Surf and Snowflakes -- Our Day at the Beach

The forecasters aren't kidding.  There really is snow in the air.  Even if most of it tracks south, the Picklesicles will be slushing, not storming, the beach at Sandy Point.

Tweety is on her way to the Warehouse, and we'll be joining the rest of the Frozen Pickles for our day in the Bay.  We'll be giving you real time updates via blog and Twitter (if we can figure it out.)

We're still waiting for Terry to come through with the secret password to access Joe Flacco's VIP tent.  Since our leader is eminently resourceful, we're sure this intel will reach us enroute.

Countdown to Craziness

It's now official -- Tweety and I have joined the Frozen Pickles Polar Bear Plunge team.  That means we get to ride the Pickleodeon bus to Sandy Point, wear our team hat and flash freeze our buns in brine for a very worthy sports endeavor -- the Special Olympics.

An additional ingredient in the Frozen Pickle recipe may be snow, so we maybe closer to Slurpees before this is over.

Despite the elements, Tweety and Blogue will be reporting live from the action on the beach this Saturday.  Terry's only assignment is to find what tent Joe Flacco will be warming and secure access for his pair of popsicles. 

Having infinite faith in his resourcefulness, we plan to get close enough to snap a pic for the blog.  (Much easier to get in range when Gaither and Oher aren't around.)

Stay tuned.

Jumpstarting the Season

The end of January can be pretty dismal.  Winter is not half over, football nearly is, and outdoor sports and recreation seem as far off as March Madness.

Which makes this the perfect time to crawl out of hibernation and prepare for the coming of spring.  Forget the groundhog -- we've had it with winter.

This past weekend were three season starters that longtime aficionados anticipate every year to help with the doldroms.  In Timonium, the Horse World Expo staged its 14th annual event January 21-24 at the Maryland Fairgrounds.  This four day celebration of the horse featured mounted demonstrations, educational seminars, breed and stallion presentations, and vendors selling products and services for every discipline.

There were also clinics and seminars on every aspect of horsemanship. Riding disciplines included Western, hunters, dressage, gaited and eventing. Clinicians demonstrated their approach to handling and training.

With equestrian competitions beginning in the spring, the Expo offered a look at what's new in equipment, training and technique, plus a lot of quality time with horses of every breed.  For the horse lover, this is nirvana.

For those who prefer surf to turf, the 56th annual Baltimore Boat Show docked at the Convention Center for the full weekend.  While primarily a retail event (with sales of boats, equipment, art, and everything relating to the water) the Boat Show is also a reunion for those who make the annual trek during the most inclimate time of the year.  (Yes, just being there made you think warm)

But for one of those days, there was yet another winter tradition that helps us believe spring cannot be unbearably far away --- the Oriole Fan Fest.  It's hard to believe the temps were sub-freezing when you saw all those O's caps and t-shirts wandering down Conway and snaked around the Warehouse ticket office.  I'm told there were about 10,000 in all.  I think they actually outnumbered the kazillion cheerleaders and laxers who were raising the roof last weekend.

So for those who think they'll undergo severe withdrawal after Super Bowl, take it from those who spent their weekends looking ahead -- there's a lot going on in Maryland this spring and there's always something new to learn about.

Three Cheers for Charles!

Let's hear it for Charles County, who have parlayed two new sports facilities --Regency Furniture Stadium and the Indian Head Rail Trail -- into a splendid new event.

The first annual Saint Charles Half Marathon, part of the United States Running Association Half Marathon Running Series, was created in partnership with the Charles County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

It will take place April 17 and 18, 2010, starting with a fun run for kids on the Indian Head Rail Trail at 9 a.m. Saturday.  The 13 mile Indian Head Rail Trail, extending from Indian Head to Rt. 301 in White Plains, was completed last fall.  It quickly become a favorite of fitness buffs, nature lovers, and artists who delight in the magnificent scenery it offers.

On Saturday, the packet pickup and runners' expo will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium, home of the Blue Crabs and  popular year round community facility since its opening in 2008.

The main event,  a 13.1 mile run, will start at 8 a.m Sunday. The 5K run will begin at 8:15 a.m.

The 2010 USRA series includes 18 cities in middle size to small markets, with the first stop in Columbia, S.C.  The attraction of Charles County, in addition to its new facilities and fast growth market, is its proximity to Washington DC and its enthusiastic running community which is supporting the challenge.

