The Perfect Amphitheater

There couldn't be a better setup for a Fan Fest than the promenade between Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium.  The sycamores edging the walkway created shade for tailgating and (what else?)  pickup lacrosse games on the grass. 

(Do people carry portable goals around in their trunks or something?  They materilize out of nowhere, like picnic tables.  Kids with sticks are right behind them.)

Along the the flag-lined route were festival tents with lacrosse challenges and other activities .  Fans of all ages are having a blast.

One thing I noticed is that the lax support is not confined to the two teams in the championship.  Lacrosse t-shirts from colleges and programs all around are proudly displayed.  A lot of Navy, a few Syracuse, and some youth players from Yorktown who seemed to have established a campsite on Lot H.  Very evident they are here to see the top level of competition and not necessarily the teams.

What is really cool is the main stage, which is situated right under the overpass.  Not only is it shaded and roughly in the middle, but the structural supports and the deck create a perfect acoustics for percussion.  (The overhead traffic adds a nice touch, too.)

About an hour before face-off, the 23 man drum line of the Marching Ravens took the stage for a show that drew everyone into the action.  If it was possible to energize the crowd any more, the drum line delivered.  Then they reassembled in front of the stage and led the parade into the stadium.

Here's a picture of what the promenade looked like even before the band began.

Terry told me the Terp women champs are going to be recognized on the field today.  Their game, and the crowd in Towson, was the talk of the US Lacrosse tent this afternoon.

It's been a great weekend for lacrosse in Baltimore. Why hold a championship anywhere else?

Terps Take Trophy in Towson !!!

Energy, energy, energy.  That's what Terry felt at the end of the short hop up 83 to Johnny U Stadium yesterday.  Because despite the 80+ degree temperature, the partisan crowd was electrified at seeing the Maryland women's lacrosse team storm back from an initial 6 goal deficit to beat the reigning (five year) champs from Northwestern.

Just as noteworthy as the intensity of the crowd was the size -- nearly 10,000 fans.  That's the largest attendance for a women's lacrosse event ever.

A great victory for the lady Terps and dynamite product placement for that other home team whose logo is prominent in the trophy hoist.

Stand by for the rest of the Baltimore's lax weekend as we journey to M&T for the men's fnal.  Weather is beautiful and fans are pumped.

Touting de Tours

This is the week Terry and representatives from Medalist Sports will meet in Annapolis to determine the level of support for staging a week-long, statewide Tour de Maryland in 2012.  Terry invited tourism representatives from every jurisdiction, because an event of this magnitude brings visitors from all over.  It cannot happen without support from local governments to assist with logistics, either.

And yes, while corporate support is the lifeblood of any professional event, the place where the gears shift and the tread hits the trail is with the fans and cycling community.  This is where the outreach occurs and the volunteer base germinates.  Fortunately, Maryland has a thriving network of clubs, activities and events that will only be enhanced by the presence of a high profile, multi tiered event like Tour de Maryland.

The cycling community has many components, from the folks who use it as basic transportation to the daredevils who push the envelope with tricks and obstacle courses to the environmentalists who enjoy the experience of the many natural resources Maryland has to offer, to the fitness buffs who compete in triathlons and other challenges.

A large scale professional race like a Tour de Maryland taps into all these enthusiasts.  It gives them a platform to advocate cyling issues and draw attention to local businesses and resources that support bicycling.  It also includes them in the festivities and attractions in a festival atmosphere.

A good regional example of this model is the recent BikeJam in Baltimore.  I went last year and saw the professionals as they whizzed through Patterson Park in a day-glo colored blur.   Reminded me of a psychedelic poster I had in my dorm room.  But the races were only one of the attractions.  There were recreational rides, seminars on health and safety, and demonstrations of trick riding.

There are other bicycle events in the coming months that focus more on recreation, health, and fitness.  Tour Dem Parks, Hon in Baltimore began eight years ago as a way to showcase the newly opened Gwynns Falls Trail.  It has expanded over the years to include four different routes.  The 14 mile family ride (that's the one I did,) a 25 mile that adds Druid Hill Park, a 35 mile which includes even more of Baltimore, and a metric century (64 miles) that extends to Patapsco State Park.

You can tell who's there for the long haul.  They show up in matching spandex and sunglass ensembles.  They are either part of a racing team or a triathlon training program.  And they carry more water than a camel.

The event has grown every year.  In 2009, more than 1,000 participated.  Even more are expected this June 13.

Because almost all the courses take riders through the Camden Yards complex, this is a good way to learn how bicycle-friendly and easily accessible the stadiums are.  This year, a large map of the Gwynns Falls Trail and Baltimore will be in place at the corner of Warner and Ostend.  This will remind all our visitors just how convenient we are to downtown and the public/alternative transportation routes.

