Orioles Announce Multi-Year Exhibition Series Against Nationals
The Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals have officially announced a multi-year exhibition series, set to begin in 2025. This highly anticipated series is a significant development for baseball fans in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas, promising a thrilling annual showcase of regional talent and fierce rivalry. With both teams representing the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region, the series aims to strengthen the connection between these two major league franchises and provide fans with an exciting early glimpse of their favorite teams before the regular season kicks off.
The announcement was made earlier this week by both teams’ front offices, who expressed their enthusiasm about the long-term nature of the collaboration. The exhibition games, which will be played each spring, will alternate between the Orioles’ home at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore and Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., ensuring that fans from both cities will have an equal opportunity to witness the action live.
The exhibition series is designed to become an annual tradition, adding a layer of excitement to the typically low-key spring training games. The games will be held just before the official start of the MLB season, giving players a chance to fine-tune their rosters and prepare for the months ahead, while also offering fans a compelling matchup to look forward to every year.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Nationals in what will undoubtedly become a highlight of the spring calendar for our fans,” said Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias. “This series will provide fans in the region with an opportunity to see their home teams face off in an exciting setting and will create lasting memories for everyone involved.”
The matchups between the Orioles and Nationals will hold special significance given the proximity of the two teams. The fierce baseball rivalry between the two cities, although not as historic as some other MLB matchups, has grown in recent years. The Nationals, established in Washington D.C. in 2005, have risen to prominence with a World Series championship in 2019, while the Orioles have enjoyed a rich history, particularly in the 1960s and 70s, making their matchup a dynamic and anticipated event.
Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo echoed similar sentiments, noting, “This series will give fans the opportunity to experience one of the most exciting rivalries in baseball, while fostering a sense of regional pride and camaraderie between our two teams. We look forward to bringing fans together for what will be a fantastic way to kick off the season every year.”
Both teams also recognize the broader impact the series will have on the regional economy. With millions of fans living within driving distance of both stadiums, the annual exhibition games are expected to generate significant tourism and commerce in both cities, benefiting local businesses and the broader baseball community. The games will also be broadcast nationally, further enhancing the visibility of both franchises.
The 2025 exhibition series is set to be the first of many, with plans already in motion to expand the event into a larger regional celebration of baseball, featuring fan festivals, community events, and special appearances by former players. As the Orioles and Nationals continue to develop their rosters and build competitive teams, the annual exhibition series will undoubtedly grow in stature, becoming a fixture of the Mid-Atlantic sports scene.
Fans can expect ticket information and other event details to be released closer to the spring of 2025.
