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Spring in Maryland (Horses, Courses, and Natural Resources,) Part II

COURSES -- Spring is also when golf season in Maryland resumes in earnest. One of the most famous courses in the state will be getting international attention this year when the US Open takes place at the Congressional Country Club.

But you don’t need to be on the PGA circuit to enjoy a good round of golf in Maryland.  If you check our data base, you’ll find facilities throughout the state, along with websites and other contact information.

Many of the courses are located at resorts and conference centers where they can be a part of a weekend getaway, convention, or business trip. Maryland’s many military posts also have courses available to armed service personnel.

Maryland has hosted other memorable tournaments at top flight courses over the years. The Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship was held at the Baltimore Country Club. The Women’s LPGA was in Bulle Rock in Harford County.

But golf is not the only sport with active courses in the spring. The motor sports parks of Maryland begin their seasons in the spring. Every weekend, from Western Maryland to St. Mary’s County and over to the Eastern Shore, you can find a race series going on.

For links to these courses, check our data base.

One venue that hosts a number of national and televised events is Maryland International Raceway in the Budds Creek triangle of St. Mary’s County. MIR will be part of the Muscle Car Nationals in early June.

Of course, staging one of the quirkiest contests on the national motorsports circuit is the National Lawn Mower Racing Association, who held their 17th anniversary race on April 1st at Potomac Speedway in Budds Creek. Lawn mower racers compete for bragging rights, glory, and a garden gnome trophy.

Established on April 1, 1992, the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association is the nation’s oldest and largest national lawn mower racing sanctioning body. Its 21-race STA-BIL Lawn & Garden Mower Racing Series and network of 50 Local Clubs hosts more than 140 sanctioned races in 37 states.

The Mow Down Show Down was actually a weekend of fun family activities and races for all ages.  And because Fox Sports Network was taping, you still have a chance to see it.

So we've done horses and courses as spring suggestions.  Next we'll look at what's happening this spring in Maryland's beautiful parks, rivers, and bay -- our natural resources.

Maryland in the Winner's Circle

Nearly 165,000 attended the Kentucky Derby yesterday.  It was a record crowd for a thrilling horse race on a beautiful day.  And when the chestnut colt trotted to the Winner's Circle for his blanket of roses, there were cheers all around the State of Maryland.  For although Animal Kingdom was born and bred elsewhere, he has spent his career living and training at Fair Hill.

His trainer, Graham Motion, is a native of Great Britain, but earned his reputation over twenty years of training in Laurel, Bowie and Fair Hill.  Just last November, he saddled Shared Account, the two year old filly who won the Breeders Cup turf event for Sagamore Farm in Glyndon.

The Maryland connection is a major boost for interest in the Preakness Stakes, and in the greater Maryland horse industry.  Part of the romance and great passion for thoroughbred horse racing comes from the compelling stories that surround the athletes (those with hooves and those wearing silks) and their teams. 

Animal Kingdom, an understudy who had never run a dirt track, stepped up when stablemate and favorite Toby's Corner turned lame.  Even AK's jockey had some bad luck, breaking a nose when tossed in an earlier race.  But despite the handicaps, Animal Kingdom won an astonishing race on unfamiliar footing with a pinch-hitting rider.

Terry had the opportunity to chat with Toby's Corner when he and the Merry Marketeers visited Fair Hill a few weeks ago.  Toby was in fine form at the time, and sent Terry a positive vibe about his chances in Derby.

Unfortunately, he didn't mention anything about his gimpy gam or put in a word for the redhead in the next stall, so Terry missed the chance to hit on the 20-1 shot when Toby was scratched.

But we'll all get another chance to do so in two weeks.  Increased interest in the Derby and renewed interest in the Maryland industry will hopefully spike attendance at Pimlico.  In the meantime, congratulations to Animal Kingdom, Graham Motion and Fair Hill for keeping Maryland's name out there.

Oh My Mudder!

On this typical stormy spring day in Maryland, OSM took a trip to Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area in Cecil County for a site visit.  The folks at Tough Mudder have been looking for potential sites in our area to host one of their events in early 2012.  Tough Mudder is thought of as one of the toughest endurance competitions on the planet.  Its 10-12 mile obstacle courses are designed by British Special Forces to test strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. After communicating with them for a few weeks, we were able to narrow down the search and set-up some visits.

