Spinning Statewide

Historical fact:   the first bicycle arrived in Leonardtown on a steamship in 1879.  The folks in Patuxent Velo have been celebrating this historic occasion for 13 years with a professional level race through the streets of historic downtown Leonardtown. 

This year's edition of the Leonardtown Criterium will take place on Sunday, May 16th. There will be nine different races held throughout the day, including one kids race. Spectators are invited to come out and cheer from the sidelines along the Leonardtown Square as the cyclists race by.

One week later is the annual Bike Jam in Patterson Park, a favorite of pedal pushers everywhere.  Like the Leonardtown Crit, it involves professional cyclists competing for cash prizes, as well as a community festival and celebration of bicycling as a fitness regimen, recreational endeavor, and transportation alternative.  Patterson Park, in east Baltimore, is a midtown oasis just above Canton. 

Patterson Park and Canton are also competition grounds for the hilarious counter culture bicycle competition known as the Kinetic Sculpture Race, which takes place this Saturday.

Beginning at the Visionary Art Museum, the wacky array of contestants parade down Boston Street before testing their amphibious capabilities at the boat launch in Canton.  If they don't sink (lifeguards in kayaks on duty) they progress to Patterson Park for an endurance test through the mud.  The vehicle deemed most mediocre wins the competition.

(While the merits of this triathlon as a legitimate sports challenge may be questionable, it is a favorite in both the artistic and cycling communities.  Until you've seen a bicycle-powered vehicle drive off a ramp into Baltimore harbor, you haven't experienced Charm City culture.)

Of course in June, the ultra-endurance Race Across America finishes in Annapolis.   245 cycling enthusiasts will begin pedaling in a six- to nine-day bicycle race that starts in California. Over the course of their journey, they will ride 3,000 miles through 14 states.  There are even some locals competing, which you can read about in our media section.

As long as we're talking bicycles, I have to give a shout out again to Spokes, the Frederick based magazine that covers all things bicycle in the mid Atlantic region.  Spokes is behind the nascent Tour de Frederick, which will take place August 13-15. 

Spokes is a great source of calendar events about local competitions of all stripes, as it the website BikeRide.

So you can see how much enthusiasm there is in Maryland for cyclists and their contests.  So it is a good time to harness all these sources and regions to put together a mega media event that would involve the entire state (and its diverse geography) in a week-long challenge.  That's why Team Terry is holding a meeting on June 3 at 10 am at the Sheraton Annapolis on Jennifer Road for Medalist Sports to make a preliminary presentation to cycling enthusiasts, county leaders, and tourism officials about staging a Tour de Maryland.

Give Terry a buzz at (410) 767-3373 if you'd like to come.  Medalist Sports has staged premiere events all over the world.  They're the best in the business and we'd love to have them do something here.  So put June 3rd on your calendar and pedal on over.

Another Shade of Blue

Somewhere between the deep indigo of Navy and the periwinkle of  Blue Jays you find another shade of blue.  It won't be in pinstripes, but it will be here.  The big bad Yankees are in town.

I'm surprised their minions aren't lurking around the Warehouse.  Usually by now they'd be clustered around Babe or hovering around the entrances. 

(Red Sox fans frequently get here earlier than we do in the morning.  Yankee faithful prefer to stroll the Harbor, like these folks wandering around Pier 6)

However, the season is young and kids are still in school.  We may not see as many road warriors so early in the day.  But by the time Boog fires up the grill, they'll be clamoring to get in.

It's a gorgeous day here at Camden Yards and we're happy to have our Birds back for the next week.  After the Yankees, it will be the aforementioned Bosox over the weekend.  I'll be taking my boys on Sunday.  Can't think of a better way to celebrate an early Mother's Day than with my family in Camden Yards.

Holy Guacamole!!

With just 10 seconds left in overtime, junior attackman Andy Warner nailed this shot against goal, giving Navy its first victory over Johns Hopkins since Richard Nixon was president and I was in polyester miniskirts.