The inaugural Tour de Frederick is a little more ambitious, lasting the weekend of August 13-15 and giving participants the opportunity to take in the piedmont experience with trips to the ballpark and museums. (Can you see the tourism factor now?)

In October, the Sea Gull Century is planning its 22nd annual event, beginning and ending at Salisbury University and taking in many of the sights of Maryland's Eastern Shore.  Last year, more than 6,000 participated.

So you can already see how well the bicycle community is organized in three major regions of Maryland with entirely different demographics.  Just imagine an event that would showcase the entire state's bicycle community and enhance the many resources and activities we already have.

We'll find out a lot more of what is possible and what needs to be done to make this happen in Maryland.

If you are part of the cycling or tourism communities and want to learn more about this informational meeting, blip Tweety at info@marylandsports.us.

The F&F Factor

There are some among us who love hosting big events just because of all the excitement and energy they bring.  All well and good, say the pragmatic bean counters.  But the bottom line is, well,  the bottom line!  Fill those seats and feed those bellies.  Make those turnstiles and cash registers spin.

So it was a matter of concern in some quarters when all the Maryland-based schools in Division I fell during the early rounds, leaving only Salisbury in Division III carrying the standard for the home state.

What fills the most seats are FANS, right?  Much easier to attract fans when they're already here, or just a light rail away.

Fortunately, the weather gods and the demographics of the sport are smiling upon us.  It's a beautiful day in Baltimore.  Warm, but not too sunny.  That we couldn't predict, and we're grateful.

The one thing we could count on is that no matter which four teams made it to the finals, there were sure to be Marylander somewhere on the roster.  Sure enough, even Notre Dame (the only non-Eastern time zone team to make the finals in years) has some locals on their team.

This drives another dynamic of ticket sales -- Family and Friends.  That's what Terry loves about youth sports (prep and collegiate events are categorized as amateur youth.)  Those adolescents travel with boatloads of family, friends, former teammates, and Facebook followers.  So even without local or road warrior teams (like Syracuse or Princeton) we can rely upon the homegrown talent to bring their F&Fs to M&T en masse.

There's another F factor, and that's Festivities.  This year the youth program and on-site Lax Festival have attracted league teams from all over. (These youngsters are from Richmond.  They showed up, wielding sticks, at 10:30 and have been frolicking around the campus ever since.)  The entire Camden Yards complex is teeming with tailgaters, festival-goers, and kids playing catch on the grass.  (Rain garden is off-limits, guys.)

It's too soon to tell if all these F factors can compensate for the lack of a local team in Division I.  But after wandering around and talking with folks, I know it is a already a great experience for them,  Their delight in being here, celebrating the best of lacrosse in its epicenter, is hopefully apparent to the good folks from NCAA. 

It's a great day -- in a great place --- for NCAA lacrosse.

Countdown to Face-Off

The teams are in town (they were practicing on the field this afternoon) the fans (kids with sticks; parents with shopping bags) are flooding the Inner Harbor, and the festivities began at 6:00 PM with a pep rally for all participants at the dockside amphitheater.

The Merry Marketeers were there, in the team "Here to Play"uniforms. Terry was juggling press calls while ministering to the NCAA coordinators for most of the day. Everyone seems pleased with how Baltimore is embracing the activities.

We’ve been blessed with great local coverage and glorious weather. Hopefully that will translate into another big weekend at the gates.

I worked the crowd for a while, asking where folks were from and how long they planned to stay. (Most frequent answers – Long Island and all weekend.) One common denominator? Overwhelmingly, fans were happy this event is back in Baltimore.

It’s going to be an exciting tournament, with lax activities stretching from Oriole Park to M&T Bank Stadium and around the perimeter. I watched more booths going up today. It’s hard not to think about all the people it employs to produce a festival like this, and operate all the concessions and attractions.

I'll be there bright and early tomorrow. But I'm almost willing to bet the tailgaters will get there first.  They always do.

Angels in Annapolis

Ordinarily one wouldn't consider an air show -- no matter how spectacularly choreographed -- a sports event.  But an afternoon enthralled by the acrobatics overhead was also a timely reminder of a valuable venue that contributes so much to Maryland sports and recreation -- the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers and creeks that feed it.

The annual visit by the Blue Angels is one of those events that people who live along the Severn plan picnics and parties around. But anyone with a seaworthy vessel usually has standing arrangements to raft with friends, bond with family, or charter party.  I was fortunate enough to be on the guest list for the latter.

Although I lived along the Severn for many years (and fell into category number 1) it's been a long time since I've experienced the show from the water.  It was an excellent vantage point to see just how many types of crafts call the Chesapeake home (or work.)

I recognized a number of the sailboats as regulars in the Wednesday Night Races and other regattas held regularly in Annapolis.  Surprisingly, there were several deadrises -- the old wooden workboats used by watermen who have fished and crabbed the bay for generations.  Of course, every available party and tour charter was booked months in advance, and they muscled their way to mouth of the Severn for a more panoramic view.

