Race Across America Spins Through Maryland Again

There is an ultramarathon for competitive cyclists that makes even a 100 mile foot race seem civilized.  It's called the Race Across America , and for the second year in a row it will end at City Dock in Annapolis after taking competitors through Allegany, Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel Counties.

Look at the bright side -- at least it's all downhill at this point.  After travelling 3,000 miles from Oceanside, California in approximately eight days in June, they can use a little breeze in the home stretch.

I'm mentioning it now because the route has just been finalized.  We still have a few months before this display of endurance rolls past us, but it does show Maryland can handle and enthusiastically support these increasingly popular bicycle events.

(Can you even imagine what the desert must be like in June?  What about the Rockies?  Ouch!)

So visit the website and learn more about the Race Across America.  Their last waystation before Annapolis is Mt. Airy, so that is another place to watch the parade pass by. 

Break out the grenola bars and garden hoses, this sounds like an occasion for Maryland hospitality.

Of Coral and Carnelian

There's a wonderful scene in "Blind Side" where Leigh Anne Tuohy emotionally tells Michael Oher that she loves him and will support him and be there for every single one of his games if he chooses to attend loathsomeTennessee.  But she draws the line at wearing orange.  "It just isn't in my color wheel," she protests.  Fortunately, Michael chooses Ole Miss, so she is spared that indignity.

Believe me, I can relate.  While I love our O's ever bit as much as the Ravens, I have a real problem wearing the colors.  Reminds me of what some old Dodger fan said about the San Franciso Giants, who share our pallet.  "We hate orange and black so much, we don't even celebrate Halloween."

Around the Warehouse, it's customary for us to dress in team colors.  It's kind of a tradition.  Not every day, but the True Believers definitely wave the sartoral flag for home stands.  And Opening Day is a must.  No peach or dreamsickle allowed -- you gotta wear orange.

I've tried to adapt accordingly, but learned a few years ago that jewelry can make the transition work while accommodating theWarehouse dress code.  So when the Birds fly home, I break out the coral and carnelian.  Thanks to eBay, there are enough beaded baubles to get me through the summer.  It isn't amethyst or charolite, but it covers the bases.

I can't help but think Leigh Anne must have been relieved when the Ravens drafted Michael Oher.  Purple is definitely in her color wheel (and we certainly know how good it looks on HIM.)

Embarking the Great Eastern Trail

Now that the sock-burning ritual has occured, it is considered socially acceptable (at least in some cultures) to don flip flops.    (Note:  fashion cops will bust you for wearing sandals before a seasonal pedicure, but flip flops fly.) 

Thus with freed phalanges, my mind turned to hiking and all the opportunities Maryland presents for those who don't have bunions. 

Traditionally, the vernal equinox is when hard core hikers start their annual migration up the Appalachian Trail.  Starting in Georgia, many are passing through Maryland when summer solstice, aka "Hike Naked Day," occurs.  Unfortunately for modest Marylanders and au natural hikers, the two frequently collide because the Appalachian Trail through Maryland is a popular and well traveled route.

This is merely one example of the drawbacks that popularity of the Appalachian Trail -- the most famous of all long distance trails -- has brought to the rugged outdoorsmen who love the solitude of nature.  The Appalachian has become, well, too pedestrian.

Which brings us to the efforts to blaze a long distance trail for the hardiest of hoofers, extending 1,800 miles from Alabama to the Finger Lakes of New York, threading through some of the most remote regions of the mountain chain and connecting nine states.  Of all the states comprising the Great Eastern Trail, Maryland is the only one that has its entire segment (with two options) complete.

(Disclaimer:  Maryland is only one mile wide at this point between West Virginia and Pennsylvania, but that isn't the reason our portion is complete.  Read on.)