That's right.  34 straight years of fighting valiently (as Navy does so well) and losing heartbreakers to the Blue Jays ended with this shot, in Annapolis, in front of more than 10,000 fans on Saturday.

Like Navy vs. Notre Day in football, this annual matchup is a legendary, longstanding rivalry.  One where Navy traditionally plays the role of scrappy underdog who always loses.  So the Class of 2010, which will be commissioned in a few weeks, are able to say they say Navy beat Notre Dame twice (!!) in football and finally end the curse against Johns Hopkins.

It couldn't have come at a better time.  Folks in Annapolis were still steaming about that call in the Day of Rivals last week in Baltimore when the game tying goal against Army in the final minutes was "waved off" by the official.  (I am not why they call it a "wave", except it managed to sink Navy.)

The loss was a bitter blow to the Navy program.  Bad enough to lose to Army (in front a gleeful cadre of cadets who journeyed to M&T) but doing so meant the Mids would finish the year under .500.

So as we come into tourney time that will find its way back to Baltimore on Memorial Day, the Mids are heading off to West Point (them again) to compete for the Patriot League title and Johns Hopkins is strumming on their sticks hoping to get invited to the dance.

We're keeping our fingers crossed for them.  What would a lacrosse tournament be without the Blue Jays?

We're also cheering for all those Division I Maryland teams who give our state such prominence in the sport.  We hope to see several of you here at M&T on Memorial Day.  And (special request from Terry) bring all your fans with you.

Turning on the Charm

The call came at exactly 5:00PM today (Friday) but it was enough to warm my heart after a very hectic week.  Due to an overload of activities (Earth Day, Olympians visit, son's birthday, Terry's reception, etc.) I wasn't aware that WWE was bringing Extreme Rules to Baltimore Sunday for a championship match, which will be broadcast on Pay Per View.

The call came from a producer of the show, seeking permission to film inside Oriole Park for a montage of beauty shots he wants of Baltimore.  Seems his head producer is from here and wants to show his hometown's attractive points of interest as part of the show.

Broadcasts like this are where sports meets tourism and economic development.  High def footage of Baltimore's attractions in the spring, showning their proximity to downtown and the harbor, are what draw individuals and even meeting planners to consider coming to Maryland for their vacation or event.

I wasn't able to help him out with his request to shoot in the ballpark, but we spend quite a while talking about other options that show the town at his best.  (Having been through this with the Dew Crew, I have a pretty good idea of the panoramic shots they like.  I just don't want to go to the top of Silo Point again.)

I won't be around when Jack Swagger (who is supposed to be a really wholesome guy despite his ring reputation) defends his title.  But 1st Mariner expects quite a crowd and it seems like many will be out of towners.  Those watching on Pay For View will also feel some of the ambiance of Baltimore as part of the action.

I love those calls, and the folks who realize the importance of a sense of place in setting the stage for their production.

It was worth working late on a beautiful Friday afternoon.

Olympians Among the Numbers

A magical event taking place at Camden Yards tonight.  Sports Legends is hosting a reception for more than 300 members of the United States Winter Olympic Team!

Team USA athletes, coaches and administrators are visiting Baltimore prior to their meeting in Washington, DC with President Barack Obama.  Naturally, there is no more appropriate place to gather for a celebration of sports than Legends.

Preparations have been very low key, which is we haven't mentioned it earlier.  However, with the media advisory being released about an hour ago, we can show how the gala event is being staged in Edward Bennett Williams plaza.  You'll note the Hall of Fame numbers and planters provide a nice accent to the table decorations. 

(Yes, I know this isn't the society page so I won't dwell on the splendid decor and appointments.  But it is a clever use of the space and a wonderful setting to recognize the contribution of our Olympic athletes.)

The guest list is very limited, so I plan to acquire some party pictures by cleverly disguising myself as working press. With a little luck (and an MSA badge) I'll hopefully be able to sidle in for some candid shots to share with you (and the Annual Report.)

Look for us on the news tonight, and here tomorrow.  This is certain to be a star-studded event.