There were also flotillas of kayaks and canoes threading among the anchored boats and rafting parties.  Adventure and outdoor sports are big in Maryland, and there are a number of small businesses around the state (including Annapolis) where small crafts can be rented.  I wouldn't have guessed that party-hopping was the original purpose, but on a day like this -- that was the boat to have.

I did see one peculiar contraption that has to qualify as some sort of outdoor sport, but I'm not exactly sure what.  Gliding through the anchorage was what looked like a gondolier.  Except there was no gondola.  When we drew closer, you could see if was a dude on some kind of board (smaller than surf; larger than boogie) paddling.  Or poling.  Or punting.  I'm not sure what it was, but it didn't involve a sail or flippers.

(This sounds like something new I have to try.  Hope my kayaking buddy Arlene is up for it)

There were also a number of "head boads,"  the fishing trawlers that take recreational anglers out for a day on the Bay.  It's a big business in Chesapeake country.  These boats, and the marinas that house and supply them, are a largely unseen segment of the sports and tourism scene.  Some of these enterprises have been family owned and operated for years.  Most of the year, the coolers in the back are used for bait and fish.  On days like this, they hold cans and bottles.  On Blue Angel day, the fish get the day off.  Nearly everything that floats is part of the celebration.

Terry and I were talking about how hard it is to calculate the economic impact of outdoor sports and recreation in Maryland.  Yes, they do studies for big events like the White Marlin Tournament in Ocean City, and some of the large regattas in Annapolis and the tall ship events in Baltimore.  But under the surface are those small businesses who host hunting parties, provide fishing charters, lead outdoor adventures, rent canoes and kayaks and bicycles.

Maybe there is even someone who rents one of those stand up floating boards.

So on this Memorial Day weekend, remember the natural treasures of Maryland and how they contribute to our sports and recreation scene (and economy.)  If you're traveling to the Ocean, pedaling the Alleghany Highlands, hiking the C&O, or paddling the Potomac, you are enjoying just a few of Maryland's finest sports venues.  They are a reason why many folks come here to enjoy The Land of Pleasant Living.

The $75 Million Weekend

In our pride at hosting the nationally televised NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship, we don't want to overlook those other lucrative events bringing young athletes, their parents (and their checkbooks) to Maryland for the weekend.

In the lacrosse column, there is the Women's NCAA championships taking place just up the road from M&T at Johnny Unitus Stadium in Towson.  There is also the previously mentioned Youth Lacrosse tourney and the activities associated with the Final Four at M&T.  This is a first time event intended to bring more youngsters into the excitement surrounding the college championship.  That will be taking place at the Cedar Lane complex.

Also at Cedar Lane (it's a pretty big place) is the National Women's Lacrosse tournament, which is the top of the women's club lacrosse programs.  That event is separate from (but always held in tandum with) the collegiate finals.

But in other parts of Maryland, there are prestigious soccer tournaments taking place.  The Elite Soccer Columbia Invitational  this weekend, brings several hundred top boys and girls teams in for the long holiday weekend.  That is a several million dollar impact event.

So Terry figured it up.  With all the men, women, boys, girls soccer lacrosse club collegiate stuff taking place, the State of Maryland is having a $75 million dollar worth of sports events weekend.

And just think -- the sun will be shining on all this economic activity.  And there is even more to come.

Signing In . . .

The stage is being set for the weekend extravaganza at Camden Yards.   Although the NCAA lacrosse tournament will take place at M&T Bank Stadium, the fan festival will extend the length of Ravens Walk. 

The energy radiates even further.  (Just ask the good folks in the downtown hospitality trade.)

By Friday night you'll see youngsters brandishing sticks all around the Inner Harbor as the many rec teams participating in the first Youth Lax Day hit town.

Youth Lax Day is actually a weekend of events for participating teams, with special seating in the stadium, an on-site tailgating section, and a parade on to the field for all participants in their team jerseys.

Another feature for weekend warriors is the opportunity to play in a youth lacrosse tournament on Sunday at the Cedar Lane complex in Harford County.  The Future Champions Tournament has four age groups with three skill levels in each category to give all participants the opportunity to improve their game while enjoying the competition.

So the added dimenstions this year promise to take the Championship Tournament to another level.  There will be all sorts of activities sponsored by ESPN (like the popular L-A-X challenge during the Day of Rivals) and plenty for families to see and do.

