Nice Ice!

Terry likes to remind Tweety and Blogue, the Sports Marketeers, that attracting mega events to Maryland begins with hosting successful regional tournaments. That’s how you establish a good track record in the community and reputation within the industry.

When the office of Sports Marketing was established a little over a year ago, its mission was to identify and bring events and activities to Maryland, help existing ones grow, and eventually develop new ones. It is the second part of that mission that took Team Terry to Cabin John Ice Rink in Montgomery County to learn more about the 2010 South Atlantic Regionals, taking place this October 9-13.

The name is a bit of a misnomer. The regional event is part of a longer qualifying circuit. More than 700 top skaters from all along the East Coast (from southern Pennsylvania to Florida) will skate in the 2010 South Atlantic Regionals, and compete for a spot at the U.S. Championships which leads to a place in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

The Washington Figure Skating Club and the host Cabin John Ice rink are eager to show support and enthusiasm for these aspiring Olympians during their visit here. We’d like to see more competitions on Maryland ice.

With our temperate climate, Maryland doesn't immediately come to mind when you think of ice activities. But there are a number of facilities -- indoor and out -- which accommodate figure skaters, hockey teams, and curlers.

(That’s right – the athletes who slide and sweep granite stones are known as “curlers.” We have them -- and their bonspiels -- here in Maryland.)

When the Capitals left Largo for their new pond in DC, they also left their practice facility in Piney Orchard. Their departure opened the ice for recreational, prep and college hockey teams as well as figure skating classes. Multi-use facilities in Frederick and Laurel also accommodate team and individual sports. A beautiful new facility on the banks of the Severn was completed a few years ago for the Midshipmen of the Naval Academy. Their annual Crab Pot Tournament is now held at McMullen Hall every February.

So Maryland is poised for more action on the ice, whether it be triple axels or hat tricks. We just need to show we have the support to make these events a success. Stay tuned for more on the upcoming competition in Cabin John.