Relishing "Rivals"

Had a wonderful time Saturday at the Smartlink "Day of Rivals" at M&T Bank Stadium.  As you can see from the line at ESPNU's  L-A-X competition (which began long before face-off) there was no shortage of kids.  Actually, youth lacrosse teams comprised a major segment of the crowd.  Rec and scholastic squads from throughout the region were sporting team colors as they streamed into the stadium.

More than 20,000 attended the doubleheader despite chilly weather and high winds.  I have no idea when the tailgating started, but the Terrapin tribe was rocking in Lot B long before I arrived.

The L-A-X attraction was a big hit.  I didn't stick around to see who ultimately triumphed, but some of those little guys could nail that ball.  The gallery of spectators and ongoing commentary made for an exciting competition even before the real rivals took the field.  Some of the best matches were father-son challenges.  I don't know if ESPNU taped any of these, but they would be fun to watch.

While walking around the stadium I was surprised to see how many cadets came down from West Point.  It's a five hour drive, but as one of them observed, it was worth getting out of Highland Falls for the weekend.  Any Army-Navy game is noteworthy for these military rivals, but coming to Baltimore was a particularly attractive road trip.  (One told me how much he enjoyed visiting Annapolis, too.)

Although Navy had the geographical advantage (particularly in the alumni ranks) USMC had quite a showing of fans -- especially  among the corps.

(It was hard to tell what the Terps were rooting for.  They sat stone faced in their warm ups as they watched the first game from behind the net, clearly in some kind of zone.  If they were trying to psyche out the wind, it didn't work.)

What I didn't see were many Blue Jay partisans.  That struck me as odd until I adjourned to my favorite comfort station to watch the rest of the game on ESPNU.  The place was full of Hopkinites, watching the opener in a comfortable setting until time to take their turn in the blustery breeze.

For some reason, that didn't occur to the Maryland folks. I'm guessing their tailgate activities kept them pretty warm.  Beanbag tossing generates a lot of BTUs.

Both games were incredibly close, but Army prevailed over Navy and Maryland managed to stave off Hopkins.  Each was decided by a single goal.

I noticed the delegation from College Park became comfortable in their little corner of Lot B.  My guess is they're planning to revisit next month.

St. Charles Half Marathon Presented by Lennar

Even the drop in temperatures couldn’t stop the 500 or so runners from participating in the inaugural Saint Charles Half Marathon Sunday.

Runners braved the whipping winds to traverse the 13.2 mile course beginning at the gorgeous Regency Furniture Stadium, winding and twisting down Laplata Road, around Laurel Springs Regional Park, across Rosewick Road, through White Plains Regional Park, down Billingsley, through the stadium parking lot, past the Legends Club, under the picnic pavilion, around the back of the outfield, down the first baseline and sprinting through the timing plates at home plate.

After catching their breathes’ and grabbing a well deserved cup of water and hand full of food, the runners raved about the beautiful course and how happy and surprised they were when the courses’ terrain became gravel in part of one of the parks! Runners said their feet were delighted to have a switch to a slightly giving surface, if only for a small portion of the course.

To view the results head to the events webpage

The $$$$ (and sense) of IndyCar

Ryan Hunter-Reay wasn't the only winner in Long Beach.  Now that the racing festival is over and the beans are getting counted, it looks like the International City did pretty well itself.

Attendance for the three day weekend clocked 170,000, but that was certainly not the only benefit.  Long Beach officials estimated the race had a $35 million economic impact on the region.


The Los Angeles Times called the 36th Long Beach Grand Prix a “marketing megaphone for the city” because of the visitors it brought to town and the millions more who watched the event on multiple platforms.
 
Long Beach followed the road course in St. Petersburg by two weeks.  St. Petersburg had a rain delay, which postponed the main event by a day.   Despite the thunderstorms, attendance met or exceeded the 160,000 from last year.  City officials were described as "extremely pleased" with the results.

