Soccer in the Stratosphere

"Through the roof" is how TV pundits describe high ratings, but in Baltimore's case it is even more celestial.  The number of viewers tuned in to the recent pulse racer in Pretoria was somewhere in orbit.

According to Sun columnist Z on TV, the Nielson ratings showed Baltimore had the second largest TV audience among the nation's 56 metered markets Wednesday for ESPN's coverage of the US-Algeria match.  Only San Diego, which has led all markets for all matches, exceeded Baltimore's viewership.

Consider who that puts us ahead of -- such major markets as San Francisco, Washington and even such multi-cultural cities as Miami and New York.

We're not sure how they could truly calculate the number of viewers, because the Merry Marketeers were in one of those establishments where the number of fans greatly exceeded the number of television units.  We are also aware there were some places of business (not ours) where computer monitors were surreptitiously tuned in to the action. 

Only the webmasters know for sure how many people in Baltimore had their eyes on the ball.  Like the fire marshalls, they aren't telling Nielson or anyone else.

However, this one measurable statistic tells us (and the world) just how serious Baltimore is about international soccer.  The enthusiasm, the passion, and the commitment are all here.  We hope to demonstrate this again with a full stadium on July 31st when we entertain Manchester City in their friendly with Inter-Milan.

The Happening in the Harbor

Have you caught your breath yet?  Have you digested the fact that France and Italy are going home, and the US is still in biggest, most watched, sports tournament in the world?

Most importantly, DO YOU NOW REALIZE JUST HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE INTO THIS?

As part of Team Terry's field visit yesterday, I spent a lot of time observing how intent President Bill Clinton was on the match in Pretoria.  Not only did he cheer himself hoarse right up through the 91st minute, but he changed his travel plans to stay through the weekend for the next round, and spent the rest of the evening schmoozing FIFA officials to select US for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

While we are watching the World Cup, we should remember that there are others watching us, seeing what kind of enthusiasm Americans have for the sport and the World Cup series.  Here in Maryland, we are particularly cognizant of this audition process, because we are angling to be one of the regions selected as hosts if the US is successful.  We want our energy to be palpable.  We want our setting to be classic.

Yes, we can whoop and howl in our favorite watering holes just like the best of them.  There are plenty of videos on YouTube of places much like our haunt beyond center field where fans in face paint and jerseys hop up and down and blow pseudo vuvuzelas.  But here in Baltimore we have the opportunity to stage something truly spectacular -- a waterfront watch party with a super screen TV overlooking the harbor, with a festival and beer garden.  For a Sunday in July, how much more fun could you have? 

(Dancing in the nearby Sondheim fountain comes to mind.  Of course, if it were up to me, the screen would be on the Domino board, but no one asked.)

The festival, which is sponsored by the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, and the Maryland Office of Sports Marketing, is being organized by ASG Events, who promoted the very successful outdoor festival in Towson for the US-England match.  The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will include appearances from members of the Baltimore Blast, Crystal Palace Baltimore, and D.C. United.

Game time for the final match is 2:30, giving families a full day of fun and excitement in the Inner Harbor.

While the benefit for the Waterfront Partnership is meritous in itself, this celebration is also the opportunity for Team Terry and the Merry Marketeers to make an additional pitch for soccer-philes to sign the online petition supporting our region as a host site.  And it is also a promotion for the upcoming Man City-Inter Milan match coming to M&T Bank stadium later than month.

So plan to be a part of the happening.  Frolic in the fountain, enjoy a brewski, and watch the sun set over the harbor as the world celebrates the most popular sport on the planet.

UnStoppAble!!

While sitting at our favorite watering hole outside of center field, Team Terry felt the weight of American support for our team.  Its amazing, whether its a slightly unrecognized sport like ice dancing, or curling, or a much more heavily favored world sport such as soccer, Americans love to cheer their teams to victory.  It is no big secret that soccer in the U.S. has no where near the following it has overseas.  So to watch the bar quickly fill up at 10-am on a workday was very exciting! It was quite obvious from the suits and ties as opposed to jerseys that these fans were having "meetings" out by center field, just like we were, but nevertheless, the fan-base here is booming by the day, and chomping at the bit for wins, just as exciting as yesterday's! The American culture will have to evolve with our interest, to make jerseys in board rooms acceptable practice on World Cup days.

