Ghost stadium: Orioles-White Sox game ‘closed to the public’

The game, the Orioles tweeted, “will be closed to the public.” What’s more, their next homestand will shift to St. Petersburg, Fla., to play the Tampa Bay Rays.

It’s just the latest blow to Baltimore following the riots of Tuesday night following the funeral of Freddie Gray, who died in police custody last week.

Secrets reported earlier today that promises of security from Baltimore political and tourism officials are doing little to salvage the city’s image, and groups from nearby schools to major conventions and Orioles are canceling events and trips to the riot-bruised city.

The latest cancellation came from the Door Hardware Institute which nixed its CoNEXTions this week at a significant cost to the organization and city. The group cited reports of another major downtown protest on Wednesday related to the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody as the reason.

“There are significant financial ramifications of this decision that were discussed at length before this decision was made,” said the group in a statement. “The impact goes well beyond DHI and includes our exhibitors, attendees, service providers, speakers and includes the local economy via the hotels, restaurants and establishments, all the way to the clerks and wait staff. It is not a decision that is taken lightly, but we expect that you would agree that the safety and security of our members and attendees is our highest priority,” it added.

Violence first occurred Saturday near Harborplace and the Baltimore Orioles stadium.

Several area schools have also pulled plans for field trips to Baltimore, famous for its aquarium, science museum, rail museum and Harborplace.

Anne Arundel, Md., Superintendent George Arlotto cancelled all school system field trips and activities to Baltimore through May 3. The Annapolis Patch reported him saying, “While we hope that the demonstrations remain civil and peaceful, I feel it is in the best interests of our students, staff, and parents to keep them away from any potential disturbances.”

He added, “I am disappointed that our children may miss out on great opportunities, but I would hope that everyone involved in our school system understands the need for this precaution.”

The cancellations are a huge financial blow to Charm City which relies on events around the waterfront tourist area to generate money. But with more protests planned, many more groups are considering canceling trips.

Add to that the cancellation of Orioles games just two blocks from the Harborplace and the financial hit will mount fast.

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].