So while we can't count the chickens before they hatch here in Maryland, it doesn't hurt to start calculating the dollars it could potentially bring by looking at what similar events produce. 

It only makes sense.

Another Sneak Preview -- Long Beach

As talks continue to bring a Grand Prix style street race to Baltimore, I tuned in to Vs. to get a feel for the coverage and pageantry this event brings.  When the promoters held their press conference to introduce the concept they stressed the concept of a four day, family-oriented festival.  From the pre-race coverage I've seen so far, it is clear there is far more to this celebration of speed than a mere street race.

Proximity to Hollywood made it impossible to avoid the infusion of star power.  There was even a special race that paired celebrities with professionals as they competed on the course.  There was a charity event benefiting a local children's hospital, and a race down Hollywood Boulevard.  All very glitzy and high end, with something for everyone.

On thing that caught my eye was the fleet of yachts moored in the harbor for the occasion.  It seems many fans of Grand Prix racing favor this form of transportation and entertaining.  So in addition to this having a significant impact on the hotel and restaurant industries, it seems the marinas benefit as well.  That doesn't even factor in the priceless PR from the focus on local attractions that create the setting. (Yes, the Queen Mary made a cameo appearance. What's Long Beach without their reigning monarch?)

The cameras have focused on numerous private parties taking place under rooftop tents overlooking the course.  Think of all the space available on the Convention Center terrace and imagine what kind of soirees they could host.

I keep telling myself that Long Beach has had 36 years to fine tune their production and it would probably take a few laps for Baltimore to develop a personality of its own.  But when you look at the aerial shots and the sweeping panoramas of the crowd, it's hard to not think how an event like this could really showcase our assets while pumping some high octane into the economy.

We'll be hearing more soon, so check it out for yourself.  Streaming video is available on line so you can view both the Long Beach and St. Petersburg races.  Just imagine your home state in the starring role.

Wow of a Weekend!

We have an abundance of riches here in Chesapeake Country.  There are sports events celebrating our natural resources as well as our cultural history and heritage.  From the boxing ring in Salisbury to the ice rink in Laurel, there are spectator sports and recreational tournaments.  Let's take a look at what's happening in Maryland this weekend.

OPENING DAY OF TROPHY ROCKFISH SEASON, April 17.

If you think you were gnashing your teeth during all those blizzards, you have no idea what it was like for all those outdoorsmen (and women) just waiting to board the boats and cast their lines.  Tomorrow is Opening Day of Rockfish season, and the head boats will be out at dawn. 

With all our emphasis on spectator sports and games, we tend to overlook the economic importance of the field and stream community that support the hunting and fishing industry in Maryland.  This includes marinas and lodges and all the equipment shops that service and supply them. 

Bay fishing will really take off now.  You can follow the events and learn more about the sport at Maryland Saltwater Sportsfishing Association.

On another front, Salisbury fighter Fernando Guerrero heads into the ring at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Friday when he defends his North American Boxing Organization interim middleweight title against Michael “The Midnight Stalker” Walker.

Guerrero is a hometown favorite, and undefeated in the middleweight ranks.  His continued success takes him out of his adopted state, so the opportunities to see him here are becoming fewer.

This is a televised event (Showtime) which we always like to see here in Maryland.  The excitement, though, is seeing it live.  Tickets are still available to get in on the action in Salisbury tonight.

An entirely different challenge will take place on the campus of St. John's College in Annapolis, where the annual St. John's-Naval Academy croquet match will take place Saturday.

For the 28th year, the Imperial Wickets of the two colleges will rally their teams on the battlefield of the third oldest college in the country.  Though separated by only a wall, the two institutions are about 180 degrees apart in philosophy and decorum. This one Saturday in April, however, they come together  for a day of croquet, dancing, and great merriment in the Historic District of Annapolis.  (And yes, there is tailgating for this event.  As I have said previously, people in Annapolis tailgate before meetings of the City Council and rallies at the State House.  It's a part of the culture.)

