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.

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.

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.

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.

Baltimore Grand Prix -- faster than the speed of light

Ticket sales are beyond turbo charged.  They're actually airborne, and zooming out the door.  We just received the weekly update from the Folks on Four (our BRD neighbors in the Warehouse) that 33,775 tickets have already been sold for the Labor Day Weekend races.

That's right -- the season, which kicks off in St. Petersburg next month, is still five weeks away and already the inaugural Baltimore event has sold 33,775 tickets.

Here's the breakdown:

The Baltimore Grand Prix has already sold 34% of its anticipated weekend attendance of 100,000.  The total reserved seating capacity is 23,506, with current seats sold on Sunday: 9,412 and 7,471 for Saturday.

That means 40% of available Sunday tickets and 32% of Saturday already gone.  And this is before a lot of local folks even get the chance to tune in and see how exciting this 17 event circuit is.

We understand tickets have been bought all over the country -- and the world -- by those passionate fans of open wheel and LeMans Series racing.  Once the countdown to Baltimore begins, we can only bet how much faster those seats are going to fly.

So don't be disappointed -- get yours now.

Time to Re-Lax at the Face-Off Classic

It's really hard to focus on lacrosse when there's still snow on the ground and in the forecast (as is the case today here at Camden Yards.) But we can't ignore that the season is already underway, rankings have been released, and the banners are hanging on Pratt Street. It's almost time for the Face-Off Classic, that early season triple header which has become a favorite of laxers of all ages.

Since its inception in 2007, the Face-Off Classic has featured match ups of the country's top teams. This year is no exception. Of the six teams competing, five are in the Press Box's Top 15, including Syracuse, Virginia and Cornell.

Speaking of Press Box, that's one of our favorite companions at the Turn Ten. The holiday and impending bad weather were a good reason for spending some quality time with both.

If you haven't seen the current issue, check out all the pre-season predictions and who to look for on March 12th. There is in depth analysis of the top teams and local favorites we'll be seeing this spring.

You'd better check out ticket availability, too. The good seats always go fast. This event is popular with families and youth leagues because there are so many kid-friendly activities to play and so many new products to see. With three local teams in the mix, that escalates the F&F (friends and family) factor, too.

Then, of course, there's the tailgating. Last year, there were still mountains of dirty snow piled around the lots with grills smoking between and coolers stashed in them.

This is only the beginning of the season, which will culminate again with the NCAA Men's Championship tournaments for D-I, II, and III at M&T over Memorial Day Weekend.

So it really must be spring, no matter what the calendar says. Before long, we should be hearing about another boffo sports event coming to our complex. And then, on Labor Day weekend, it will be the Baltimore Grand Prix zooming through our streets.

Forget the snow. Check out Press Box and get ready for the Lax invasion at Camden Yards.

Buzzing in Baltimore

Look at those green lights beaming over the first IndyCar on Camden Street.  Is that fortuitous, or what? 

Although it had to be the coldest day of winter, an enthusiastic crowd showed up yesterday to get an up close look at what will be zooming through the streets in September.

The occasion was actually the announcement that Entergy Nuclear -- a clean, green nuclear energy source --has agreed to become Simona de Silvestro's primary sponsor for the next three seasons, keeping the Swiss Miss of the Indy circuit in her familiar No. 78 car for HVM Racing.  They chose Baltimore for the announcement because of all the energy (not nuclear, but still clean and definitely high test) emanating from here about the race.

Ms. de Silverstro, the 2010 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, came to Baltimore to put her car through its paces and show what her team could do in the pit.  She was assisted by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who got to rev the engine.

There was plenty of other good news to share yesterday. 

First was the announcement by BRD President Jay Davidson that tickets sales of 27,000 to date were well ahead of the most optimistic projections.  With this pace, Davidson projects there will be over 100,000 fans joining us for the Labor Day festivities.

His optimism was echoed by IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard, who predicted Baltimore would zoom to one of the top three events on the circuit.

As for the buzz emanating from the engine, it was surprisingly bearable (albeit to someone subjected to jackhammers over the past few months.)  It has more of a highpitched hum instead of the scat-wheels roar heard at the drag strips.

Of course, there is nothing quite like the dulcet ringing of cash registers, and that is probably the sound that will linger with us the longest after IndyCar comes to town.

As we said, those tickets are going fast.  If you don't want to get left at the gate, get yours now.

Whacking Watermelons . . (and other fun at FanFest)

The Merry Marketeers were dining at the Inner Harbor when Tweety remarked on the parade of lacrosse jerseys and other lax apparel passing by our window.  Yes, the changing of the guard has occurred -- soccer coaches out, lacrosse operatives in. 