Today's adventure was to the explore the possibilities of Fair Hill.  Fair Hill is known for its equestrian events, such as steeplechase, timber course and flat races, and extensive, unspoiled grounds.  Tough Mudder asked us to recommend sites that had over 400 acres in our area, and with Fair Hill’s 5,000+ acreage, we knew it would be a good fit, never mind swallow the event whole.

OSM Invades Greensboro...for the NASC Symposium

The Office of Sports Marketing recently made the trek down to Greensboro, NC, for the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) Sports Events Symposium.  The event ran from Monday, April 11 through Thursday, April 14. Terry and Ashley kept themselves busy attending education sessions and meeting with multiple rights holders.  They even came back to Maryland with several request for proposals (RFPs) in hand.

OSM had positive meetings with right holders like USA Cycling, U.S. Transplant Games, National Senior Games Association, USA Field Hockey and the Women’s Half Marathon, to name a few.  Meeting with rights holders, like the ones listed, is a key component for bringing in new sporting events to the state and generating economic dollars.

Preakness Preparations on Track at Pimlico

The 136^th Preakness Stakes is a little over a month away, and Pimlico Race Course is getting ready to host the middle jewel in the Triple Crown.  Corporate tents have already begun sprouting up in the infield, and grounds crews have been working to make the infield finish line floral logos stand out by planting beautiful new flowers.  Racing has been underway at the track for nearly a month now, with various stakes races already held.  Over the past few weekends, three stakes races have been held: Shine Again Stakes on April 2, Mister Diz Stakes on April 9 and Primonetta Stakes on April 16.

The first 2-year-old race of the year in Maryland was held at Pimlico this past Friday.  Bluegrass Atatude took the top spot in the first juvenile race of the season. The chestnut filly was racing sixth, eventually pulling ahead and winning by two lengths. By chance, OSM was lucky enough to witness this race live.

Baltimore to Rock the Red in September

The Washington Capitals and the City of Baltimore announced the team will play an exhibition game against the Nashville Predators on September 20, 2011, at the First Mariner Arena. The game, which is being referred to as the Baltimore Hockey Classic, will be the first professional hockey game at the arena since the Baltimore Bandits last took the ice in 1997.

The much anticipated announcement was officially made on Monday by Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young. Washington Capitals General Manager George McPhee and First Mariner Arena General Manager Frank Remesch joined Young in making the announcement.

Shades of Maryland Red

Marylanders – especially the Terp variety – consider the vivid crimson on the Crossland quadrant of our state flag the true Maryland red.

Students of historic preservation interpret Maryland red as burnt sienna, like the brick masonry that defines many classic structures throughout the state. (Shout out to Camden Yards here.)

But there are a few other shades of red identified with Maryland sports worth noting now -- because you’re going to be hearing a lot more about them in coming months.

So start with the bright red of the Maryland flag and blend in a bit of the white. (Not too much, or you’ll get Pepto Bismol.) Slightly mellower than red is cerise, a color identified with one of the most famous Maryland athletes of all time.

Actually, we’re contemporaries, born just a few months apart. He, however, retired a millionaire before I entered first grade. And, to my knowledge, he made no effort to cover his gray hair, which only made him more distinguished with age.

(We all should be so lucky.)

Native Dancer lived and worked most of his life in Baltimore County. Although his famous home produced many other illustrious champions, there is none so prolific and influential in current thoroughbred lineage that the Galloping Gray Ghost. In this gene pool, he’s Michael Phelps.

A Spike We Like

It's almost time for East Coast Volleyball's annual Northeast Qualifiers in Baltimore.  Teams that win bids will be going to Junior Nationals run by USA Volleyball.

This competition for girls' club teams in age divisions from 12 to 18 has taken place at the Convention Center for several years, and has always brought a substantial bump in visitors to town.  This year it returns for two big weekends --April 16-18 and 22-24.

These "Qualifiers" also promote inter-regional play and provide a high level of competition for teams at different levels within each age classification.  They showcase junior talent for college recruiters and promote the growth and development of the sport.

The "spike" we like is not just net action but the increase in attendance this year.  In fact, it is the explosion in participation that had Terry scrambling a few weeks ago to find additional venues for the competitions as the event has outgrown the Convention Center.

With Terry's help, organizers were able to secure two satellite sites within easy access to the Convention Center.