The bated breaths were almost too much to handle, until that sweet extra minute sealed the deal.  The place was literally vibrating from the applause that didn't stop for many minutes after Landon Donovan's game winner.  All in all a wonderful day at the "office".  If you didn't get a chance to come out yesterday, thanks to Donovan you have another chance on Saturday!   Don't forget your horns, because the U.S. as well as Baltimore are HERE TO PLAY, so watch out world!!!


To have such a growing fan-base in a town that doesn't have an MLS team should show you how badly Baltimoreans want the World Cup here!  Help us make it happen by signing our petition at www.gousabid.com/baltimore!

The Scenic Skies of Sugarloaf

This must be Maryland's month for transcontinental competition.  Last Friday, the Race Across America cyclists pedaled into Annapolis after a journey that began in Oceanside, California.

This Friday, a fleet of different vehicles will alight in Frederick after a multi-staged, 2,500 race that begins tomorrow in Fort Myers, Florida.  The Women’s Air Race Classic, which began in 1929, was made famous by Amelia Earhart.  This year, the race course brings her sisters in the celestial sorority to Maryland.

More than 50 teams (pilot and navigator) will be flying instrument-free, using their skills and finesse to manueuver among clouds and windstreams in an effort to clock the best times in the handicapped race.

In all, the race covers eleven states, with eight stops in four days.  It is a celebration of the role women have played in aviation history, and is an opportunity for all involved in general aviation to be a part of the fun.  This year’s race falls in the centennial of licensed women pilots and includes pilots ranging from college students to grandmothers.  Some of the pioneers, like the World War II WASPs, will be a part of the festivities.

The Frederick Terminus of the Air Race Classic is organized by the Sugarloaf Chapter of "The Ninety-Nines," a women pilots association.  It offers the opportunity for competitors and spectators to celebrate in style with the post-race “Meltdown Party,” in casual 1929-style.

On Saturday, there will be a special screening of “Breaking Through the Clouds: The First Women’s National Air Derby,” a documentary about the first race.

There are a full weekend of activities, including the awards ceremony at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center.   In all, it's the opportunity to meet a spirits group of competitors, learn more about this history of aviation, and enjoy a visit to Frederick.

Blastoff at Budds Creek

This weekend brings the annual Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship series to Maryland.  If you're checking your calendar because it doesn't seem like a year since that last rain soaked episode, that's because the Budds Creek National has been moved to an earlier date on the circuit.  Traditionally one of the closing rounds during the second half of the 12-race schedule, Budds Creek moves to round four in the middle of June.

The Lucas Oil AMA series brings the top tier of professional riders from all over the world  to compete, and the Budds Creek track offers nearly perfect visibility for spectators at numerous venues along the course. The event usually attracts more than 20,000 fans to see the best racing in the sport.

The MotoTees.com Budds Creek National kicks-off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19.  Both the 450 and 250 classes  will be broadcast the same day on SPEED, starting with the 250 Class at 8:00 p.m. and the 450 Class at 9:00 p.m.  Live internet stream of the first motos of both classes can be seen at www.allisports.com.

Now Pedaling Our Way . . .

The grueling Race Across America, which bills itself as the World's Toughest Bicycle Race, began in Oceanside, California on June 12th, bound for the City Dock in Annapolis.  Leaders have now reached Maryland, the final state in the cross country, single-stage challenge.

That's the good news for the cyclists.  The bad news is that after pedaling night and day, the course now brings them to one of the toughest terrains -- the mountains of Allegany County.

They'll be entering the state via the National Road in Lavale, outside Cumberland.  They after breezing in and out of West Virginia, they will contend with Polish Mountain and Sideling Hill.  There are some downhill stretches here, but the uphill climbs are going to be a bear for those exhausted cyclists.

They'll take a time stop in Mount Airy, and then it's on to Annapolis for the weekend.  (Let's hope they don't get caught in beach traffic.)

About 250 hardy riders started this perilous journey.  Check the website to see how they are doing.   One thing we can guarantee -- they will get a warm welcome in Annapolis, where competitive cycling is a popular pastime.

The Few, the Proud, the Whimsical

Just as committed cyclists have their flight of fancy with the Kinetic Sculpture Race, the running community has their own down and dirty ironic event. 

The RunAmuck 5K  Mud and Music Festival sounds like basic training for Navy SEALS, held at Woodstock.  Blaring music, water hazards, slime, filth, and comradarie make it one of the most outrageous (and fun) exercises on the running circuit.

