Sports Stadiums. The Authority selected the site of Camden Yards in downtown Baltimore for separate baseball and football facilities (Chapters 122, 123, and 124, Acts of 1987). Having entered into a long-term lease with the Orioles baseball team, the Authority acquired the site and constructed Oriole Park at Camden Yards, a baseball park that opened April 6, 1992. The Authority also began managing Memorial Stadium for the use of the Ravens, the National Football League team, in 1996. Memorial Stadium is on 33rd Street in northeast Baltimore.
Subject to approval by the Board of Public Works, the Authority may hold an ownership interest in and operate a professional football or major league baseball team or team franchise, on a temporary basis, during a transition of the team or team franchise to private ownership.
Baltimore City Convention Center. In 1992, certain responsibilities of the Baltimore Convention Center Authority were transferred to the Maryland Stadium Authority. To enlarge and improve the Baltimore City Convention Center, the Maryland Stadium Authority was authorized to begin design and construction or hire a firm for this work (Chapter 400, Acts of 1993). Expansion was completed September 1996. Then, refurbishment of the original structure will begin with estimated completion by April 1997. The Center is located at 100 West Pratt Street. Convention Center receipts are deposited in the Baltimore Convention Center Financing Fund.
Ocean City Convention Center. The Authority was authorized to issue bonds for the renovation, expansion, and operating costs of the Ocean City Convention Center in 1995 (Chapter 603, Acts of 1995). The Authority also maintains the Ocean City Convention Center Financing Fund.
Montgomery County Conference Center. In 1996, the Authority was empowered to provide for the development and construction of the Montgomery County Conference Center (Chapter 407, Acts of 1996).
The Authority is a public corporation of Maryland and may issue tax-exempt bonds for financing its operations. Proceeds from the sale of Authority bonds and revenues collected or received from any other source, including a tax on gate receipts at Oriole Park, are deposited in the Maryland Stadium Authority Financing Fund. The Fund is a revolving fund for carrying out the purposes of the Authority.
The Authority consists of seven members who serve four-year terms. Six are appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. One is chosen by the Mayor of Baltimore City with Senate advice and consent. The Governor names the chair. With the Governor's approval, the Authority appoints the Executive Director (Code Financial Institutions Article, secs. 13-701 through 13-722).
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