Many ideas are simply for aesthetics ? whether it be a new scoreboard or a refreshed warning track. Others could have greater economic impact, such as a centerfield café. Some club and architect executives have spoken about the potential that a café ? to be opened year-round ? could be installed in centerfield, perhaps above the ivy-covered, green batter?s eye wall. With whatever changes take place, one thing is assured ? Camden Yards will remain a charming throwback.

“It is such a classic structure and it was intended to look old fashioned,” said Maryland Stadium Authority executive director Alison Asti.

Could you imagine the eighth floor of the B&O Warehouse with larger, club level-esque windows? It was an original consideration. For that matter, envision the ballpark without the warehouse.

“There was some resistance on the part of the Orioles including the warehouse in the design,” Asti said. “Thank goodness we made that decision.”

This season, the Orioles have replaced the warning track ? keeping the same shade as the last track ? and raised the backstop screen nine feet after fans behind home plate were hit with low, foul ball line drives.

Original plans also called for the replacement of the padding on the walls that line the inner ring of the seating bowl in foul territory. The wall was to be fit with padding that featured a brick design that would match that of the warehouse.

But fans can rest assured that nothing will look drastically different for today?s opener.

“The lease actually says that whatever we do with the stadium, we?re going to preserve the aesthetics,” Asti said.