The RunAmuck 5K took place around Lake Needwood in Rockville last month.  It is one of a series of mud runs that started in California a few years back, near (where else?) Camp Pendleton.  They have spread around to other parts of the country under different names, like Muddy Buddy.

The Rockville RunAmuck is a good, hard 5K trail run with a three crossings of the muddy (and mucky) lake, two sloshes through man-made mud pits, a few scrambles over wooden barriers and some hoofing through agility grids.

History, Heritage, Nostalgia . . . and Bocce

The calendar may not consider it summer yet, but the thermometer certainly does.  Since summer is the height of bocce ball season and there are some upcoming events showcasing the sport, now is a good time to focus on this celebration of heritage and fellowship through the universal language of sports.

This past weekend was the annual St. Anthony's Italian Festival in Baltimore's Little Italy.  While there are many ethnic festivals held every year, this is one of the oldest, having its origins in the Great Fire of 1904.  As the inferno raged in downtown Baltimore, the parishioners of St. Leo's in Little Italy prayed to St. Anthony to spare their community.  The first festival, in 1905, was a celebration of this salvation.  It has continued every year.

Naturally, a bocce ball tournament is at the center of the festivities because bocce ball is already the reigning pastime in the tight knit community.  Thomas D'Alesandro park, in the heart of the restaurant district, has had two regulation bocce ball courts since 1994. They are 80' by 13' and topped with a very fine, light gray stone dust -- considered the perfect surface for a fast roll.  And yes, the nightly games, played under the lights and stars, are an attraction for visitors.  Diners frequently stop by the courts to watch the weeknight league play.

Go USA!!

No, the Fourth of July didn’t come early this year; all of the Red, White, and Blue that you saw in Towson this weekend was excited celebrations for the U.S’ kick off in the World Cup games.

Patriot Square in front of the Courthouse in Towson was booming on Saturday afternoon, as many soccer fans came out for a World Cup viewing party.  Hosted by Baltimore County and WNST radio, the event was a huge success! WNST’s Nestor, and County Executive Jim Smith were pumping up the crowd in anticipation.

 There were soccer themed moon bounces for the kids, face painting, and even Red, White and Blue snowballs. USA Soccer fever has set in.   At approximately 2:25 all of the walking around seized, everyone grabbed their lawn chairs, and buckled down around the massive television for a very exciting game one.

 With the odds favored so heavily against the U.S. tying the game up was almost as exciting as a win! At least that’s the way it sounded in the roaring crowd!

Did you see how much fun those crazy horn blower's were having?? That could be us! Don't forget to sign the petition to get the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup here in Maryland!
vote at:  www.gousabid.com/baltimore

The Value of Volunteers

There are many reasons why Maryland can be pitched as the ideal place to hold major events. Certainly our quality facilities, central location, easy access, compact size and wealth of natural resources are all significant factors.

But one thing that drives the large, multi-day tournaments so lucrative for host regions is an active, willing, reliable volunteer force. And fortunately, this is really where Maryland shines.

From the Special Olympics (which just celebrated its 40th birthday) to the Polar Bear Plunge that raises funds for it, volunteers from all over the area make the multitude of activities possible.

Volunteers (frequently known as Mom and Dad) are the backbone of most local rec leagues and youth organizations. Maryland has a plethora of these programs, and we are trying to host more of their regional tournaments. When the regional and national organizers look for sites, a volunteer labor force is a major consideration.

Today was the annual Tour Dem Parks, Hon bicycle celebration in Baltimore. Tour Dem Parks began several years ago, prompted by a group of bicycle advocates who wanted an activity to promote the newly opened Gwynns Falls Trail.  This small committee -- all volunteers -- developed the concept, planned the routes, and made all the arrangements themselves. They had a lot of help from the folks in City of Baltimore's planning and recreation departments (whom they had worked with to build the trail) willing to do this in their spare time.

Since Camden Yards sits on the Gwynns Falls Trail, we've come to know a lot of these folks as community partners, so it's nice to go to this celebration and appreciate just how popular it has become. (The exercise helps, too.)  I'm guessing that despite the heat there were more than 1,000 participants who came to ride, train, or just enjoy a day picnicking in the park.  From the folks at the registration tables to the mom who flipped the burgers, all of the organizers were volunteers.

The funds raised from the ride go back into trail development and park beautification.  One person who rides every year said she particularly enjoys seeing how the trees along the trail continue to mature since it first opened.  Responses like that are the motivation that continues to drives these activists.