Benton MacKaye’s original vision for an Appalachian Trail in the 1920's showed a network of “braided” trails running the length of the Appalachian Mountains.  Blazing the original trail was accomplished almost entirely through volunteer efforts.  When a route for a new trail was identified about ten years ago, the same model was incorporated.   Implementation of this path will involve existing volunteer trail clubs, augmented where necessary by new volunteer groups.

Governmental entities are involved, of course (particularly where $$$$ and easements are needed) but the emphasis will be on volunteerism.
 
Maryland is fortunate because the pass through routes were already in place -- the C&O Canal towpath in Hancock is accessed via the Tuscarora Trail which splits from the Appalachian in Shenandoah National Park and extends 220 miles into Pennsylvania, and the 43 miles circuit trail system through Green Ridge State Forest near Flintsone.
 

Maryland Department of Natural Resources declared the Green Ridge trail system part of the Great Eastern Trail in 2007.  This map shows the options for accessing the trail and continuing into Pennsylvania.  (Pennsylvania's webpage brags their Mid State Trail is so wild you are likely to encounter more bears than people, which probably makes it a good choice for summer solstice.)
 
One of the largest volunteer groups responsible for building and maintaining these trail systems in our watershed is the Potomac Appalachian Hiking Club.  They were among the original visionaries who made the Appalachian Trail possible and they are taking the lead in blazing the Great Eastern Trail through our region.
 

The development of this trail is good news for Maryland, as it creates more interest in Western Maryland and our natural resources there.  Hancock is a wonderful destination for exploration because of the hiking trails and the Western Maryland Rail Trail -- one of the most beautiful in the country.  Small restaurants and bed and breakfasts cater to trail travelers, so the popularity of these outdoor adventures has a significant economic impact on the communities along the route.
 
So now that it's officially spring, try hitting the happy trails to enjoy what Maryland has to offer in natural beauty and healthy recreation.

Protect this House!

Securing our premises and ensuring the comfort and safety of those millions of fans who visit Camden Yards every year is paramount to the Maryland Stadium Authority.  Our security team is vigilant and resourceful in their efforts to address all threats.

Therefore, it was not surprising to see they've picked up an additional sentry to guard M&T Bank Stadium.  This candid shot was caught on the security camera his first day on duty.

Our red tail hawk is the newest recruit in the ongoing battle against bomb dropping pigeons.  Oriole Park has been outfitted with netting to discourage roosting in the rafters, so we'll have to see which system works better.

While the Tower of London has been protected by ravens for more than 400 years, we don't think Rise and Conquor are quite ready for that assignment in our fortress.  But if this feathered fan is successful in keeping M&T pigeon free, we may offer him a contract to train R & C to patrol the upper deck.

After all, if ravens have protected the Crown Jewels all these years,  a plague of pigeons should pose no problem.

Toasting Socks on the Equinox

My hometown of Annapolis, steeped in traditions both historic and whimsical, has a peculiar celebration of spring.  The Maritime Republic of Eastport, where working boatyards are still scattered among million dollar waterfront homes, is the site of this ritual signifying the change in seasons.

The official footware of America's sailing capital is docksiders.   Whether Sperry or Sebago, the slip on moccasins with the non slip sole is de rigeur on deck.  It's one of the few things sailors and boaters agree on.

Another is that after March 21, only wimps and tourists wear socks with deck shoes.

A few years ago, one of the boatyard laborers tore off his socks at the end of winter, tossed them in an empty varnish can, and torched it.  Legend has it that they were the only socks he'd worn all winter, so the olfactory experience was as memorable as the gesture.  It became the stuff of legends.

It does not take a great deal to concoct celebratory occasions in Eastport, so this quaint practice became an annual rite of spring, complete with bands, speeches and ceremonial toasts on the beach as participants toss their socks in a bonfire. 

For one such celebration, Jefferson Holland, Poet Laureate of Eastport, composed a verse which has become a part of the ritual every year since. 

Them Eastport boys got an odd tradition
When the sun swings to its Equinoxical position,
They build a little fire down along the docks,
They doff their shoes and they burn their winter socks.