We're keeping our fingers crossed on the weather, but it couldn't be lovelier today.  Those bright purple banners have us thinking lacrosse and cheering for a big turnout for Memorial Day Weekend

Come Blow Your Horn

Nothing energizes team spirit like the clarion call of the faithful.   The first time I took the light rail to a Ravens game (a religious experience in itself) the train was packed tighter than the clown car at the circus.   After pulling out of  Patapsco (where not another soul could be wedged in) the operator announced we'd be expressing to M&T.   The crowd cawed in jubulation.  Not just little chirps, but full throated caws. It sounded like a flock of crows in a cornfield.  It was thrilling.  (OK, goofy -- but still thrilling)

The entire train was electrified (and still cawwing) when the doors opened and chorus tumbled onto the platform.  I could only imagine what a full stadium of blood curdling cawwers would sound like.   But although I have seen devices from sporting goods stores sold on the sidewalks, I've never heard them in the stands.  I guess coordinating bird calls isn't exactly like conducting woodwinds at BSO.  We need to work on that.

I bring this up now because I just learned of a new contraption indigenous to South Africa that has been incorporated into soccer celebration.   It's called a vuvuzela, and it sounds like someone with oversized adenoids giving a Bronx cheer.  Next to the droning vuvuzela, a digeridoo is dulcet.  And it leaves the caw caws in the dust.

The vuvuzela, once used to call elders to tribal councils, has historic and cultural significance.  It celebrates the unique character and national pride South Africa feels in its multicultural heritage.  It will no doubt become one of the most memorable aspects of the 2010 World Cup games.  The "vuvuzela effect" debuted at the Confederations Cup and quickly gained iconic status as the latest in home field advantages.  The fainthearted have been warned -- pack your earplugs and/or Excedrine.

So don't wait for the first match of the series.  Try it yourself   http://www.boxofficefootball.com/blow-the-virtual-vuvuzela-go-on/

Orchestrate a few these trumpets and it creates a buzz not unlike a cluster of Indy Cars on a hairpin turn.  (Just think --you won't have to travel halfway across the globe for that auditory experience.  Come to Baltimore next August.)

Anyway, our successful efforts to make Maryland part of a World Cup bid, the upcoming match between Manchester City and Inter Milan, this weekend's lacrosse championship, and the confirmed Indy Race have us all excited.  So indulge us as we toot our horn a bit.

(At least it's not a vuvuzela.)

Soccer Soccer Everywhere . . . .

This was the week we finally got to crow about the impending Manchester City - Inter Milan soccer match coming to M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, July 31st.

(That's Terry talking with Liz Farmer of the Daily Record about the economic impact of the event.  You can see him on video here.)

The "friendly" has been in the works a long time, and the press conference scheduled and rescheduled several times.  Having the news seep out a little early did nothing to quell the interest and enthusiasm of the press and general public in the prospects of another energetic, sold-out event this summer.

In fact, all of us have been questioned pretty much all the time about when and who the next soccer rockers were going to be. It is nice to finally be able to direct folks to ticket sales.

Particularly fortuitous about the announcement was the timing.   The Inter Milan side was in Madrid, preparing for the European Champions League final against Munich.  Inter Milan had already wrapped the Serie A and league titals;  winning the Champions League would be the equivilent of a triple crown.

Keeping soccer even more in the forefront of conversation is the impending World Cup competition in South Africa, which always brings the conversation back to --- how is Maryland doing in the bid to host a match if the US is awarded either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup?

Yes, we get asked that all the time, too.  And yes, even though the US bid has officially been delivered, Terry is still churning up support to remind US and FIFA officials that Maryland is a hotbed of soccer mania and splendid facilities.

Part of this campaign is the ongoing effort to get signers for the online petition -- the link for which is carried on this blog and also the main website.  But Terry is reaching even further -- trying to tap into every sports bar, running reminders on scoreboards, and sending email alerts to clubs and rec leagues.  (If it's possible to get an app, Terry will probably figure a way to have you vote via Iphone.)

In fact, that latest word is that our campaign has 15,000 signatures and is in the top five contenders.

It was actually part of this outreach effort that took me to Fells Point yesterday to a place where soccer-watching is said to be a religion.   Somehow this seemed to be a good choice to watch Inter Milan and see what kind of crowd really follows this stuff, and if they could somehow be incorporated into our petition signing campaign.

It's not like I'm a stranger at sports bars (as the folks in the establishment beyond centerfield will attest) but I'd never seen anything quite like this before.  For one thing, everyone in the place wore some kind of soccer shirt.  Didn't have anything to do with who was playing (although there was a sizable delegation of black and blues quaffing pints) but more a celebration of European soccer in general.   Most shirts were from English clubs, although the Croation was a colorful touch.  (As the only Saprissa in the house,  I was floored that someone actually recognized the Costa Rican purple dragon.)

I snagged a stool next to a British visitor who identified all the shirts and explained many of the soccer customs (his tutorial on the rules helped, too.)

What I was actually listening for was chatter about Inter Milan's visit to Baltimore (although there was regret expressed that Special One will probably have moved on to his next miracle by then, everyone I spoke with was planning to go) and thoughts about the World Cup (some of the zealots there were actually planning to take off work to watch the tournament to the end.)