If we get a Tour de Maryland, it will require a regiment of volunteers at every stop. But one thing you can count on: in this state, those bicycle folks are well connected, and very energetic. There may not seem to be a lot in common between the folks who use their bikes for recreation or commuting and those who wear spandex and race, but a strong bond exists. Any event that focuses attention on bicycles in Maryland is going to have no trouble finding people who are ready to get involved.

Game On!!! in Frederick, too

Terry reminded us yesterday that the Frederick Indoor Sports Complex was having their own family fun event this Saturday, centered by the big screen broadcast of the USA-England World Cup match.

This impressive facility was part of Team Terry's visit to Capital Region Maryland a few weeks ago, where he learned that several hundred of their faithful are expected to drop in for the festivities.

The Frederick region has a dynamic youth sports network (hockey is also big there, as is swimming) and they are building the facilities to support it. Terry said the Indoor Sports Complex is a major hub of this year round activity.

So if you're in Capital Region Maryland and want a day of family fun with fellow soccer-philes, check out the Indoor Sports Complex.  Directions available by clicking the link above.

REMEMBER TO SIGN THAT ONLINE PETITION TO BRING THE WORLD CUP HERE !!!

St. Mary's -- Staying on Track

It was just a small announcement in a local Southern Maryland news service, but the Roman numeral was noteworthy.  Phase V of the Three Notch Trail in St. Mary's County will have its groundbreaking June 29th at a park in Mechanicsville.

Phase V?   How many segments does it take to complete a trail?

In pursuing an answer, I learned about one of the most interesting --certainly one of the most useful -- sports and recreation facilities in Southern Maryland.

The Three Notch Trail, once the rightaway for the old Southern Maryland Railroad, will stretch 28 miles when finally complete in about six years.  It extends from Hughesville in Charles County all the way to Lexington Park and the Pax River Naval Station in St. Mary's.  As communities were built around the railroad industry in the last two centuries, many town centers, schools, libraries and markets (from farmers to WalMart) are connected by this route. 

As with just about every rail trail developed in Maryland, there were NIMBY concerns that stalled early development.  It wasn't until the first one mile segment was completed four years ago that many folks realized having a community connector, exercise trail and linear park all rolled into one was a major asset and not an intrusion.

(Interestingly, the Amish were early fans of the trail.  Since it is equestrian-friendly, it provided a safer and more direct route for their buggies.)

Phase II, which is a little over two miles, was completed in 2008.  Phase III and IV are under construction now, and they are part of a public-private partnership with land developers incorporating them as amenities to the property.

Phase V, which will kickoff this month, will provide walkers and bicyclists a scenic three-mile section of trail through woodlands and open fields. This section will begin at Baggett Park and end near MD Route 5 at the Gospel Light Baptist Church. With ample parking and restrooms, Baggett Park will serve as a trail hub for travelers in both directions.

Funding for Phase V was provided by St. Mary’s County; the Federal Highway Administration (via MDOT’s Transportation Enhancement Program,) and Maryland’s Program Open Space.

Future phases (all the way to IX) will be complete -- not necessarily in contiguous order -- through 2014 and beyond, as funding becomes available.  But even in segments, the Three Notch Trail has become a visitor attraction and event venue in Southern Maryland --- and one more place I have to try.

Soccer, Soccer, More Soccer (and Terry)

The Washington Freedom women's professional soccer team,  Maryland SoccerPlex, and Maryland State Youth Soccer Association have their own major happening this Saturday, June 12th.

The MSYSA workshop, which begins in the morning, will offer a variety of fun and informative soccer-related activities for all participants, including coaching and administrative seminars, interactive skill clinics, and visits with Freedom players and coaches.

Attendees will then get to watch the USA -England World Cup game on the new Maryland SoccerPlex Jumbotron, and attend the Freedom vs. Red Stars game at 7:00 pm.

The MSYSA Workshop is expected to draw over 1,000 players, coaches, and parents to the Maryland SoccerPlex. In his neverending efforts to run up the online petition score for the US Bid, Terry will be there making the pitch for participation.

This event represents the synergy of soccer in Maryland, with a top rate facility, a statewide youth organization, and a professional team all joining forces to advance the sport and our prospects as a World Cup host venue.

More Saturday Soccer Celebrations

In the interest of equal time (not to mention geographic balance) we're giving a shoutout to the upcoming outdoor World Cup watch at the Patriot Plaza, 401 Bosley Avenue, in Towson.


