The Greatest "Shared Human Experience" in the World

I'm guessing two thirds of the world has now stopped what they were doing, or are furtively looking over their shoulder, to focus on the World Cup final in South Africa.  The other third is either there or at one of the thousands of watch parties all over the earth where partisans have gathered for the last contest of the quadrennial challenge.

Team Terry was out in force for the Happening at the Harbor, where giant high def screen loomed over the bulkhead between the Visitors Center and Science Center.

Hundreds had already gathered and claimed their spots when we arrived long before kickoff.

First thing I noticed was all the kids frolicking around.  They were down in front, close to the screen, kicking balls, twirling their Hula Hoops, jumping on moon bounces and taking soccer kick challenges.

(Who else has the energy to do that in this weather?)

Despite the heat, there was a gentle breeze blowing across the water, and plenty of tents to provide shade.  There were also numerous opportunities for libations to counter the heat.

Terry was part of the welcoming ceremony shortly before kickoff.  He urged all those present to show Baltimore's commitment to soccer in two ways -- by pulling out their cell phones and signing the online US Bid petition via text and by purchasing tickets to the Manchester City - Inter Milan game on July 31st at M&T .

(NOTE:  Sign that petition right now.  That's right -- stop reading and pull out your phone and dial 22442 and text the message "baltimore."   Thank you.)

 There was no shortage of partisans at the festival.  Plenty of red, gold and blue wandering among the booths and an equal number of decked out in red white and blue face paint and bright orange shirts.

(We noted a number of Oriole shirts there.  We do not know if this was because the color is the same as the Dutch, or they're still celebrating those comeback victories over the Rangers.)

Terry says there were more than a thousand people when the game started, and they were still streaming in despite the park being packed.  Folks were wandering around to the refreshment stands and the play areas and strolling along the promenade just to enjoy the breeze.

In all, it was a splendiforous occasion.  Kudos to Scott Westcoat and ASG Events, who organized everything.  Special thanks to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who was so supportive and continues to be one of our great cheerleaders for bringing major sports events to Baltimore.  Thanks to MSA board member and Deputy Mayor Kaliope Parthemos, who represented the Mayor and joined with Terry to welcome the crowd.

There really are no losers on this day.  Anytime, and any occasion that can bring people together for a shared experience in the joys of competition is a winner.  Today, Baltimore scored a timely goal.