Yes, they burn their socks at the Equinox;
You might think that's peculiar, but I think it's not,
See, they're the same socks they put on last fall,
And they never took 'em off to wash 'em, not at all .


So they burn their socks at the Equinox
In a little ol' fire burning nice and hot.
Some think incineration is the only solution,
'Cause washin' 'em contributes to the Chesapeake 's pollution.


Through the spring and the summer and into the fall,
They go around not wearin' any socks at all,
Just stinky bare feet stuck in old deck shoes,
Whether out on the water or sippin' on a brew.


So if you sail into the Harbor on the 21 st of March,
And you smell a smell like Limburger sautéed with laundry starch,
You'll know you're downwind of the Eastport docks
Where they're burning their socks for the Equinox.

Team Terry, Mining for Gold

While our bids for future World Cup competitions are marinating somewhere, Team Terry went prospecting for gold.  The CONCACAF Gold Cup, that is.  CONCACAF is the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football and it is one of six continental confederations in the FIFA family.

Gold Cup occurs the year before and after World Cup, and two years before FIFA Confederations Cup, which will be in Brazil in 2013.   They are all qualifiers for the quadrennial showdown in some way or another.

The 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup will be the 11th edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup competition and 21st CONCACAF regional championship overall.  A host nation for the Gold Cup has not yet been announced, so Terry and the Ravens are in the hunt -- not for the final match, but for one of the qualifying rounds.  This would work into other stadium complex uses much better, and is potentially more lucrative because it involves a longer stay for the teams and use of practice facilities.

In 2009, the Gold Cup series was held in the United States.  RFK in Washington was selected for an early round and hosted a double header on July 8th.

I'm learning that the world of international soccer offers many opportunities to bring top teams to Maryland, whether they be these continental tournaments, or barnstorming "friendlies."  As interest in soccer continues to grow, OSM and our partners will keep pursuing them.

Cycling Season

I picked up the latest edition of Spokes Magazine last week.  This periodical, based in Frederick, covers bicycling interests throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.  I find it interesting because every issue has articles or commentary which relate to bicycling as a transportation option, recreational pastime and competitive sport.

This is becoming more relevant to Maryland as we develop trails and incorporate them into commuting options along with their amenities as parks and open spaces.  The most recent issue has a calendar of recreational excursions, advocacy events (remember the "Wear What You Dare" to Capitol Hill last year?) training exercises and professional competitions.

It's amazing how many cycle centric activities there are in Maryland.  And how many opportunities this time of year to combine fitness with heritage tourism via the historic trails (think:  C&O Canal, Allegheny Highlands, Capitol Crescent.)

I have to give a shoutout here to Nate Evans, the bicycle and pedestrian planner with the City of Baltimore, who is working with us to make Camden Yards more bicycle friendly for the fans and commuters who pass through our transit center.  You'll be reading more about that this spring, along with a potential major statewide event Team Terry is working on.

As the days get longer and the weather warmer, more people are thinking about cyling events.  Pick up a copy of Spokes, or read the online edition to catch up on some activities of interest here in Maryland.

Up In The Air, Take 2

Thank heavens the weather today looks more like this.  Last Saturday, the monsoon that couldn't dampen Ridley's opening did manage to ground Baltimore Racing Development's  surveillance helicopter.  So the process will take place this Saturday instead.

I did manage to learn more about the process to better explain what the chopper will be doing.  Since we're so close to University of Maryland Medical Center, I'll try explaining in those terms.

Thiink of this aerial mapping as sort of an MRI of the proposed race course.  Prior to filming, the race professionals will be placing photo sensitive monitors inside the curbs.  This will allow them to calculate an exact measurement of road width at every point along the course in their imaging.

This is particularly crucial at the hairpin turns, which have strict requirements for the amount of asphalt needed.  An aerial map can determine if the site meets the standards, or how it has to be modified to work.  One such turn will be on Russell Street between the two stadiums.