Baltimore County World Soccer Fest, on Saturday, June 12th, is an all day, freebie celebration of local soccer and the big USA-England matchup to kick off the 2010 World Cup.  This family event is organized by WNST, in conjunction with ASG Sports and the Towson Chamber of Commerce, and it's open to any and all who love soccer.

All local recreation councils and youth soccer groups are encouraged to attend and support Team USA and our local soccer culture. Representatives of Baltimore Blast, D.C. United, Crystal Palace and Baltimore Bays will be on hand.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR JUNE 12th

7:00 a.m. — Gates open

7:30 a.m. — Greece vs. South Korea (on the BIG screen)

9:30 a.m. — Kids events open

10:00 a.m. — Argentina vs. Nigeria (on the BIG screen)

Noon — Pre-game events, music and festivities leading up to USA game

2:00 p.m. — Welcome remarks by County Executive Jim Smith & intro of local soccer programs and coaches

2:30 — USA vs. England (on the BIG screen)

5:00 p.m. — Event closes

NEXT:    Where Terry will be watching the USA vs. Great Britain match

Soccer Shoutout to Southern Maryland

Terry and I attended the Crystal Palace vs. Crystal Palace friendly at the Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf last year.  It was impressive to see how many junior soccer-philes and their families appreciate the game and took advantage of the opportunity to see a member of the Premiere League barnstorming with their farm team in the colonies.

So it isn't surprising that the Blue Crabs are tapping into this enthusiasm again by holding a World Cup FanFest to watch the US take on England this Saturday.

The Fan Fest will include the live television broadcast of theWorld Cup match beginning at 2:30 p.m., special guest appearances by current and former pro soccer players, including A.J. DeLaGarza of the Los Angeles Galaxy, and specialty soccer memorabilia raffle.

(DeLaGarza, who is a Maryland native, played his college soccer at University of Maryland from 2005-2008.)

There will also be mini-clinics and skill challenges for younger players on the field, face painting, and more family activities.

The gates at Regency Furniture Stadium will open for this event at noon, and admission is $5.00. Children under five will be admitted free. All fans are encouraged to show their team spirit by wearing their favorite soccer jersey.

You can read more about the FanFest here

Calvert Takes the Plunge !

Terry will be journeying to Prince Frederick tomorrow to participate in the official opening of a long-awaited, greatly anticipated, $20 million indoor aquatic center.

The multi purpose facility will accommodate the four Calvert County high school swim teams with its regulation 50 meter pool, diving area, spectator seating and scoreboard. 

The 41,000-square-foot structure features a recreational pool designed for children, a therapy pool for exercising, and nine-person hot tub.  The center also includes two conference rooms that will be available for community use and water safety training.

Don't expect Terry to be among the first to plunge.  He isn't packing his Speedo, just his ceremonial scissors for a ribbon he is very eager to see cut.  Maryland needs more natatoriums for the burgeoning interest in competitive swimming, and Calvert's new addition looks like a beaut.

Them again . . .

I had to stop by the Warehouse on my way to Annapolis this morning.  At 8:30 AM, I wasn't expecting to encounter a gauntlet of Sox fans hovering around the entrance.  But there they were, pens and baseballs in hand, waiting for the chance to snag autographs from their heroes.

Miss Katherine, the O's faithful game day gatekeeper, said they were there when she'd arrived at  7:45.

I was told later they'd actually been keeping vigil since before 7:00.

I can't say I yet understand this kind of devotion.  I do know, however, there were more than 40,000 fans in the stands last night and many (if not most) were attired like those above.

These fellows were all here for the weekend, staying at a nearby hotel.  They were likely eating at restaurants and celebrating in our local pubs.

I can understand why O's players and fans find them annoying.  The "Fenway South" mentality in which they consider Camden Yards home territory is particularly grating.

But they love their team, don't mind spending time and money in pursuit of their passion, and do help us pay the bills.

Just wish we could win one this home stand so they don't gloat all the way to Beantown tonight.

Wheels are Turning . . .

This Thursday, Terry and the Merry Marketeers joined representatives from every region in Maryland in Annapolis for a presentation by Medalist Sports -- the organization responsible for producing professional cycling events such as the Tour of California and Tour of Missouri.  They outlined their vision for a 2012 Tour de Maryland that would last seven days and take international professional cycling teams throughout the state.