Thanks to Visit Baltimore, we can give you an idea of not just the numbers this event will produce, but also the economic impact it is expected to generate with players, coaches, families, friends, officials and (the most important audience of all,) college scouts.

Here's the Score:

Number of attendees:  6,600
Economic Impact: $6.8 million
Best Part:   90% from outside Baltimore


We are happy to share yet another example of the economic impact of youth sports tournaments on the visitor industry.  The good news is that these events continue to grow and Maryland continues to claim more of the market with our excellent facilities and convenient location.  Kudos to Terry, Visit Baltimore, and the Convention Center for their quick set in scoring expansion space to make this the biggest and best East Coast Volleyball Northeast Qualifier yet.

Ready for Sho-time?

Buck wants to know -- are we ready?

Ready??     OF COURSE WE'RE READY !!!!

The Merry Marketeers will be on site beginning at 5:30 AM tomorrow.  We'll be tweeting, blogging, facing, flickering, tubing, elbowing, goosing, and whatever else it takes to capture the spirit of Opening Day at Camden Yards.

It is a going to be a beautiful day, with a dynamic crowd and high energy from the dugout to the upper decks.

Join us tomorrow as we capture it for you.  From the first whiff of Boog's Barbecue to the last toast at Turn Ten, Terry and the Merry Marketeers will be here to remind you, in the immortal words of Thomas Boswell, Why Time Begins on Opening Day.

Premier Product Placement

This sign greets drivers as they approach Turn Ten on Russell Street.  There for years, it  harkens to the days when were real corner service stations.  But as of yesterday, it is something entirely better.  For when the the Baltimore Grand Prix pack zooms by, it becomes the perfect product placement for one of the international event's newest sponsors.

Yes, the Philadelphia-based fuel provider Sunoco will be the official fuel and Pit Lane sponsor,  playing a key role in keeping the racers on track as they travel speeds of up to 180 mph throughout the streets of Baltimore.

Our friendly Ridgely's Delight neighbor has long been a fixture in our lives here at Camden Yards.  The Junquemobile has limped in on fumes or low tires on more than one occasion.  It's a buffer between quiet residential street and a major thoroughfare.

Now, of course, it becomes a focal point in the coverage as cars careen around the corner on the serpentine stretch between Lee and Pratt.

Baltimore Grand Prix has also picked up a few more sponsors with local ties, like Chevy Chase-based GEICO insurance.  By an amazing coincidence the Gecko himself already has a presence close to the course.  He graces this silo overlooking Lot O near M&T Bank Stadium.

There are a number of alcoholic beverages as sponsors.  We don't need to list them here, but you know they will be in attendance at the Turn Ten.  Like us, they've been regulars for years.

The Grand Prix is beginning to feel like an established part of the neighborhood.  Maybe that's because it already is.

Here to Cheer!

On our way to the Warehouse this morning we encountered a chant of cheerleaders flowing from the Holiday Inn to the Convention Center. Just being at the same stoplight with all that energy is like a shot of espresso.

Even though we've written before about the economic impact of this aspect of the sports world, it's worth revisiting because the numbers are so impressive. So pull out your pom poms give a cheer for the 10th Annual "Return to Atlantis"  All-Star Challenge being held this weekend in Baltimore.

First of all, "Return to Atlantis" is a national competition -- final stop before the cheerleading worlds.  The two young ladies above are from New Jersey.

Secondly, "Return to Atlantis" is a three day event.  Competitions start Friday and run through Sunday.  Most cheerios, friends, and family stay two or three nights in downtown hotels.  According to the mom and grandmom in this coterie, that means lots of tours, restaurants and shopping.  ("It makes you want to come back and visit again," said grandmom, bless her.)

"Return to Atlantis" is a team competition.  Teams consist of squads in various ages groups.  This New Jersey team has well over 100 cheerleaders in attendance.

"Return to Atlantis" has more than 30 teams in the competition.  Although challenged in math, even we can figure out there are several thousand cheerleaders, with even more support staff (aka parents and chaperones) plus professional photographers, videographers, make-up artists, costumers, hairdressers and the like who round out these events.

(It takes a veteran stage mother to relate to the entourages and cottage industries that comprise this kind of road show.  Believe the voice of experience -- your wallet never closes.)

So three cheers (and a lot more) for "Return to Atlantis" and all the other competitions that take place around Maryland over the course of the year.  In addition their electrifying energy, they also move a lot of moola.