The croquet match is a genuine tourist attraction, and St. John's College invites all to visit.  If you go, be sure to visit the many other attractions within walking distance.  The State House, City Dock, and US Naval Academy are only a few blocks away.

Back to healthy recreational activities.  This is the weekend of the St. Charles Half-Marathon, which begins in Waldorf and incorporates the 13 mile Indian Head Rail Trail in its course.  The half-marathon is more than one event on one day.  It showcases the county's tourist attractions, which also includes Regency Furniture Stadium.

Events Saturday and Sunday will include a half marathon (13.1 miles), a 5K run/walk, one-mile fun run and a runners expo.

The half marathon is part of a 15-city nationwide series sponsored by the U.S. Runners Association, and is expected to raise at least $5,000 for the United Way of Charles County. 

This is the first of what will hopefully be an annual event and attraction for those eventers who try to do at least one race in every state every year.

(The thought of such fitness is mind-boggling, but I their commitment is admirable and financially beneficial, so let's hear it for them.)

Of course, tomorrow is also the Smart-Link "Day of Rivals" here at M&T Bank Stadium. We're expecting over 20,000 (with a few noisy guests zooming overhead.)  I was just surveying the stadium and the ESPNU guys have their festival area well underway.  I sincerely hope the weather is as beautiful tomorrow as it is right now, but no matter the elements -- we know these four teams will be down and dirty in their respective grudge matches.

In addition to the pagentry and tradition that accompanies every Army-Navy encounter, you can anticipate a hard-fought struggle between two "home" teams (Maryland and Johns Hopkins) who are both nationally ranked, and who both expect to be back in on Memorial Day.

Marylanders have a lot of action to enjoy this weekend, and quite a few visitors to welcome.  And speaking of welcome -- Terry comes back from Columbus tonight and will have all sorts of tales from the hustings to share with us over the weekend.

We'll be reporting throughout.  Tweety is heading for Waldorf; Blogue will be floating between Baltimore and Annapolis.  Stay tuned for the latest and greatest.

More Fun for Lax Fans

We love having the cameras visit Camden Yards because it's the chance to show a national (sometimes international) audience what a great place we have here.

Sometimes, as is the case with the ESPNU crew, they come bearing gifts to enhance the fan experience.

The 24-hour college sports network is covering 40 regular-season lacrosse games and every first-round and quarterfinal matchup of the men’s NCAA Tournament, which means they're spending a lot of quality time in Maryland this spring.

What makes it even better for us is ESPNU also brings the 2010 ESPNU Lacrosse Tour, ESPNU Monument and “Game of L-A-X” mini-tournament to some of the events they cover.

I had the opportunity to see their activities at the Face-Off Classic last month, and it was a lot of fun for youngsters and their families.  I was delighted to learn they'll be back on Saturday for the "Day of Rivals."

2010 ESPNU Lacrosse Tour is a mini-lacrosse fan fest, with a mini-lacrosse field set outside the stadium.  In addition to the mini-field, there are two LED TV’s playing ESPNU lacrosse highlights, and bleachers to encourage viewing and fan participation.  The ESPNU monument (a 24-foot tall, interactive monument designed in the likeness of the ESPNU logo) is also on display.

The highlight of each ESPNU Lacrosse Tour event is the “Game of L-A-X,” hosted by Mike Powell, two-time national champion at Syracuse.   The “Game of L-A-X” is played similar to the basketball game of H-O-R-S-E. One contestant must complete a trick and his opponent has the opportunity to match the trick or receive a letter. The first person to force his opponent to obtain all three letters wins the game.   ESPNU has a prize package for the winner.

The ESPNU Lacrosse Tour is free to attend and fans of all ages are welcome to participate.  You can find them just outside the stadium near Unitas Plaza.

Bring It!

The return of Sue Sylvester and the Cheerios (along with the good news about the expansion of the Ocean City Convention Center) coincided with the annual "Reach the Beach" competition presented by American Cheer and Dance Company of Elkridge.