The map will indicate the best places for viewing stands, like parking and turning lanes that are part of the road but not necessary for the course.

Most interesting, though, is that the sensors can detect anamolies in the surface that will have to be accommodated.  Everything from potholes to utility caps will show up on on this CT scan.  It will give race organizers (and their partners) a clear idea of what kind of work has to be done to make city streets race ready.

Here's the best part for the many of you out there who ask how the plans are progressing --- the analysis of this imaging is almost instantaneous.  Terry says the information will be available and submitted to the City by next week.  From the data gathered, the team will be able to determine infrastructure costs as well as what needs to be done to fine tune the course layout to maximize the viewer experience.

So stay tuned.  More news will be coming our way in the near future.

ESPN National High School Invitational Comes to Coppin

The beautiful new arena at Coppin State is less than six months old, and it is getting its first nationally televised event over the Easter weekend.

The ESPN boys and girls high school basketball tournament RISE (aka "mini March Madness") is in its second year and already garnering attention as a showcase for the finest scholastic athletes, even before they get to college.  The tournament is broadcast over three days (April 1-3) and includes teams from all over the country.

The event was supposed to be at Georgetown Prep, but the conflict with Easter proved a problem.  Coppin was happy to step in.

We don't know the economic impact of this event, but the coverage is certainly a nice bonus.  It will give a national audience a good look at the future of the sport in a beautiful new facility.

(Disclaimer:  MSA built the Coppin Physical Education Complex, so a certain amount of crowing is personal pride.)

Congratulations to all those who swooped in for the rebound and scored at the buzzer to land this one.

Rescheduling Recon

Helicopters aren't quite as hardy as Greyhound fans.  While the rain didn't quell the crowd at Ridley, it did ground the recon crew scheduled to fly over the course proposed for the Indy Car race in downtown Baltimore.

Yes, the eagerly anticipated Indy Car initiative is zooming ahead.  Although the weather waved the caution flag Saturday, plans are progressing nicely.

(For those who may not be following this closely, the flyover is necessary to examine road widths, turn angles, surface conditions, etc.  This is all part of the traffic survey factored into the study.)

Like the soccer match, we don't have all the answers yet.  However, we anticipate something coming out of Baltimore Racing Development and the City before the end of April.

Now that the sun is out, the helicopter survey can be rescheduled.  Be sure to wave when you see it over Camden Yards.

Who, What, Where, When, and Why

Team Terry can't go anywhere without tout le monde asking about the international soccer match planned this summer at M&T Bank Stadium.  Yes, we thought we'd know something definite by now, but there are reasons why we don't.  So to answer as many of your questions as possible, we're giving you it to you in Journalism 101 format.

WHO:  We aren't sure whice teams are coming, but they will be major league (Premier, etc.) and European.

WHAT:  An exhibition or "friendly" match.  Unlike last year, this won't be a part of an International Football Challenge or round robin tournament.

WHY:  Remember, 2010 is a World Cup year.  That creates conflicts with league schedules since many players leave their professional team in order to participate in their nation's quest for the World Cup.  World Cup rounds take place in South Africa between June 11 and July 11.  (England is scheduled to play the US  June 12.)  World Cup obligations have made a US tour for European sides a tad trickier than last year.

WHEN:  Another variable.  The data has vacillated between July 25 and July 31, but that doesn't mean another date between those might not be selected.

WHERE:  That part we know-- M&T Bank Stadium.