It was an enlightening experience.  I was delighted Milan won, because that translates into even greater interest in their appearance here.  But I was genuinely astounded by the whooping and hollering that goes on while watching a soccer match halfway across the world in which not a single American seemed to be involved.

I also enjoyed explaining the role Baltimore played in the War of 1812 to the chap from Tottenham, who quickly retorted that if his side hadn't been dealing with Napolean and all his nonsense, we'd all still be part of the family.

Looking around that room at all the soccer-mad locals in their Arsenal jerseys, I couldn't help but think maybe we are.

Anyway, this was the week for soccer.  Next week, it's all lacrosse, all the time and the following week we'll be learning even more about that Indy Race that is zooming our way next year.

Sign the petition!

Team Terry on Tour – The Treasures of Frederick County

Perhaps you entered Frederick County to check out Civil War battle sites, but you will quickly find an abundance of sports culture. Frederick has everything to offer from outdoor BMX skate parks to indoor hockey and ice skating, and plenty of soccer and baseball in between.

The first venue we visited on our trip was the Frederick Indoor Sports Center. The FISC had a lot of potential under its previous ownership, but it has really taken a huge leap in the past year with new owners Jay Jeffrey and Tony Checchia. Jay and Tony were long time players at the FISC and dreamed of the ultimate indoor sports complex.

Currently they house Soccer, Lacrosse, and Flag football teams, as well as recreational play on their two full sized turf fields but they are hoping to expand their facility towards dodge ball, field hockey, kickball, and competitive running in the near future. We even got wind of the quirky; although very athletic LFL (Lingerie Football League) using the facility for their team training camp.

After upgrading the two turfs Jay and Tony added a sports lounge. You no longer have to wait in a stinky locker room for your teams turn at the pitch; you can have a full meal with a sideline view! The lounge will get a lot of action come June, as they are hosting viewing parties for all of the games in the World Cup!

Just a stones throw away from the FISC we landed ourselves at Skate Frederick, an indoor ice arena. As with many of us, Frederick was not able to avoid Mother Nature and her evil snow storms this past winter and Skate Frederick fell victim to her as well. After clearing one of their sheets of ice for a bit of spring cleaning they noticed a pipe burst under the ice.

Although they are down one rink it didn’t look to be slowing them down whatsoever, as one of the few facilities in the region that is open 365 days a year, patrons just learned to share the ice a little. The second sheet is on track to be laid within the next month, and the facility will be back up to its former glory in no time.

From there we made our way into the City of Frederick, where we met up with Roelkey Myers, the Director of Frederick City Parks and Rec. It is so apparent the role that history plays in the town of Frederick when we entered the Frederick Sports Hall of Fame; there are pictures and autographed sports equipment dating back to the 1800’s.

We then made our way to McCurdy field, a beautiful stadium used by the Babe Ruth Little League.

The next stop was very exciting because neither Marketeer had been to a full scale skate park before. The Hillstreet Skate Park is a very large venue with multiple bowls, rails, banks and ledges, each at various degrees of difficulty. The scariest being the clover shaped bowl with a straight 13 foot drop down.


You can’t talk sports in Frederick without going to see a Frederick Keys baseball game in Harry Grove Stadium! Thanks to Dave Ziedelis, the General Manager for the Keys, we had the best seat in the house. It turned out to be a perfect day for baseball. Unfortunately the Keys were not blessed with the same luck. They had a bit of a rough start, and although they rallied in the fourth to come back from a 6-0 start the Nationals took the win. It seemed like a recurring theme with the Nat’s and O’s last week.

Our last stop on the tour was the Athletic Department at Mount St. Mary’s University. With the grotto of the Gods starring down the hill at them it is no wonder that the Athletic Department has had so much success. It doesn’t hurt to have top notch facilities.

The first being the Olympic sized training pool. In the same building there is the beautiful Knott Arena, where the stands are as pretty as the court; everything is touched in a warm, inviting hardwood. Going out the back side of the Knott Athletic Complex is the most beautiful view. To paint a picture for you, we were standing atop a set of stairs staring down a single lane road that looks like its driving off into the sunset. On either side of the road are baseball and softball fields. Slightly off to the left is a competition sized track and field facility. Due to the flat, wide open plane the throwing and jumping events are susceptible to winds. So in an effort to prevent delays they added an extra running lane so they could change directions with the wind.

The most notable field is the Waldron Family Field which houses the Mounts Men’s and Woman’s Soccer and Lacrosse teams. The field glows it is so perfectly green and the stands are pretty enough to rival any pro stadium. It is no wonder that Assistant Athletic Director Mike Hardisky travels over an hour to work everyday. It must be worth it to arrive at such a thriving and absolutely breathtaking sports complex.

Prince George's Takes the Crown

When national tourism figures were recently released, Maryland was one of only five states that showed an increase in the lucrative market.

As Terry likes to remind us, sports generates $182 billion per year nationally, with 27 percent of that coming from travel and contributing to 47 million hotel room nights annually.