Now in its 13th year, the Ocean City "Reach the Beach" is among the largest cheerleading competitions in the nation.  Hundreds of teams (translating into thousands of participants and family members) descended on OC over the weekend for this Mid-Atlantic regional event.

American Cheer and Dance Company deserves a shoutout for the number of events they stage in their home state over the course of the year.  While they have "Reach the Beach" competitions all over the country, from Long Beach to Daytona, they hold a number of their regional qualifiers in venues throughout Maryland.

So give a cheer for this Maryland based business that keeps the tourists coming, filling our arenas and giving us an energy boost in the process.

Tourney on Track

Terry is spending today with rights-holders and event promoters at the National Association of Sports Commissions Symposium.  This morning he met with officials from Kick It, a youth sports organization that stages 3 x 3 soccer tournaments around the country.  Terry was delighted to learn they have scheduled an event for July 17-18 in Maryland.  What they haven't settled on is a place, so of course Terry was eager to help.  If there's one thing we have plenty of in this state, it's soccer fields and players for them.

In addition to the Kick It folks, Terry has lined up an impressive array of meetings.  He's also talking with the folks from Medalist Sports, who want to bring a professional cycling event to Maryland, ESPN Outdoors, interested in our bass fishing, the Senior Olympics, looking for future host venues, US Synchro, AVP beach volleyball , a Tae Kwando organization, US Lacrosse, ASA Softball, US Olympics and the Sports Congress.

As if that doesn't keep him busy enough, Terry also found time to be selected to the Executive Board of National Association of Sports Commissions.

We're sure there's more news on the horizon.  Stay tuned.

Terry on the Trail

Terry is reporting to us today from Columbus, Ohio, where the National Association of Sports Commissions is holding their annual Event Symposium.  Terry is an NASC board member and chairman of their meetings committee, but he still has plenty of time to pursue those rights-holders looking for venues to host their events.

One of the meetings Terry has planned is with the promoters of a professional bicycle race that is very interested in staging a weeklong event between various stops in Maryland. 

(These are the same folks who were supposed to visit the Warehouse in February, but the blizzards got here first.)

Youth sports tournament organizers are always in force at this particular symposium, so Terry has his eye of a few of them.

When he gets a break between meetings, he's going to call and give us an update.  We'll be passing that information along as it comes.

Surviving Sine Die

This tranquil scene is part of the deserted Western Maryland railroad corridor, yet to be connected to the Rail Trail.  If luck (and $$$$) hold, Phase IV of the plan will receive the necessary design funds to carry the popular 22.5 mile linear park an additional four miles,  winding through mountains and across streams from Pearre to Little Orleans.

Yes, this is the segment which includes Indigo Tunnel, winter home of the endangered Indiana Bat and their hibernating friends.  The latest proposal calls for something called "bat gates" to accommodate the fuzzy fliers on either end of the mile long tunnel.

(That's right -- die fledermaus  prevailed.  The latest proposal calls for the trail to detour round the bend.) 

Tunnel aficionatos will have to settle for a trip through Knobley Mountain in Carpendale, WVa.  Instead of bats, they share custody with a local utility, so their tunnel is blessed by Robert Byrd, funded by stimulous, and illuminated by Verizon.  It should open sometime next year and connect to the Maryland trails in Cumberland.

Nonetheless, the inclusion of funding for Phase IV in Allegany County (which you can read here) is wonderful news, and we'll be keeping our fingers crossed that nothing happens between now and midnight when the confetti falls in Annapolis.

Also tucked away in the capital budget is matching money for expansion of the Ocean City Convention Center, one of the premiere venues in the state for a multitude sports-related and other uses.

So even in a tough (make that VERY tough) budget year, there are bright spots for the Maryland sports and recreation scene.

Eyes on the Skies

You know it must be time for an Army-Navy game when you get notified about some special guests overhead.

In this case, it's the upcoming "Day of Rivals" lacrosse doubleheader at M&T Bank Stadium.