Believe us, as soon as we have the answers to "when" and "who"  (as well as "how much") we'll let you know.  But we can guarantee that interest in soccer will be intensified by the focus on World Cup competition.  You'll be seeing and hearing about it all summer.  We already know of three large venues in Maryland planning "watch" parties.  By the time our match rolls around in late July, the country will be primed for the top flight soccer action we'll be bringing to Baltimore.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

Even though the rain refused to cease, the Loyola faithful were not deterred and came out in droves to the grand opening of Ridley Athletic Complex. A sellout crowd of 6,000+ showed their support as they trudged through the rain to watch Loyola take on Duke Saturday. And even though the Greyhounds lost 8-5, they racked up a number of firsts: First Goal- Loyola (Finnerty); First Faceoff Win- Loyola (Schiavone) and First Sold-out Home Game at Ridley Athletic Complex- and sure not to be the last for decades to come.

Pictures of the day from Greyhounds' website

Raves for Ridley

Loyola University celebrated the grand opening of the new $62 million Ridley Athletic Complex Saturday.  Team Terry planned to be there for the ribbon-cutting and lacrosse match against Duke, but two thirds of the delegation were sidelined by a flooded basement and leaking roof.  It was left to Tweety to carry the standard for the Merry Marketeers.  She joined another 6,000 soaked souls for the festivities at the top of Television Hill.

We've only heard reports and seen pictures of the impressive complex, so we are eager to get Tweety's first person account.  As soon as she dries out, she's going to recount the activities of the day and the enthusiasm expressed by the University and community for this new facility.

We want to give a special shout out to Loyola and their athletic department for all the support given OSM when the World Cup bid first emerged.  Loyola was among the first to step up with the offer to participate as a host venue, even though their complex was not yet finished.  Their steadfast support was certainly a significant factor in our winning the bid.

Although the outcome of the game against Duke was disappointing and the weather was ghastly, nothing could dampen the spirit of the day.


This complex has been about 15 years (and countless community meetings) in planning and development, so we can understand the tremendous pride the school feels in bringing it to fruition.  It is not just a credit to the University, but also an iconic venue that will be part of Maryland's sports heritage for many years to come.

Birds on the Wing

It was still daylight when I left the Warehouse last night.  A welcome harbinger of spring that makes those grimy slosh piles a distant memory.

An even more cogent reminder greeted me in Mount Vernon.  I often hear honking at the busy intersection, but this was coming from overhead.  Several battalions of Canadian geese, flying in v-shaped formations, were heading north.  I've never quite understood why they squawk like an Aflac commerical (it's supposed to have something to do with cheering the flock leader) but for as long as I can remember, it signaled the changing of the seasons.

When I lived in Annapolis, I marvelled at the osprey couple who were my closest neighbors.  They always returned from wintering in South America between the Ides of March and St. Patrick's Day.  First came the male, who tidied up the nest, and then the female a few days later.  I don't know if they vacation separately, or she stays behind to close the nest in Rio, but be assured -- in several days you'll be seeing ospreys in and around the Chesapeake Bay.

Which brings me to our other migrating birds -- the ones currently in Sarasota, tuning up for another spring and summer here at Camden Yards. They'll be here a few weeks after the ospreys, but they can be assured that we've been spending the winter tidying up their nest, too. 

While they've been basking in the Florida sun, we've been replacing the seats in the lower bowl, (even during the blizzard,) upgrading the clubhouses, touching up paint, repairing concrete damage, installing a new energy efficient climate control system, developing a sustainable landscaping plan, and generally getting the place in tip-top shape for their triumphant return next month.

When the weather is as beautiful as it's been today, spring is in the air.  Very soon, our birds will fly north to spend another summer with us.

Piloting the Process

This is a rendering of what a professional soccer stadium could look like.  At this point, even a non-site specific drawing is way ahead of where we are in the process, but since this is about a feasibility study to determine whether or not Baltimore could benefit from the construction of such a facility, I thought I should provide an illustration of some sort.  A soccer stadium is visably different from a ballpark or coliseum in both size and shape.  Building one has even more variables.  Let's start at the beginning.

A good many people believe that stadiums and arenas get constructed just because communities or teams want them and have sufficient financial or political pull to muscle them into place.  Au contraire.  There is an exhaustive process that can take years before the deal is structured.

