The Baltimore Orioles' new nest exceeded all expectations this baseball season, generating a statewide economic impact of more than $226 million in gross sales, a state study shows.
According to the Maryland Department of Economic and Employment Development's research office, which conducted the study, the team's 1992 home games at the new Oriole Park at Camden Yards also generated $77 million in employee income and more than 2,340 full-time jobs.
In March, the research office predicted an economic impact of $204 million in annual sales, $70 million in employee income, and 2,100 full-time jobs.
Gov. William Donald Schaefer lauded the results, saying the ball-park's potential "to benefit our people and our state has become a reality." He added that when the All-Star game is held at Camden Yards next year, "we will see even more positive economic results."
The research office's study shows that statewide tax receipts from the 1992 baseball season were $9.4 million. Local tax receipts totaled more than $6.4 million.
The Orioles finished their home schedule Sept. 28 with 59 consecutive sellouts and 67 sellouts in 80 home dates. Total attendance for the season was 3.568 million, a franchise record.