Leading the parade, and beating the drums for sports tourism as a major revenue producer, is Prince George's County. In fact, Matt Neitzey, executive director of Prince George's CVB, was quick to comment on the impact sports travel has on their ascent to the throne.

"People are really starting to recognize the county's stature as a sporting venue in the state," he commented in Maryland Gazette.
 
Matt went on to elaborate on the facilities and activities that draw visitors to the county for extended stays.  The versitile Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro stages numerous equestrian events, but also recently hosted the Women's Atlantic 10 Conference basketball championships.  That series attracted 9,000 spectators but also represented accommodations for the teams and their families and friends.  In the next two years, Showplace is slated to host the Women's Colonial Athletic Association hoops tourney.
 
As Terry says, you've got to love those youth and collegiate meets because they travel so well.  When a youngster attends a regional tournament or competition, that frequently turns into a family vacation or weekend road trip.  So the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex near FedEx Field is a top producer with all the track tournaments, invitational swim meets and gymnastics competitions it hosts year round.  The complex is large enough to stage multiple events at the same time.
 
Of course, PG (I'm from there, so I can use the familiar term) is home of the University of Maryland so it benefits not only from the major intercollegiate competitions at Byrd Stadium and Comcast Arena, but also the many other varsity and club competitions that bring traveling teams and their supporters.
 
(As noted previously, the amount of time I spend in downtown Annapolis has given me tremendous appreciation for the number of family members who travel to see their little darlings compete at Academy facilities.  I can only imagine the throngs that flock to College Park.)
 
The other notable factor that promotes the Prince to King is that they've realized the value of the Office of Sports Marketing in helping them identify these lucrative events and package the bids to woo them.  Terry turned them on to the FIFA World Cup opportunity, and FedEx (along with M&T Bank Stadium) is among the 18 venues included in the US bid.  FedEx will also reap huge dividends with the 2011 Army-Navy game and Maryland-Notre Dame game.  Both of these represent sellout, weekend long festivities.
 
Terry had some noteworthy comments in the Gazette article, which I'll repeat here.
 
"Prince George's is one of the main anchor principles when it comes to the Maryland [sporting] marketplace Prince George's can position itself as a stand-alone entity, with a complete package of hotel and retail venues," he said.
 
I hope that over the next year, all Maryland counties will take a long look at their sports and recreation facilities (you can start by referencing our directory of venues) and calculating just how many events and activities take place there over the course of the year.  Not just big ticket events that generate admission taxes, but group activities, field and stream charters, and youth tournaments that represent weekend -- and longer -- travel.
 
You see these figures presented randomly -- such as the number of visitors now using the Allegheny Highlands trail, or the economic impact of the Annapolis Boat Shows.  But there doesn't seem to be a measurement of sports-related travel and spending by individual jurisdiction.   I think it would be a real eye-opener.  Particularly in places like Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties.
 
But since sports continues to contribute royally to Prince George's, they will probably reign as sovereign in the realm of Maryland tourism for a long time to come.
 

A Peek at the Preak

It has been an embarrassment of riches lately.  So much going on, so many things to blog about, a lot more in the wings, and then -- there's the Preakness.

I've put my other topics on the proverbial back burner but the state's signature sporting event can't simmer a moment longer.  So here is how it broke from the gate -- as seen by one who was there among the beautiful and bountiful (that would be Terry, our leader) and one who watched carefully for two hours in front of a flat screen, sipping ice water, eyeing carefully how Maryland was displayed to the world. (That would be me.)

We saw two different events, but both bode well for Maryland.  The Preakness is a very festive, highly charged day at work for those in Economic Development.  It is the chance for our state to strut its stuff, from hospitality (traditional Maryland culinary favorites are a delectable part of the showcase) to products.

Under Armour, certainly one of the most recognizable sports apparal brands, had the premier locale in the corporate village.  Their chalet was right beyond the finish line  In addition to Being Seen, Under Armour used their Preakness digs to entertain corporate clients.  In their case, that includes sports celebrities who wear their brand and university ADs who outfit their teams in the distinctive entwined UA logo.   Terry was most impressed with the Under Armour presence.  It is as associated with Maryland as the swoosh folks are with Oregon, and tying it into the Preakness was a visible reminder to everyone there.

(Remember -- Kevin Plank is a bit of a racing buff himself.  He bought Sagamore, the Vanderbilt horse farm in Glyndon where Native Dancer pranced, with the idea of making it again a major player in the racing industry.  so he has more than microfiber in the world of Maryland sports.)

Watching at home, I couldn't see the Protect this House villa.  The brand is too recognizable, so I guess NBC wasn't giving freebie exposure.  What they did show were pastoral scenes (at least the blimp shots made it look pastoral) of the infield, and nice tight closeups on the flowers and food preparation in the VIP section.  As Terry pointed out -- it was a beautiful day and everyone looked their best and were in high spirits at the festivities.