(Good example -- the very successful Regency Furniture Stadium.  That project kicked around for ten years before the site was selected, financing developed, and bid to budget.  Completed in 2008, it is now the pride of Charles County.  But it sure didn't happen overnight.)

I thought it would be a good exercise to chronical the steps that will be taken before the soccer stadium feasbility study will be released this summer.  Crossroads, the consultant responsible for the study, has worked with MSA before on market analysis of proposed projects.  Most recent is the Ocean City Convention Center expansion.

This study is unlike any other MSA has done in the past because it actually considers several scenarios.  Can Baltimore support the successful MLS franchise DC United if they relocated to a 20,000+ seat soccer-specific stadium located at the Westport transit-oriented community currently in development?  Or is 7,500-10,000 seat stadium located just south of M&T Bank Stadium for the existing Crystal Palace Baltimore NASL franchise a better fit?  Should it be either, or both?

(Disclaimer -- the picture is a rendering of the CP proposal.  This isn't an endorsement, just what's available.)

In order to do any study, MSA has to be asked.  We don't go out shopping for work, and we don't do studies simply because someone has a dream.  In this case, both the previous Mayor of Baltimore and the Baltimore Development Corporation wanted to explore the potential of the respective projects they had been considering on parallel courses.  The City agreed to pay for MSA to prepare a thorough and impartial analysis of all variables and make a recommendation.

This process began this week with a series of "interviews" with certain stakeholders.  They are actually discussions, a free exchange of questions, ideas, and opinions between MSA executive staff and those most impacted by such a facility.  These stateholders include the Mayor's office, City Council President and Councilmen, Visit Baltimore, the teams themselves, and other potential users of the stadium.  There were some very interesting points raised in this round, along with some tough questions involving fan base and corporate sponsorship. 

This round of interviews will help determine the level of support for building a stadium, and where it falls on a priority list.   (Remember -- a lot of folks have a new arena on their wish list, and there are rumblings about convention center renovations, too.)  It also sets the tone for what size stadium can be supported.  The second rendering is the new soccer-specific stadium for the MLS Red Bulls.  The 25,000 capacity facility opens in Harrison, New Jersey later this month.  This is closer to the requirement for an MLS franchise like DC United.

Public officials are not the only ones consulted.  Future meetings will involve the corporate community, our tenant teams, other professionial teams in the area, fan groups for both teams, and advocacy groups who just want to see more professional soccer.  (Yes, we've heard from the Lords of Baltimore.)

Terry observed that many of those consulted on this first round raised the point about the facility's and organization's role in developing youth sports.  Soccer franchises traditionally have close ties to community leagues, and also have recreational fields around their stadiums.  This question was asked by more than one soccer operative in the discussion.  (Remember, it was the Baltimore Bays and their partnership with Chelsea that helped bring them here last summer.)

As these talks continue, the consultants get a clearer picture of the market, the investment return on public dollars, and the economic impact this project will have on future development, the visitor industry, and quality of life.

A lot will happen before the report is released about six months from now.  But you can be assured it will be based on the views of many people, not just the professionals providing the analysis.

Cheer, cheer . . .

. . . . for another great event coming to Maryland!  Yesterday afternoon, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (favorite team of an unnamed member of Team Terry) announced they would be playing a home game against the University of Maryland at FedEx in November 2011.

That's right, no Golden Dome but still plenty of Notre Dame amenities, which translates into major television coverage (that means national broadcast,) huge ticket sales, and plenty of alumni tailgates and private parties.

The operative word here is "home" because the Terps don't have to give up any dates at Byrd to accommodate this crowd pleaser.  As part of the outreach to their international constituency (you find Notre Dame fans in every parish) Notre Dame is scheduling an occasional "home" game in places other than South Bend to minister the faithful.  Think of it as a pilgrimage, or crusade of sorts.  Like missionaries to the far flung flock.