On April 17th at approximately 4:00 PM, four Navy jets will be zooming by to inspire the Mids in their battle against arch-rival Army.  (We haven't heard if any tanks will joining us, but with Ft. Meade so close there should be some hardware available to cheer West Point on.)

Second match of the day will be another storied rivalry between two state powerhouses -- Maryland and Johns Hopkins -- at 6:30 PM.

Last month's "Face-Off Classic" brought 20,000 to the stadium, so we expect another big turnout with this beautiful weather we're having.  Plan to join us and get a look at some of those teams that might be coming back next month for the NCAA Championship Tournament.

On the Horizon

One of the great things about Opening Day is catching tout le monde at the ballpark.  You can always find a critical mass of Those Who Know working the halls. 

Just back in town (riding the light rail from BWI with the O's faithful was a treat) I had a lot to catch up on, so snagging inside sources was at the top of the agenda (after a stop at Boog's, of course.)

Here's what's happening on the Indy Race (according to a highly reliable but undisclosed source.)  The helicopter survey of the proposed course delivered the necessary information to race organizers without revealing any surprises (or additional costs.)  Report information is being finalized and an announcement will be made shortly.  "We're 99% there" is what I was told. 

Also high on the discussion list was the summer soccer match planned for M&T Bank Stadium.  Reliable tout (different insider) put this likelihood in the 99 percentile, too.  Announcement may come as soon as this week.  I still can't give the names or date, but think Premiere and Serie-A -- after the Birds have flown for the month of July.

As for World Cup prospects, the FIFA folks are barnstorming the US in September.  We understand they will be paying a visit to Maryland, but we don't know exactly when or what their itinerary will be.  Terry is tuned into this one and will relay more as it comes down.

Opening Day

“Time begins on Opening Day . . . (when) we know that something fine, almost wonderful, is about to (happen).”
                                 Thomas Boswell

The Washington Post's gifted columnist (and great fan of Camden Yards) penned this many years ago, using the lead as a title for his book of essays about baseball.

The sentiment applies to  Opening Day in every baseball stadium, but I like to think he had us in mind.  There's nothing like Opening Day at Camden Yards.

It's a family reunion, celebration of spring, and the chance to let hopes soar with the prospects of a new season and fresh state.  For some, it's playing hooky from work for a few hours.  For others,  (like those assembled on Washington Boulevard) it's an all-day festival.  For all, it's magical.

Since this blog focuses on the economic contributions of sports in Maryland, let's convey it in those terms -- a bonanza.

This year, Opening Day attendance set a new record of 48,891 -- breaking last year's previous high of 48,607.  The numbers at the turnstiles and concession stands are only part of the story, though.  Local watering holes opened for breakfast at 6:00 AM.  Some didn't close until 2:00AM.  Street vendors, parking lots, hotels, restaurants, and charter companies all shared the largess.

We hear from visitors throughout the country who tell us visiting the ballpark at Camden Yards is the highlight of their summer.   On Opening Day, Marylanders are the ones who celebrate this beautiful complex, its downtown ambiance, and all the local color that makes us the envy of the league.

If you missed Opening Day, you can still enjoy the best fan experience Major League Baseball has to offer.  The season has just begun and there is a lot more to come.  Check out the schedule here:

Roedown Hoedown

Steeplechase (point to point, timber) racing in Maryland is as old as the state itself.  Actually, it predates the Revolution, harking to Colonial times when frequent visitor George Washington was one who enthusiastically played the ponies.  (His diary reflects a particularly expensive day at the races in Annapolis prior to the Revolution.  And that was before parking tickets.)

Though times have changed, these traditions prevail in the spring races conducted by hunt clubs who still chase foxes every fall.  These meets, with colorful names like "My Lady's Manor" and "Roedown"  (named for the estates that host them) have become treasured annual traditions as well as a celebration of Maryland's love affair with the horse.

(Note: this romance bears little resemblance to sentiments expressed in the infield at the Preakness.  Dress and decorum prevail.  Prizes are awarded for decorative chapeaus and elegant tailgate buffets, not toity tipping.)

