Terry and a Tale of Two Cities

Happy Labor Day!  Terry and at least one of the Merry Marketeers will celebrate by working, because this Labor Day is a big one for sports in Maryland.

First Terry.  Today is his ultra important face to face with the decision makers of FIFA (arguably a more powerful governing body than most countries in the UN.)  Terry and other representatives from Maryland will be part of the pitch to select the US for the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.  Each of the 18 cities that comprise the US bid will be there for a reception and meeting.

Maryland has two venues in the bid -- M&T Bank Stadium and FedEx Field.  Which brings us to the other things keeping the Merry Marketeers busy on this day of alleged rest.

Our two NFL venues will be filled today, with non-NFL activities.   The Hokies of Virginia Tech will be playing the blue fielders of Boise State, on prime time at FedEx Field.   Because the game is in a high profile location between two preseason favorites for national honors, it is being televised nationally, giving FedEx a day in the sun (actually under the lights) at the same time their merits are being pitched for FIFA.

But that's not all.  Earlier in the day, just a few miles up I-95, M&T Bank Stadium will be rocking with the Maryland-Navy Crab Bowl Classic.  This grudge match between the two D1 programs in the state will take place at 4:00 PM, immediately before the VT-BS, game and will also be nationally televised on ESPN.

So both professional stadiums in Maryland will get a chance to shine on this beautiful September day.  I'll be around Camden Yards to take pictures of all the pagaentry (and tailgating) that goes with the event that both schools consider a home game. 

No matter who emerges victorious in these contests, the true winner is the State of Maryland.

Keep your fingers crossed for Terry as he works the high octane crowd.  Remember, we'll get the decision from FIFA the first week of December.  We're in the final stretch of what has been a long and intense bidding process.  Maryland distinguished itself well in the race to reach 1,000,000 signatures for the petition to bring the games to the US.  We have top-quality facilities and a dynamic demographic that makes our state a desirable location for any event.  Thanks to the efforts of all those who participated in the bid, our assets are well documented, as is our enthusiasm for the sport and the World Cup games.

Now all we can do is wait . . . (and cheer for Terry.)