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Fans Will See Changes To Camden Yards At Orioles Home Opener

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—We're just two days away from Opening Day. Work continues at Oriole Park to get everything ready for the start of the season on Friday.

Jessica Kartalija has a closer look at the finishing touches on the ballpark.

With all of the construction, it's hard to imagine that in just two days a new and improved Camden Yards will open its gates to fans.

"Baseball has changed. Fans no longer sit in their seats and keep score for nine innings. They've got all kinds of games and gadgets in their pockets on their cell phones. We just wanted to create a more social experience to give fans a chance to watch the game with a group," said Janet Marie Smith, Orioles Vice President.

Smith designed the iconic stadium more than two decades ago.

"I think the Oriole fans will have a lot to look forward to," Smith said. "Yet the postcard view hasn't changed. That's one of the criteria that Peter Angelos gave us. He said 'Well, don't do anything to mess up the things we love. Let's just try to make it more friendly.'"

In addition to several new fan areas, there's a new flag court with a better view of the field. There's also a new restaurant named after O's World Series MVP Rick Dempsey.

"I am so excited and so proud and so happy and so honored, really by Baltimore, by the Delaware North Corporation to want me to have my name on this restaurant. It's a great day for me," Dempsey said.

And remember WJZ is your place for Complete Coverage this Friday. Our special live coverage of the Orioles and the Twins begins at 2 p.m. on WJZ-13.

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