The Hughesville Running Club is providing volunteers and race directors.  They look forward to welcoming regional runners for a trip through rural agricultural Maryland.  The locals are eager to show off their beautiful countryside, and entertain visitors at a post race party and festival at the finish line.

Kudos for Charles County's Department of Economic Development and Tourism for partnering with this national tour, giving Maryland the opportunity to show more people what we have to offer.

Lots to Cheer About

I was wandering around Baltimore last weekend, fully aware the town was going to be overrun with laxers.  After all, the US Lacrosse convention is the biggest pre-season event of the year, bringing in coaches, officials, players and fans from every tier of competition.

What I didn't expect was a sea of perky ponytails with saucy skirts, matching hair ribbons, manicures, eye shadow and pom poms in every possible color combination on every street corner between the harbor and the convention center.

Earlier in the week, Mark Burdette told those assembled for the World Cup announcement that the Ravens had to roost in the Hoosier equivilent of Elkton because every hotel room in Indy was taken for a cheerleading competition.  According to Mark, every sideline strutter in the world was going to be in Indianapolis that weekend.

So what was this throng doing in Baltimore? 

I caught a few on their way to Panaro's for some pre-competition carbs and learned they were in from Ohio.  (No, I didn't ask if they were the Cheerios from William McKinley High, but I was tempted.)  It seems this particular competition, known for its glitz, light show, sound effects and slick production, was a particular favorite on the circuit.  It had originally been scheduled for early February, but when the organizers realized they were competing against Super Bowl, they punted and opted for MLK weekend instead.

I asked how many competitors were there, and they said hundreds of teams.  Since each team has several squads, (and even more parents,) that put attendance in the thousands.

I tried to get a more definitive number out of the Charm City Circulator coordinator, who was passing out Mardi Gras beads in front of the bus.   "Kazillion" was her conservative estimate.  They were coming out of everywhere and shuttling back and forth from the harbor on the new service.

At this point I offered a silent prayer of thanks for those visionaries with the wisdom to expand the convention center and attach a hotel.  No way this town could have accommodated two major weekend events like this otherwise.

And that's not even counting the vroom-vroomers from the Arenacross circuit up the street.  Imagine:  Red Bull and Monster mixed with adreneline and estrogen in one city block.  Entirely too much energy for me.  I took refuge in Pickles, which turned out to be the sanctuary for a bunch of lax referees between sessions. We all hung out to watch the playoffs with Captain Defense and the neighborhood fans.

Despite the outcome, Baltimore had a lot to cheer about with all the activities in the convention center and arena.  It's a great sports town, mostly because Maryland is a great sports state.   All of the action taking place that weekend were national events that had wide regionial appeal and participation.  That's why Baltimore was selected to host them, and why the whole state is getting more attention from promoters.

We have more cheerleaders coming this weekend -- this time to 1st Mariner for a statewide competition.  Again, the hotels will be filled and the local restaurants become stopovers between events. During the slowest season for the hospitality industry, sports activities offer a significant boost.  That's something to cheer about.

Team Terry, Trolling for Tourneys

It's cold in the Warehouse today, but I know the welcome is warm where Terry and Tweety are conducting site visits with a delegation from the U.S. Youth Soccer Championship.  This national summer tournament is played across five regions every year.  Nationally, 185,000 youngsters are involved.  In Region I (where Terry would dearly love to see this tournament roost in 2011 and 2012) more than 4,500 players and their families will gravitate to the host area for the six-day tournament.

To put it in terms we all understand, family travel for youth sports puts a lot of heads on beds.  In West Virginia, last year’s Region 1 host, this represented 11,000 room nights at area hotels and an estimated $12.5 million economic impact.

Team Terry is touting the Harford County facilities of Cedar Lane Regional Park and Carsins Run Turf Farm with a possible opening ceremony at Ripken Stadium.  John McHugh, Cedar Lanes facility director, joined us for the World Cup bid announcement last week.   He reminded us that much of his park's appeal comes from its proximity to I-95, making it just as convenient for players from Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey as for most of Maryland.  Region I includes East Coast states from Maine to Virginia.

We're on a roll with bringing soccer events to Maryland, and this would be one more reason to consider our state for other events and activities -- not just soccer, but lacrosse other youth-based tournaments.  We have the excellent facilities, the convenient location, hospitality infrastructure and numerous family attractions.

More good soccer news!

Maryland continues to gain respect in the world (literally) of soccer with the National Soccer Coaches Association's decision this week to bring their 2016 and 2018 conventions to Baltimore.

