball, Meritus Park has hosted civic, corporate, community, and cultural events. With MSA’s completion of the construction process, the facility is now owned and operated by The Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility, Inc..

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).

Awards:
●    Ballpark of the Year, 2024 – Atlantic League of Professional Baseball 
●    Historic Preservation Award, Meritus Park, 2024 – City of Hagerstown Historic District Commission
●    Best Tourist/Seasonal Attraction & Best Place to Host a Work Event, 2024 – Tri State’s Best ‘Community’s Choice’
●    Best Product of Event - Large, Visit Hagerstown, 2024 - Maryland Tourism Coalition

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
Also Breaks Ground on New School of Osteopathic Medicine at Meritus Health. Part of Series of Washington County Visits to Highlight Administration Initiatives and Achievements
(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 Jeff Allen with Turner Construction




Meritus Park marquee at dusk 


Meritus Park Homeplate View 


Meritus Park Hagerstown View