(I've seen this phenomenon at M&T, so I know of which I speak.  Even a few Mids were moving their lips to the famous fight song.  After countless viewings of Knute Rockne-All American and Rudy, I can relate.)

However you look at this, it means big bucks for Maryland, as this will be a tourist attraction as well as national sporting event.  FedEx holds more than 90,000 and it will certainly be a sell-out.

So congratulations to FedEx, the Terps, and the Irish for putting together this deal that is certain to be a hot ticket next year.  And remember, you can also see the Terps battle Navy at M&T on Labor Day this year.  Consider that a home game for all concerned.

Face-Off Classic Underway!

Yes, it's still winter with a few grimy slush piles to prove it, but for the hearty souls assembled around M&T it is time for the first tailgate of the season.

The sun is shining and there is a steady stream of young fans working their way through the activities on the stadium perimeter.  There are also clusters of collegiates manning grills and coolers while waiting for their event to begin.

Maryland and Duke were evenly exchanging goals when I left a few minutes ago, but the Princeton crowd was just getting warmed up.  They have a sizable contingent in the parking lot (although I doubt they'll outnumber the Hopkins faithful since the Blue Jays enjoy hometown advantage.)

Today's tripleheader represents a value added element to the series.  While the past three years have featured four top ranked teams competing for early season honors, this year's event has six -- including Notre Dame (their fans are everywhere) and another hometown power, Loyola.    And the price is the same!  The last game won't begin until 4:00 PM, so there will be an all day influx of fans taking advantage of this opportunity.

Scads of youngsters are here with their rec teams.  They come from throughout the region to see the best of the best college play.  They're also having a good time playing along Ravens Walk.    The layout of Camden Yards lends itself to family picnics and games of catch.   More than likely, they'll be back in May when the championship is decided.

For that matter, we'll probably see one or more of the teams playing today at the end of the season.  We know at least two of them -- Maryland and Hopkins -- will return for the Day of Rivals next month.  Along with Army-Navy, that was a big hit last year.

So today marks the beginning of spring, at least in my book.  And it couldn't be a prettier day.

Craziness at ComCen

Before Coppin's Physical Education Complex became the third-largest project completed by the Stadium Authority, that distinction belonged to another college facility -- Comcast Center in College Park, which replaced the venerable Cole Field House as the home of the Terps in 2002.

There was wailing and gnashing of teeth when the 1955 arena was abandoned in favor of the larger, more luxurious facility with greater amenities.  Despite being HVAC challanged (among other shortcomings) Cole Field House had a boatload of memories and great moments.  It was also intimidating to opponents with its peculiar acoustics amplifying the home town roar.  Cole Field House, like Memorial Stadium, had a soul -- and a special place in the heart of Marylanders.

When MSA undertook the responsibility of replacing the unreplacable, these factors were taken into consideration, along with the site challenges.  A sloping hill that could have proven an expensive obstacle was incorporated into a steep bank of spectators -- an end zone reservered for students that was as visually intimidating as it was loud.  To give the same surround-sound acoustical advantage that made Cole such an auditory annoyance for opponents, student seating was incorporated on all four sides of the court.

The memorable view of the court from the concourse level was also incorporated into the Comcast Center design, simulating the look and feel of Cole Field House.

Comcast seats nearly 18,000 spectators (although I suspect there may have been a few extra hanging from the rafters during the Duke game.)  It also  features a 7,000 square foot Academic Support and Career Development Center, a student activity center, accommodation facilities for 25 different sports and incorporates a well-equipped training facility.  It also has practice courts, a wrestling gym, administration offices and the "Walk of Fame."

These were all in place when Comcast opened in 2002.  But somewhere during the ensuring eight years, Comcast acquired a heart and a soul, too.   It developed its own identify as a feared opponent.  It seared its own unforgettable memories.

Last Monday night was one of those not soon forgotten by any of the capacity-plus crowd.  Defeating Duke (anytime, anywhere, any sport) is always cause for celebration.  But Monday night, at Comcast Center, the atmosphere was electric and the Terps (and fans) were on fire.