The convention, which is taking place this week in Philadelphia and includes the MLS and WPS drafts (hence the international flavor) is already scheduled to be in Baltimore this time next year.  Adding another two years adds credence to Maryland's status in organized soccer, because the Coaches Association is the largest of its type for any sport anywhere.  While attendees come from all over the world for a week of activities, it is also a boon to the local enthusiasts (of which we have thousands within an hour's drive) who can visit on a weekend pass.

This is a huge event and will give Team Terry another showcase to tout Maryland as THE place to stage competitions and sports-related activities.

Sound Check!

One of my favorite Pickleodeons was regaling me at lunch about his whirlwind trip to New England.  It was a classic guy thing.  Bunch of friends, sitting around debating where to watch The Game, and someone shouts "Foxboro!"  Quicker than you could say "StubHub," they had tickets and were northbound on 95.

Not only was the Baltimore presence very visable, he told me, but they unnerved the locals (and probably the soloist) with our tradition of shouting "O!!" during the national anthem.  He said it was impressive because you knew where -- and what -- the Ravens fans were even before kickoff.  Everywhere, and very loud.

So tonight, I'm hoping they air the playing of the national anthem so those of us on stools with flatscreens can hear our partisans.  Peyton won't be the only one relying on audibles to rally his team.

Wow, What a Week!!

I haven’t been blogging lately because there’s been too much going on. Almost an embarrassment of riches. But these are generally few and far between in January, so it’s good to gorge.

This week was one for the gluttons.

Start with the Ravens pummeling the Pats. That energized the whole state, especially the rollicking roadies who rolled in on a party bus. By the end of the game, they were almost the only ones left in Gillette. They looked pretty well fortified against the elements.  (I'm sure it was just adrenaline and not anything served on the bus.)

Perched on my favorite stool by the flatscreen in Annapolis, I was surrounded by locals who came for lunch and lingered for the game. It’s dicey in that crowd, because while it is acceptable to say rude things about the Pats and their pretty quarterback, you have to be careful about maligning their coach. He grew up in Annapolis and still has friends and family in town, particularly around the Academy.

(In fact, he’d been in the restaurant a few weeks earlier. Few recognized him without the hoody or scowl, but the waiter said he was friendly and a good tipper.)

So the big win on Sunday buoyed everyone’s spirts for the Tuesday announcement of the 18 finalists for the US World Cup bid. It also upped the anxiety level because the bid organizers in New York were holding a live press conference to reveal their decision without giving hopeful hosts more than ten minutes notice.

Nonetheless, our confident team leader organized a gathering at ESPN zone to watch the announcement. Win or lose, Terry wanted to thank those who put so much effort and energy into preparing a solid bid that had already carried Maryland (remember – FedEx is in Landover, and College Park and the SoccerPlex were included in the DC package) into the pool of 27 from an original 70 sites considered.

Preparing the press release – with all the quotes and contingencies – took most of the day so I wasn’t too excited about hoofing to the harbor in the sub freezing weather. Then I remembered the Charm City Circulator, which began service a day earlier. The Circulator, a free shuttle from the Biopark on the Westside to Jonestown on the East, stops a block from Camden Yards. It dropped me by ESPN in less than five minutes. Such a deal!   (Particularly appropriate since convenient public transportation is a major factor in the WC decision making process.)

I was given a visual reminder of another upcoming major event – the US Lacrosse convention this weekend. There were vertical banners displayed along Pratt Street, welcoming the 6,000+ lacrosse coaches, players, and enthusiasts who make this annual trek to the cradle of the sport. US Lacrosse, headquartered in Baltimore, regards this event as the season kickoff. Within weeks, the Face-Off Classic (a triple-header this year) will be held at M&T Bank Stadium. A little more than a month later, the second annual Day of Rivals will take place. Then, at season’s end, the NCAA Tournament will return for another Memorial Day celebration of the sport. Yes, the lacrosse frenzy begins this weekend.

But back to soccer. Terry and Tweety secured our spot at the Zone, right in front on the gigantic screen (complete with a big table for us to crawl under if we didn’t make the cut.) Within minutes, our beat reporters and several local television and radio stations wandered in. The press had the opportunity to talk with Terry and Kevin Healey, the soccer stalwart who did so much to promote the Chelsea Milan match and the Baltimore bid. A little later Hannah Byron from DBED and Mark Burdett of the Ravens arrived. (Particularly gratifying to see Mark since things were pretty hectic at the Castle.) A delegation from Cedar Lane in Harford County (one of the training sites submitted in our bid) and Pete Medd of Crystal Palace completed our table.