It has been about 15 years since the Tour Du Pont (and its predecessor, Tour de Trump) touched Maryland, but several in the assembly remembered these successes well.  Neil Sandler, publisher of Spokes magazine and organizer of the inaugural Tour de Frederick later this summer, brought past issues of Spokes, which included  coverage of these popular events (which were also produced by Medalist Sports.)

Because many in the audience were economic development officials and unfamiliar with the mechanics of professional cycling, the presentation focused as much on economic impact as it did on logistics.  It also stressed the flexibility of the concept and how each stage of the race could be structured to best show the geography and appeal of each state region.

The most significant point is how many opportunities to participate this type of event offers.  Instead of a direct pass through route, the race consists of stages.  So there is a new start and finish site every day.  Or a different type challenge, like a point to point or criterium.   The routes change from year to year to include new scenery and host venues.

The interesting part of the process is that each stage gives that particular region a time to shine light on their attractions.  Usually there are ancillary activities, like festivals and bike rides, that become a part of the professional tour stopover.  Another plus for this event is the national and internet real time coverage that showcases the highways and byways of every part of the race.

After hearing the initial pitch yesterday, folks in the tourism and cycling communities need to decide if they are at all interested in this flirtation.  This kind of major event does not happen without strong local support -- which means volunteers, local governments, and sponsors. 

During this courtship phase, local officials should consider if this is something they would like to pursue.  For their part, local advocates within in the cycling community who want to see it happen need to pick up the drumbeat and let their decision makers know why it is a good idea.

Within the next few days, the Medalist folks will be making their electronic presentation available for posting online so more people can study the proposal and evaluate the potential it offers Maryland.  We'll let you know when there is a link available on the website, and we will also be soliciting your views.

Happy Trails to You

Admittedly (and unashamedly) I remember Roy Rogers and Dale Evans signing off their weekly TV show with this cowboy classic.

But National Trails Day  -- the first Saturday in June -- is about the trails we enjoy now.  Trails for hiking, cycling, exercise and transportation.  Because Maryland has so many trails connecting linear parks with neighborhoods, schools and other destinations, we have a lot of activities on NTD.

One such celebration is in Patapsco State Park,  one of Maryland's gems.  I haven't been there in years, so I'm going today to see how volunteers help with trail maintenance.  (Patapsco has some wonderful cycling trails that will be included in the Tour Dem Parks, Hon event next week.)

Also today, Senator Ben Cardin is being honored at the Baltimore City Visitors Center in the Inner Harbor for all the support he has given (and all those federal $$$$$ he's directed) towards the development of the Gwynns Falls Trail, which extends 14 miles through West Baltimore to the Inner Harbor.  New bicycle racks will be installed at the Visitors Center, where the Gwynns Falls Trail, the Jones Falls Trail and the Harbor Promenade meet.

This branch of the GWF takes you right though the lower Camden Yards Complex, south and east of M&T Bank Stadium.  Because we have so many out of town visitors even on non game days (wanderers from the Holiday Inn and nearby bus station) we've been working with the GFT folks to place a map where the trail splits at the entrance to the complex.

The two sided kiosk will not only direct trail riders and other visitors, it will include a history of the industrial park and railroad roundhouse that was once nearby.

The kiosk won't be in place by today, but it will be up in time for the influx of cyclists zipping through next week as they Tour Dem Parks.

There are many places in Maryland to celebrate National Parks Day http://www.americanhiking.org/NTDSearchResult.aspx?sId=21

Revving Up the Convention Center

Today's the day!   Indy Racing League and Baltimore Racing Development are holding a press conference to announce the sanctioning of the Baltimore Grand Prix as part of the Indy Car annual circuit.

That puts us in the same league as St. Petersburg, Long Beach, and even the Indy 500, because these cars race on oval as well as street courses during the season.

While the first event is slated for August, 2011, the commitment is through 2015 -- giving Marylanders something to plan summer getaways around for the next several years.

Governor O'Malley and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake are leading cheers right now for a crowd that includes the tourism industry, economic development operatives, elected officials, and race enthusiasts.  From the number of reporters and cameras I saw before snapping this shot and slithering across the street, you'll be hearing a lot about this race and its potential on the 6:00 o'clock news tonight.

This is Wheels Week.  After the high octane roar today, Team Terry shifts gears for a pedal power pitch for Tour de Maryland tomorrow.  We'll be covering that from Annapolis, so stay tuned.