I doubt seriously if any there had even a fleeting thought about who built their arena, or how it differs from the hallowed hall of yore.  But for those of us at MSA, it is a reminder of what we do that impacts upon the State of Maryland and those who live, work, and attend school here.

Good luck in the tourneys, Terps.  As the song says, we're all behind you.

Stix and Sunshine on Saturday

I'm going out on a limb here in weather-weary Maryland, but trust me --it will be sunny and bright when six of the top NCAA lacrosse programs visit M&T Bank Stadium for the 4th Annual Face-off Classic.

That's right.  There's still a mountain of slush in the outer parking lots (think of it as refrigeration for your tailgate beverages) but ample room for your first outdoor entertaining of the 2010 season. 

Lots open at 8:00 AM, which gives you plenty of time to fire up your grills before the 11:00 AM face-off between Maryland and Duke.  Princeton takes on Hopkins at 1:30 and, for the first time, Loyola and Notre Dame bring their traditional meeting to M&T at 4:00.

Inside Lacrosse promises lots of activities, giveaways, and attractions.  All I can offer is the sunshine. 

So bring your sticks and see how many snowmen you can level on Lot G.  It's going to be a great day to celebrate spring -- whether or not the groundhog agrees.

Kudos at Coppin

This is the project that was so big it required two ribbon cuttings.

You'll recall the arena portion of this three building Physical Education Complex opened on a snowy day in early December.  The arena alone is an impressive facility, with suites, meeting rooms, and a natatorium in addition to the spacious basketball court.

However, on Saturday the full complex debuted, with its fitness center, classrooms, offices, and fields on display.

Mike Frenz represented the Stadium Authority and reminded all the distinguished guests that this four year project (lots of design, acquisition and demolion had to happen before construction started) was brought in the MSA way -- on time, on budget.  It is also LEED certified, and built with 42% MBE participation. 

This project is a particular source of pride because of the transformational effect it has on the University and the neighborhood.  Coppin is a vanguard in the community redevelopment efforts.  This multi purpose structure -- which expands the size of the urban campus by a third --will contribute greatly to the revitalization of West Baltimore and the recruiting ability of Coppin.

It was nice for MSA to be there with the Mayor, Congressman, Lt. Governor, and University Chancellor.  But it was really gratifying to hear how much this project means to those who will actually be enjoying it for many years to come.

Triumph in Texas

Great news!  All the work that went into Maryland's bid to host future Region I Youth Soccer Tournaments paid off.  I received a terse text from Terry in Texas (say that real fast) on Friday night, confirming that Maryland would be hosting the tourney for two years.

Team Terry and Maryland State Youth Soccer Association director Marie Langford have been working for some time to lure the annual summer regional event to Maryland.  This included almost a full day of site visits last month, and an oral presentation before the governing body at their meeting in Ft. Worth last week.

Region I, which ranges from Maine to Virginia, is the largest of the six regions that hold week-long tournaments every summer, with 3,500 to 4,000 youngsters participating.    Like many youth sports events, these frequently double as family vacations.   In all, the tournaments represent about 15,000 room nights in local hotels, with a $14 million dollar economic impact.

Maryland was awarded 2013-14, and the venue will be Harford County's new showpiece -- Cedar Lane Park.  (John McHugh has been one of our best soccer friends, so we're tickled for him to land this prestigious competition.)

Because youth soccer is so family-centric, travel tends to be by car.  Cedar Lane's I-95 location  makes it particularly convenient, since most of Region I is within tankogas radius.

2013-2014 are shaping up to be good years, since Maryland will have so many activities surrounding the celebration of the War of 1812 Bicentennial -- including a Tall Ship flotilla and an Army-Navy game.  It will also be a World Cup year, which elevates the interest in soccer even more.

Congratulations to Team Terry and the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association on their Texas triumph.