Getting back to the working aspect of it, Terry spent some time with the owner of a major sports franchise who is considering a move to Maryland.  The Preakness was a splendid opportunity to show him a good time and introduce him to potential sponsors and investors.  It's the kind of ambiance you can't offer in a conference room or trade show.  It's an energy that has to be experienced, and in Maryland it's as predictable as the third Saturday in May.

Time for the game.  More tomorrow

Four Maryland Teams on the Road to Baltimore

Hard to believe, but the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships will take place in less than three weeks.

While ticket sales have picked up of late, action will escalate as the field  becomes clearer.  The selection process, mysterious in its works, took place yesterday.  The presence of four Maryland teams among the 16 contestents bodes well for the home tournament.

Some are still smarting from the failure of Navy (losing to Army TWICE) to advance to post season play.  And Towson's loss to Delaware over the weekend kept them from the dance.

But the good news (and big surprise) is that both Johns Hopkins and Loyola made the cut.  Add Mount St. Mary's (who have the dubious distinction of drawing UVa in the first round) and the number 4 ranked Terps to the mix and you have four Maryland Division I teams all striving to make it to Baltimore for Memorial Day.

Hopkins has never lost in the first round, but it won't be easy this year because they have to play Duke in Durham.  Loyola will travel to Ithica to play Cornell, last year's runner up who were also edged by Princeton for the Ivy League title this year.

The Terps will host Hofstra next weekend, the only Maryland  team to enjoy a home advantage.  At least until they make it to Baltimore.

Good luck, Maryland teams.  We hope to see you here.

Quote of Note

I just read this in the Maryland Gazette, in a business story about tourism.  It seems Prince George's County tops all jurisdictions in Maryland for economic impact generated by tourist dollars.

J. Matthew Neitzey, executive director of the Prince George's County Conference and Visitors Bureau, acknowledged the contribution of recently opened National Harbor, but emphasized the county's ability to attract visitors to sports venues such as the Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro and the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex and FedEx Field, both in Landover, as a factor in tourism.

"People are really starting to recognize the county's stature as a sporting venue in the state," he said.

As Terry always likes to remind us, youth sports is a luctrative aspect of the industry. (Kids+parents=hotel rooms&restaurant meals)  Both Showplace Arena, with its many equestrian events, and the Sports and Learning Complex with its natatorium and elaborate indoor track and field facilities, bring hoards of young athletes and their families to Prince George's County.

So congratulations to Prince George's County for topping the state in tourist $$$$, and to Matt Neitzey for publicly recognizing where a lot of those dollars go.

Gearing Up

Baltimore's Board of Estimates is meeting now.  I'm not sure where the contract with Baltimore Racing Development for the 2011 Grand Prix is on the agenda, but today's Baltimore Sun story makes it sound like the green flag is already waving and there are plenty of people saluting.

There is supposed to be a press conference after the BOE vote, where the next steps will be outlined.  However, it sounds like Indy Race (the governing body of the circuit) is ready to bless Baltimore just as soon as the City signs the dotted line.

I love this kind of story because it keeps unfolding as more people discover the opportunities an event like this brings to the regional economy.  As with the Preakness, the benefits have a ripple effect as different segments of the hospitality and transportation industries realize what's in it for them.  Lots and lots of out of state visitors looking for places to stay, eat and visit.  Lots of yachts looking for marinas to accommodate them and service their vessels.  Lots of international stars to watch and cameras to catch the action.

And lots of adrenaline-fueled excitement for us locals with a view.  (Warehouse Bin 400 overlooks two tight turns on the course.  Can't wait to hear the swarming buzz.)

We'll have more as the story develops.  But today's contract ratification means the ignition key has been turned and the race to establishing a world class event in August, 2011 is underway.

NOOD racing in Naptown

OK, say it out loud (without looking at the picture) and admit you thought the same thing I did.  Annapolis has some peculiar customs (burning socks, beer can races, etc.) so it isn't a leap to think someone might organize a bay in the buff challenge before jellyfish discourage such exposure. 

But such is not the case.  NOOD is an acronym for National Off-shore One Design, and Annapolis is the third of nine stops in the seasonal regatta that culminates in a championship in Tortolla.

The NOODs (stop snickering) have been coming to Annapolis since 1999.  More than 1,000 sailors and 200 boats in 16 classes competed this past weekend for a chance to qualify for the finals in November.

Most sailboat races are handicapped, where vessels of different designs compete against each other and the winner is determined by calculations of time, rating and course distance.  A spectator has no idea who really wins the popular Wednesday night races because of all the factors in play.  (Doesn't make it any less fun to watch, though.)

In the NOOD regattas, sailboats compete against identical boats as defined by their class association. In theory, since the boats are equal, it is the skill of the captain and crew that determines who wins the regatta.  That's what makes the NOOD series stand out, from Newport to Chicago to St. Petersburg to San Diego.  It's all about the skill of the team.