In addition to the opportunity they present to celebrate Maryland heritage, these events have become successful fund raisers for a number of non profits.  "My Lady's Manor" (this Saturday) benefits its neighbor, the Ladew Gardens, and "Roedown" (this Sunday) supports the Marlborough Hunt Club and several local charities.

Visit their website to learn more about the tradition of Maryland Steeplechase, and how you can participate.  Dates for upcoming events are listed, so make plans to celebrate our heritage with a countryside day at the races.

A Peek at St. Pete

Team Terry gets asked all the time -- when will we know about the IndyCar Race proposed for Baltimore?  April, April, April   -- we've been replying for months.

So now it's April (and we will have more to tell you very soon -- promise) we have another suggestion.  Take a look yourself at what an in-town IndyCar race looks like.

The traditional second stop on the annual circuit is St. Petersburg, Florida.  Team Terry went last year to get a first hand look at how the event is structured, what is required, and how many people attended.  Now it's your turn.

The final heat (good choice of words) originally scheduled was a victim of Mother Nature's wrath.   It poured earlier in the week, making the course unraceable.

However, the live broadcast on ESPN or ESPN2 (can't remember which) has been rescheduled for Monday at 10:00AM.

Now we know you will all be diligently working tomorrow and would not dream of abandoning your desks for the tube so soon after March Madness, so we have an alternative -- streaming live video on ESPN's new website 

This will give you a good idea of not only how the race is conducted, but also what it looks and sounds like and how beautifully it showcases the host city.  And you can check email at the same time.

(DISCLAIMER:  This is not recommended for everyone. If nabbed by your web nanny for hogging bandwidth, don't rat us out.  Team Terry observes all professional protocols.)

Hopefully, we'll be waving a green flag soon.  Stay tuned.

Sighting Sea Cloud

Seeing such a vessel secured to the pier was curious enough.  The four masted barque is longer than a football field.  Even at rest it is an impressive sight.  Then I saw the name on the bow.  Sea Cloud.  I couldn't believe it.  Sea Cloud was the personal yacht of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, built sometime in the 30's when everyone else was still observing the depression and she lived like a queen.  (In addition to inheriting a lot of $$$, she married well and was quite a businesswoman herself.  And you thought she only endowed ampitheaters in Columbia.)

Surprisingly, the Sea Cloud lived on -- not as a private yacht, but as a cruise ship of sorts.  For those who can afford it (not me) the Sea Cloud is available to explore the Caribbean in the style of the Art Deco age that produced it.  And yes, despite her age, the dowager is as awe-inspiring as she was in her debutante years.

I'm only mentioning Sea Cloud because it reminds me of the planned essemblage of tall ships to celebrate the War of 1812 bicentennial.  These "Operation Sail" armadas are the crossroads where sports and recreation intersect heritage tourism and provide big bucks for the hospitality industry.

It seems every weekend sailor who has ever tossed a canvas, whether it be in recreational pursuits or competition, is enthralled by these magnificent vessels.  Many are maritime ambassadors who sail the globe (like our own Pride of Baltimore II) Some are trailing vehicles, like the Coast Guard's Eagle.  Some are even as old as the Sea Cloud. 

Past events have brought visitors to Maryland from all over the East Coast.  Watching the parade on the Chesapeake Bay (I first saw them at 1976 Bicentennial) is an unforgettable sight.

(Yes, the British participate in these sea spectacles.  They are remarkably good sports in celebrating wars they lost.  I think the Queen even sent Brittania as a goodwill gesture.)

Even though it's two years away, the prospect of another tall ships rally is something to stir the spirit.  You can learn more about the activities now being planned for Maryland's 1812 Star Spangled salute (which will run through 1814 and will include sports events like the Army-Navy game and an international soccer match,) go here:

(I hope they don't play up the part about torching the White House or wasting Bladensburg.  It isn't like we came through this skirmish completely unscathed.)

I also hope the Sea Cloud joins in the fun.  Though pushing 80, this classic beauty would definitely be the belle of the ball.