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For Immediate Release
October 15, 2007
Contact: Frederick W. Puddester,
Chairman, Maryland Stadium Authority The Board of the Maryland Stadium Authority is pleased to announce the tentative resolution of all pending litigation with the Baltimore Orioles. A proposed settlement agreement will be presented to the Board of Public Works on October 17, 2007. MSA and the Orioles agree that a settlement such as this one provides the only possibility of purchasing new audio and video equipment in time for the 2008 season. If approved, the settlement will permit the parties to build on their ongoing efforts to cooperate in the design and procurement of new audio and video equipment for the ballpark, with the goal of deploying these systems before Opening Day, 2008.
The proposed settlement includes an agreement with the Orioles to disburse $5.25 million from an improvement fund that was established in 2001 for this exact purpose. It will involve payment of $3.75 million by MSA to repair and replace portions of the 1992 audio-visual system. That 1992 system has major components that are failing. The agreement covers, at a minimum, a new, larger, LED video screen, a new control room, and replacement of an older scoreboard with an LED model. It may also include replacement of other, older boards with LED systems, as well as the addition of limited and tasteful ribbon boards. Each new system will be carefully designed to complement the original architectural plans for the ballpark. MSA's primary purpose is to responsibly enrich the fan's experience at the ballpark, while fulfilling its obligations under the 1992 contract with the Orioles. As a result of this settlement, MSA and the Orioles have already begun meeting to design a mutually satisfactory audio-video system for the ballpark. The agreement will also resolve a number of other financial claims between the parties. The only alternative was to continue litigation, and it is clear that one result of continued litigation would be to prevent any and all solutions for the 2008 season. In part because the biggest winners in this agreement are the fans who come to Camden Yards, the settlement is fair and reasonable. Much remains to be done between now and Opening Day 2008 to get these new systems in place. While every effort is being made to do so, some or all of the systems may not be commercially available in time for deployment in March 2008. Nevertheless, the agreement, if approved, will bring the fans an audio-visual system that is consistent with the original design of Camden Yards. It will enhance the ballpark experience, and generate additional revenue. |
