Sports Legends Museum Closing Its Doors After Lease Dispute

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore's Sports Legends Museum draws tens of thousands of visitors a year, but, no more. The museum is leaving its home at Camden Yards because of a lease dispute with the Maryland Stadium Authority.

Meghan McCorkell explains what it means for the museum's future.

The museum has been in lease negotiations since April, but all of that fell through last week.

It's been in the shadow of Oriole Park for a decade, drawing tens of thousands of visitors a year. Now, the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards is closing its doors.

"Why? People pay millions of dollars to locate things like that close to major attractions like this park," said Manuel Valles, sports fan.

A lease dispute with the Maryland Stadium Authority has the museum packing its things.

"At the 11th hour, they came back and offered us a one-year lease that really was a deal breaker because we wanted to be in the building longer than that," said Mike Gibbons, Sports Legends Museum.

The 22,000 square foot museum houses one of the largest collections of state sports memorabilia in the country.

Now, Johnny Unitas' jersey, Colts and Ravens Super Bowl rings and Cal Ripken's batting helmet will all be packed away.

Some of the pieces from the museum's collection will now be moved just a few blocks away to Babe Ruth's Birthplace.

Once the museum finds a new location, it may be one or two years before they once again open their doors.

"Once we have determined what that location is going to be, you have to go through design, fundraising, installation, construction and all that stuff," said Gibbons.

The move from Camden Yards is sad news for some sports fans.

"I think it's incredible to have it right here on location for fans. I can't see moving it," said Orioles fan Michelle McCartin.

Now they wait, as the museum looks for a new place to hang their hats.

Museum officials say they hope to announce a new location in the coming weeks.

WJZ reached out to the Maryland Stadium Authority for comment. They have not returned our phone calls.