Baseball -- From April to October, you can see the American League's Baltimore Orioles play ball. If there's a home game during your visit, try to attend: It's a real Baltimore experience. The team plays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 W. Camden St. (tel. 888/848-BIRD or 410/685-9800). Afternoon games are usually at 1:35pm; evening games start at 7:35pm. Ticket prices range from $9 to $55, with bargain night on Tuesday and college-student discounts on Friday, both for the upper deck.

Football -- The Baltimore Ravens play at M&T Bank Stadium, next to Camden Yards at 1101 Russell St. (tel. 410/261-RAVE). There are about 5,000 tickets sold per game (the rest are held by season-ticket holders). They are both expensive -- $40 to $315 -- and difficult to get.

Horse Racing -- Maryland's oldest thoroughbred track and the site of the annual Preakness Stakes is Pimlico Race Course, 5241 Park Heights (tel. 410/542-9400), about 5 miles from the Inner Harbor on the city's northwest side. (This is where Seabiscuit made history beating Triple Crown winner War Admiral.) The Preakness, the middle jewel in racing's Triple Crown, is held the third Saturday in May. Clubhouse and grandstand tickets go on sale in October -- and go fast. Infield tickets, at $45, are for sale at the box office or gas stations as the Preakness gets closer. Post time for regular racing days is 1:10pm; admission is $3 for the grandstand. Self-parking is free; valet parking is $3. Call ahead for opening days.

Indoor Soccer -- The Baltimore Blast (tel. 410/732-5278), 2003 MISL champs, have had a loyal following for more than 20 years. The season lasts October through April; games are played at the 1st Mariner Arena. Tickets cost $14 to $20.

Lacrosse -- Baltimore's pro lacrosse team is the 2005 MLL champion Baltimore Bayhawks (tel. 866/99HAWKS). Games are played May through August at Johnny Unitas Stadium in Towson. Tickets are $12 to $18.