Created by Sailing World in 1988, the NOOD regattas attract close to 2,000 boats and more than 30,000 competitors annually. Each event in the series features three days of sailboat racing for one-design models from 20 to 70 feet in length.

NOOD attracts not only the best sailors in each host region but also sailing's top stars - including America's Cup and Olympic champions. Many competitive sailors rate the NOOD as the top national event in each region of the country.

Despite the fact that locals won 13 of the 16 classes last weekend, it wasn't for lack of outside participation.  (Actually, it's because so many top ranking sailors call the Chesapeake home.)  This early season tournament brought a lot of competitors and spectators to Maryland.  It's a boon for the hospitality industry because it lasts over a long weekend and involves a lot of celebrating with folks like Captain Morgan.

This is just the beginning of the competitive sailing season in Maryland.  But a victory in the NOODs is good for bragging rights all year.

A Silly Cycle Celebration

Terry rolled his eyes when I announced I was covering the Kinetic Sculpture Race this weekend.  He didn't quite get how this bohemian triathlon, which could have easily been scripted by John Waters, qualifies as a sport or spectator attraction.

You have to be there.  But since you probably weren't, imagine bicycle-powered contraptions decorated with campy themes promoting various social agendas racing (?) through Federal Hill, past the Inner Harbor, into the Patapsco, and through the mud in Patterson Park while waving and saluting thousands of onlookers, many of whom have no earthly idea what they are witnessing.

(Two perplexed Red Sox fans got caught between contestants while crossing the street by the Light Street Pavilion.  "And they think WE'RE weird," one muttered to the other.)

What makes the Kinetic Sculpture Race part of the cycling community (other than the origins of each vehice) is that the eight mile course through downtown Baltimore has become a popular exercise for recreational cyclists who join in the procession as outriders, heralds, or just groupies.  ("Make way for the elephant.  Here comes the elephant," proclaimed one of Bumpo's turban-clad escorts.) 

Before the race reached Pratt Street, four costumed "hons" (who looked like they pedaled in from 1960's Highlandtown) waited to jump into the procession.  They were all recreational cyclists who saw this as a fun way to exercise on a Saturday morning.  They wheeled in ahead of the red barracuda who was setting the pace and established themselves as Grand Marshals of this peculiar parade. 

As I watched the procession pass, I noted a number of other cyclists of all ages, including a costumed unicyclist,  riding along for the fun of it.

I didn't stay for the whole parade, but I did have to see Fifi, the Grand Dame of the Kinetic Sculpture race who has permanent residence at the Visionary Art Museum in Federal Hill.  Fifi, a confection of cotton candy pink tulle who dons red pontoon galloshes for her dip in the drink, has been a crowd pleaser since the earliest days of the race.

I departed before Fifi's perennial rival, the Platypus, passed.  I've seen the Platypus before, and he/she has a daunting display of friends, family and fans every year.  (I would not be surprised if the Platypus has his/her own Facebook page for the cult following.)

Somewhere in the middle of the pack (yes, the top award in this tournament goes to the vehicle deemed "most mediocre") was a brass band who tooted while pedaling through pylons on Pratt.  There should have been some award for that feat, too.

I didn't go to the water trials this year, but here are some past pictures of the action on the ramp. (Yes, that's Wallace and Gromit, sunny side up.)

And I can't end without a shoutout to Twitter Jay, the Johns Hopkins mascot fashioned from recycled and renewable materials.  These include bamboo harvested from the Jones Falls in the dead of night and periwinkle colored grocery bags shredded into feathers.

(Those who consider Johns Hopkins the producer of prime time docs and top flight lacrosse players forget it is also a highly regarded engineering school.  Twitter Jay was the inspiration of several of these students.)

Twitter Jay not only sported the environmental message on his pontoon bumpers, he also tweeted his position to fans via a mobile computer and GPS system onboard.

(No word on how that survived the water trials)

So while Terry is right about the questionable merits of Kinetic Sculpture as an athletic endeavor, it is a major celebration of the resourceful and innovative bicycle community.  You'll see many of these same faces (albeit without the costumes) at many of the upcoming excursions in and around Baltimore, or commuting on the ever-growing trails and designated routes that more and more people are taking to work.

(Another shout out to Nate Evans, Baltimore Bicycling and Pedestrian planner who works with us to make Camden Yards more bicycle friendly.    Bike to Work Day is May 21st.)

So as we all look forward to the meeting with Medalist Sports to consider a Tour de Maryland statewide bicycling event in 2012, remember that part of this enthusiastic community are those who dress us like tutus and slosh through the harbor and the mud for fun and exercise.

To see more pix of the race from the Baltimore Sun gallery, go to:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bal-kinetic-race-pg,0,467071.photogallery