Guests Bearing Gifts

In selling the benefits of tournaments and other outside events to county and municipal recreation officials, Terry reminds them that making community-based facilities available to outside entities frequently pays handsome dividends.  From rental fees to facility upgrades, hosting activities and events is a smart way to stretch the limited resources local governments and clubs need to maintain their quality of life amenities.

We offer a very good example which presented itself just this week.

Horses, Courses, and Natural Resources -- It's Springtime in Maryland

As we wait for the Birds to fly north and Boog to fire up the grill, other rites of spring are well underway. Anchored by major events such as the Preakness and US Open, Maryland attracts many visitors who enjoy additional aspects of those sports and other outdoor activities. 

For many fans and weekend athletes, this season is defined by horses, courses, and natural resources.  Maryland has them in abundance.

Since steeplechase season is well underway, we'll start there.  It is a proud part of our history and heritage, and a recognized tourist attraction.

S'no Kidding

The daffodils are blooming at Camden Yards, but that nasty word is back in the forecast tonight.  It is supposed to stay in the northwest parts of the state if it happens.  However, we would be remiss if we didn't note it was on this day in 1984 that a convoy of Mayflowers pulled out of Owings Mills, in the dead of night and a frigid flurry of flakes.

On Opening Day, March 31, 2003, Baltimore was treated to yet another freak of nature.  The snowfall during the early innings actually delayed the game against the Cleveland Indians.  For those willing to brave the elements, the O's did slosh their way to a victory in the 13th inning.

So bundle up.  Spring is here, but sometimes in brings a surprise.

Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies and sunshine on Monday!

The Hot Corner at Turn Ten

As Team Terry ambled up Camden Street on the way to Turn Ten, the conversation turned to all the changes taking place on the traffic strip between Washington Boulevard and Russell Street. 

Some of the landscaping changes are to accommodate the impending Baltimore Grand Prix and the stands that will overlook the exciting stretch of the course.  But the grassy area on the southern most point, opposite third base in Oriole Park, will have a more permanent structure as a welcoming gateway to Baltimore.  For it is here, in October, that the statue of Orioles' great Brooks Robinson will be unveiled.

Although the legendary third baseman never played in Camden Yards, he spent his entire Major League career with the Orioles.  His likeness is captured in much the same way we all remember him -- making an off-balanced throw to first after a spectacular scoop at third.

Like his fielding, the statue will be larger than life, rising nine feet above a six foot pedestal on the landscaped pedestrian strip.  The bronze depicts Brooks as he looked in his prime, during the 1960s and 1970s. As a nod to his amazing talents on the field, his glove will be burnished gold -- denoting the 16 Gold Glove honors he received during his Hall of Fame career.  The sculptor is Joseph Sheppard, who created the statue of Pope John Paul II for the Basillica Prayer Garden on Charles Street.

Brooks, of course, is still very much a part of the Maryland sports scene, as a partner and the franchise face of the Blue Crabs, pride of Southern Maryland and anchor of Regency Furniture Stadium.  The folks in Waldorf and the entire region have benefited from his association with the popular team and all the activities the stadium has hosted in its three years.

So we still have a few months before Brooks takes his place beyond third base, over there at Turn Ten.  We'll be happy to welcome him to the neighborhood, and be sure to touch that Gold Glove for luck every time we head over there for a team meeting.

Move Over Jersey Shore, Dew Tour Comes to Ocean City

As we previously reported earlier in the week, the Dew Tour confirmed today that it will be making Ocean City the first stop on its 2011 schedule. The event will take place over the course of four days beginning on July 21. Ocean City will be the only East Coast stop on a tour that includes visits to Portland, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. OC is the first beach venue in the Dew Tour’s history.

This unique beach setting led to the creation of some new components. Besides the familiar BMX and skateboard events, a new skateboard bowl contest and a surfing competition have been added to this leg of the tour. The surfing competition is sure to be a highlight for the Ocean City stop. In addition to the featured events, there will be a live concert on the beach and the Dew Tour Festival Village.

This announcement is an important victory for Ocean City and the state. It helps in setting Ocean City apart from similar locales like Wildwood and Virginia Beach and making it a more desirable vacation spot. This is a huge step in bringing in more tourism dollars for the town of Ocean City.