By the time the press conference began at 3:30, we had quite a crew of well wishers and curious onlookers. (At ESPN zone, everything is a potential spectator event.) The selected cities weren’t announced in alpha order, so we were left hanging until Baltimore was named somewhere in the middle. There were the requisite hoots and hollers, high-fiving and table slapping. Tweety fired the press release from her laptop, and I called in the trigger for mine. Within moments, Maryland's soccer world knew we’d been selected to represent our country in bidding for the biggest sports event in the world. And with so many of our partners right there, the press had the opportunity to get their reactions. It was a great moment.

A few bottles of bubbly magically materialized. (NOTE: no government funds were expended in this celebration) and Terry offered a toast to all those who made this achievement possible. It was truly a team effort, leveraging resources from public and private sectors; clubs, schools, universities and committed fans. Without the fan base, even the finest facilities are meaningless. With a little help from our friends, we showed the bid committee how much soccer support there is in Maryland.

It was dark by the time I returned to the Warehouse. Coming down Conway I could see the bright purple face on the Camden Station tower clock, shining over the gateway to the city. Special thanks to our master electrician, Alonzo Andrews, who is retiring this month. He’s the one who crawled up the roof into the tower to gel the lights. Another example of the teamwork that makes things happen here at the Yards.

So with the Arenacross action now underway and the lacrosse contingent already taking over Pickles, it’s going to be a big weekend in town – even before we all assemble tomorrow night around our favorite flatscreens.

New Year's Resolutions

I've been blogging for six months now, and with the beginning of a new year, it's a good time to pause and reflect on ways I can do better.  So here are a few resolutions for Here 2 Play in 2010:


1.  Visit every region of the state at least once --

OK, my preference is to visit all 24 of Maryland’s jurisdictions to learn first hand about activities, events, and facilities. But the Junquemobile doesn’t do mountains and I don't do bridges.  Thanks to a lousy transmission and gephyrophobia, half the state is a real challenge.

But somehow I’ll make it to at least every region, hopefully with Tweety at the wheel.

2.  Recruit more correspondents —

Here 2 Play should be more than Team Terry's observations. We’d like the thoughts of others as they experience the things to see and do in Maryland.    It would help if more facility directors, event promoters, destination marketing officials and team organizers would send Office of Sports Marketing their press releases, advisories and upcoming activity notices.   If we can’t get there, we can certainly give it a plug.

Have an idea? Send it along. We’d like to have you as part of our information network.

3.  Work on at least one new event for Maryland –

OK, this should be easy, because Terry always has something cooking. I’m not sure what will pop first, but I can guarantee there will be something to elevate interest in Maryland as a sports and recreation destination.   This resolution is a given, but will still be a surprise.  Terry is just full of surprises.

4.  Tour more Maryland Trails --. I’ve wanted to cycle the Great Allegheny Passage since it opened three years ago. Western Maryland Trail, too. (I want to see the Indigo Tunnel for myself, bats or not.) And the Indian Head rail trail in Charles County that opened just a few months ago. (Honest, Donna -- we're going to do that bike/ kayak adventure this year.)

I could use up a year's worth of resolutions on Maryland’s trails alone.   I just received the beautiful publication about Maryland’s trails from Sylvia Ramsey, who coordinates state funding for many of them. Maryland has wonderful recreational trails, and enthusiasts who enjoy them regularly.  Their numbers continue to increase, thanks to multiple jurisdictions working together (and a lot of help from Sylvia.)

I had a wonderful time on a Gwynns Falls Trail ride this year. Despite a spill and noggin knock that left me reeling like Rothlesberger, this outing through parks and neighborhoods was my 2009 highlight.  It is a treasure for recreational riders and commuters alike.

5.  Plant more trees –

OK, stop rolling your eyes.  Trees are important – very important – to sports and recreation. Not just for how they clean the air and cool the atmosphere, but how they represent community commitment to the environment.   If there is one surprising lesson I’ve learned this year, it is how important “sustainability” is to event planners and sponsors. It is a major criteria for determining where major events go and who supports them.   As part of “going green” this year, the Baltimore Marathon planted dozens of trees along the race course. That was just as important as recycling materials and using hybrid vehicles. 

So yes, planting trees is important, and it also contributes to the attractiveness of our facilities. So this year I’m doubling my tree quota and leaning on everyone I can to help with it.  (acorns welcome.)

