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Some Sports Fans Fired Up About New Stadium Smoking Ban

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Orioles and Ravens fans are about to be smoke-free. Some sports fans are supporting the new changes but others are fired up!

Christie Ileto has more.

If you're caught smoking at a Ravens or an O's game, as the umpire says, "You're out!" Fans can no longer light up cigarettes or cigars inside either venue after March 4.

It might be for the best.

"I'm all for it," said one fan.

"I don't smoke," said another. "So I don't really want to inhale secondhand smoke."

Some fans support the stadium smokeout but others, like Rob Dix, aren't as happy.

"I'll be watching the game at home," Dix said.

The ban prohibits smoking within 25 feet of any entry. The teams are working on a plan that would allow smokers to leave the stadium to smoke, then re-enter.

But some smokers already have a Plan B.

"I think I can probably handle going for a few hours and if it's too much, just go outside the game," said Ryan Hardy.

Before the ban, there were certain areas inside parts of the stadium were you could smoke, for example, along ramps.

"Over the years, we've received complaints from fans about the smoking in our facilities," said Vernon Conaway, Maryland Stadium Authority.

The Maryland Stadium Authority says they're not the only ones doing this. There are 20 MLB stadiums and 25 NFL stadiums that are smoke-free or have designated smoke areas outside.

"Which brings Camden Yards Sports Complex in line with what other sporting facilities are doing," said Conaway.

As for those nail-biting games, if an usher catches you smoking, you'll be watching outside the gates.

The ban goes into effect March 4. Officials hope this move will enhance the fan experience.

The non-smoking policy will also apply to non-sports events, like Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake's concert, which is coming to M&T Bank Stadium this August.

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