Ocean Bowl Skate Park

The Dew Tour is returning to Maryland after a two year absence. The Camden Yards complex in Baltimore hosted the event in 2007 and 2008. Around 54,000 spectators came out to Camden Yards in 2007 and 52,000 in 2008. The city figured the economic impact to be around $10 million.

To be determined: whether or not the Flying Tomato will be soaring in the skies of Ocean City come July.


Keep it here for more Ocean City Dew Tour updates!

Preview at St. Pete

In a little more than five months, the streets of Baltimore will be transformed into a world-class race course.  It may have been hard to feel the energy while you were idling on Pratt Street last winter, but now that it's spring and the Indy Car season is officially underway, it's time to get acquainted with those racing superstars coming our way this summer.

St. Petersburg is the first stop on the 17 race circuit, which consists of road courses, street races, an airport, and oval tracks (which includes the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.)

At 9:30 this morning, the "World's Fastest Spring Break Party" shifts into gear with a variety of media and fan friendly activities that comprise the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Among the attractions in this family-friendly weekend are the Budweiser Clydesdales, who will be trotting  (but presumably not racing) around town, a parade of the cars, and a 5K walkathon for charity in addition to the music and parties that abound.

Not all the attractions are confined to the ground, as Red Bull will be performing their stunt and daredevil air show, the US Special Operations Command will be demonstrating free fall parachuting, and the T-28 Warbird Aerobatic Formation Demonstration Team will give a flyover during the National Anthem.

If you want to get a taste of what will be coming to Maryland, you can follow the practices and races on line through streaming video by going here:

http://motorsportslive.blogspot.com/2010/03/honda-grand-prix-of-st-petersburg-live.html

Here are some race particulars:

Date - Sunday, March 27th

Time & TV Schedule - 12:00PM Eastern -Green Flag;  Live network coverage -12:30PM Eastern -ABC Television

Course Type - 1.8 Mile Street Course

Distance - 100 Laps / 180 Miles

Practice Sessions - Friday, March 25th -10:15AM-11:15AM Eastern & 3:00PM-4:00PM Eastern / Saturday, March 26th - 10:10AM -11:10AM Eastern / Warm-Up Session - Sunday, March 27th -8:40AM-9:10AM Eastern

Qualifications - Saturday, March 26th -2:30PM -3:50PM Eastern

2010 Pole Sitter - Will Power - Lap Time -1:01.6026 / Speed -105.190

2010 Winner - Will Power

So take some time out from March Madness to get acquainted with the speed demons who will be joining us this summer.  It's a high octane happening.

Celebrating (and Selling) History

If you live in Maryland, you’re probably aware of significant centennials on the horizon. If not, you soon will be because so many resources are assigned to market them. If there is one commodity Maryland enjoys in abundance, it’s history. Like sports, history and heritage are major producers in the Maryland visitor industry.

For the next few years, we will be observing the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, (aka War Between the States, War of Northern Aggression, etc.,) much of which took place in our border state, and the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and writing of the Star-Spangled Banner in 1814, which also brought action and acclaim to our shores.

Since the State of Maryland is celebrating these events and inviting visitors to join us, the Office of Sports Marketing is tagging every possible activity with historic significance. But sometimes these two realms intersect serendipitously. For one imaginative initiative, The Grand History Trail, we give a nod to our northern neighbors.

Dew Done Deal !!!

Don't blame us, but the news about the Dew Action Sports Tour kicking off their summer season in Ocean City leaked out today.  Seems Maryland Daily Record got a member of the Ocean City Council to confess that, indeed, they received the eagerly anticipated proposal from Alli Sports on Monday.

A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, and of course Terry will be there.  (Terry was heavily involved in selling Ocean City to the Dew Dudes.  His association with them goes back to when the tour first formed in 2005 and Louisville was one of the sites.)  That's when we'll learn all the particulars about the event.

This we do know, however -- the Dew Tour is a major media event that will be broadcast live on NBC for two hours over the course of the competition.  It will also be carried on USA network and many of the action sports websites.  As an advertising vehicle for the host cities, Dew is priceless in showcasing the attractions and appeal of the destination.

(Much as we love Rodney, not even HE gets that much exposure.  Maybe we can coax him on to a skateboard to open the show.)

Ocean City, which prides itself on being a family vacation spot, is going to love hosting this high energy production this summer.  We understand the dates are July 21-24, with the network coverage on the weekend.

Stay tuned and hang loose.  This is a major coup for Ocean City.