6.  Lose 20 pounds  --

OK, you know I really want to do that Polar Bear thing.  I haven't been totally honest about why I didn't sign up.   It isn't just because the Merry Marketeers balked.   I'm perfectly capable of doing it on my own, but the only thing scarier than jumping in the Bay in sub-freezing temps is wearing a bathing suit in public when you carry more blubber than Moby Dick.  

So if I keep just this one resolution, maybe next January I can freeze with Flacco.

Freezing with Flacco

I usually don't heed messages plastered across the  back end of a bus, but this transit derriere was sporting a dewy, dreamy image of Joe Flacco.  Intrigued, I chased those commuters for three blocks down Cathedral in order to learn more at the next stop.  (Note to ad agency -- this campaign works.)

The mobile billboard was a plug for the Annual Polar Bear Plunge.  If the picture had shown more than Joe's face, it would have revealed a few goosebumps.  For it wasn't the Caribbean dripping off him , it was the Chesapeake -- in January.  At least they snapped the shot before his lips turned the color of his eyes.

The Polar Bear Plunge is for the big (certainly not faint) of heart.  It has become a spirited celebration of  generous Marylanders who support the mission of the Special Olympics.  Begun by Maryland State Troopers 13 years ago, the Plunge has raised millions in pledges by those who consider it a  privilege to jump in the Bay every winter.  Last year, more than 11,000 --including Joe Flacco and Governor Martin O'Malley, took the plunge.

Truly inspired, I pitched the leader of the Merry Marketeers on the idea of having Team Terry participate this year as a character building exercise, like the Sea Trials midshipmen do Plebe year.  The reception was even chillier than the beach at Sandy Point.  We could do our team building in a visit to Wisp and maybe a tube slide on the slopes, I was told, but frolicking in the slushy surf was out.

Since Tweety has just returned from the DL, even the prospect of sharing a warming tent with Joe Cool is not going to lure her into this lemming-like exercise. 

Thus resigned to spending yet another year on the sidelines, I still want to use the opportunity to showcase what a fine facility Sandy Point State Park is.  You might not consider the Polar Bear Plunge to be a legitimate sporting venture, but it does make great use of one of the State's natural gems.

As mentioned earlier in the year, Sandy Point is also the staging area for the annual Great Chesapeake Swim, a challenging 4.4 mile open water race to the Eastern Shore.  Sandy Point has also hosted popular maritime festivals, including the one welcoming the Whitbread 'Round the World sailors.

So I guess if I want to freeze with Flacco, I'm going to have to do it in Foxborough.  Anyone who thinks Joe is going to flinch in the intemperate climes of New England needs to check out the back of the bus.

1st is First!!

The First of the Year brought us another First, as in A-#1, Top of the Heap, King of the Hill, etc.

1st Mariner Arena was named top arena of its size in the U.S., according to industry publications Billboard Magazine and Venues Today.

Despite its age and quaint design, 1st Mariner (even in its previous incarnations as the Civic Center and Baltimore Arena) has always been a top producer.  This year, it zoomed to the top, thanks in part to some star studded concerts which included performances from Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce and Jay-Z.

The City-owned facility is superbly managed by SMG, who are responsible for booking diverse concerts, family-oriented entertainment (yes, I took the boys to both Sesame Street and Disney on Ice) with dynamic sports events. 

1st Mariner is also a community center.  In 2008, Senator Barack Obama filled the seats for his presidential stump speech. (I could hear refrains of "Yes, We Can!" from the Warehouse.)   Every spring, high schools and universities conduct numerous graduation events in the auditorium.

The success of 1st Mariner is a credit not only to its versitility and excellent management, but also its location and market.  We know, from the groundwork done this year by Sports Marketing, that Maryland has some tremendous built in advantages, and 1st Mariner offers a microcosm of these assets.  Among them -- light rail transit onsite that connects both an international airport and Northeast Corridor of Amtrak, with suburban neighborhoods and park and rides in between.  A central location -- not only in the city core, but the population center of the Mid-Atlantic.  Numerous attractions and accommodations (which include the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards) are within walking distance; heritage and cultural sites (including our nation's Capital) are within an hour's drive.

So congratulations to SMG and the City of Baltimore for this well-deserved recognition.  This was not a popularity contest -- it was calculated on ticket sales and gross revenue.  It is tangible proof that Baltimore and Maryland deserve to be in the top tier of locations to consider for major events.