Another weekend of fun and games (not to mention educational seminars and live field demonstrations) as another sport with great popularity has a pow-wow in town.   The locally-based US Lacrosse National Convention draws more than 5,000 coaches, officials, and administrators for the weekend, beginning today and running through Sunday at the Baltimore Convention Center.

So what does this have to do with whacking watermelons, you ask?

One of the most popular elements of the weekend traditionally occurs on Saturday.   Known as the Fan Fest, the exhibit hall featuring everything that is new and groovy is open to the general public.  Lacrosse players of all ages, along with family, friends, and frat brothers, can attend the largest lacrosse exhibition in the country. More than 140 vendors will showcase the latest in equipment, clothing and technology. Tickets can be purchased on site for the 12:00 - 4:00 pm event for $10.00.  Youngsters between 7 and 12 years of age are admitted for $5.00 if they wear their team jerseys, and those 6 and under are admitted free.

Among the premiere attractions this year (if one can judge by viral videos) is the Reebok Watermelon Challenge.   The science based demonstration of a model product is enlightening, particularly when the demonstration is by a couple of professional lacrosse players.  But the real challenge is getting enough velocity in the stick to take out a watermelon with a lacrosse ball.  That's downright hilarious.

In order to see what a sticky mess (and irresistable challenge) this is, tune in here:

Reebok promises to have pro and college stars stepping up to the challenge, but they are also inviting the fans to take a swing as well.  (Do you think they give out kewpie dolls?  This could replace the sledgehammer bell at the state fair.)

So join in the fun and come to the official kick-off of lacrosse season. Even if you don't get splattered (maybe they could throw in a seed spitting contest with the casualties) there will be lots to do, see, and learn.

Celebrating Selections

I had no plans to stop in the MLS SuperDraft, even though it is just across the street.  But a conversation with a Red Bull fan in line at Subway changed my mind.

He was part of a bus caravan that left Harrison at about 6:00 this morning.  This soccer fanatic even brought a date to the festivities.

Anyway, after he described the fan groups, the funny hats, drums, chants, and flags, I decided I had to go.  I'm glad I did. I hadn't seen this much ruckus since the 1980 Republican Convention.

Those pictured here are one of the three Red Bull fan groups.  They seem to have something to do with Vikings.  I don't get the connection, but since there was a band of them present, it must have some deep significance.  Perhaps it's some reaction to drinking the product.

These folks are part of the Philadelphia Union delegation.  I'm not sure what the sombreros were about, but it likewise seems to have some deep meaning to the faithful.  They were the loudest contingent when I was there, taking up one whole section of the ballroom.

Most energetic, however, had to be the aforementioned Red Bulls.  They were singing, chanting, beating the drum and waving the flag almost the whole time I was there.

While they were outnumbered by DC United partisans, I noticed the ranks of the Red and Black were diminishing during my visit.  I knew their bus wasn't due to leave for a few hours, so I went outside to look for them.

The second floor of the Convention Center was teeming with activity as thousands of soccer coaches were arriving for their annual conference.  This display was part of the welcome.

I noticed a stream of United scarves heading towards Pratt Street.  Not just the street, but what was across it.  If any of the out of towners wondered where they were assembling to honor thei new team members, this certainly would have guided them to the ale house.

I decided to check it out.  Sure enough, it was jammed with DC United stalwarts, getting ready for the end of the day celebration.

(Not to be outdone, the Philadelphia squadron STARTED their day in a pub, warming up before their march to the Convention Center.

So it looks like this week of soccer is going to be a grand success -- for the sport, the Convention Center, and certainly the hospitality trade on the periphery.

Can't help but wonder, though.  Think those Vikings might get a little rowdy after a few tankards of mead?

SuperDraft Spectacle

I was hoofing to work this morning when the new vertical banners on Pratt Street caught my eye.  They proclaimed the upcoming MLS SuperDraft, which will take place tomorrow at noon at the Convention Center.

As mentioned previously, the league meetings and their annual draft take place in conjunction with the Coaches Association convention.  It is part of what makes this a national celebration of the entire soccer culture, from rec leagues to scholastic, collegiate and pro teams.

But I didn't realize that entire fan groups make pilgramages to this event and celebrate its outcome with the teams and new prospects.  This is a picture taken at least year's draft in Philadelphia, where adoring fans on the Union greeted their top pick.

I did a little checking around and learned that at least three MLS teams are ralling their fan base to trek to Baltimore for the ritual.  (In the soccer culture, draftees are draped in a team scarf instead of a ballcap or jersey. Likewise, you will recognize fans by their distinctive scarves.  It's de rigueur winter attire.)

If you want to watch the proceedings, it is free and open to the public.  If you're like me, you might want to watch the fans watching the draft and join in their celebration.  It sounds even more entertaining.  Here are some particulars:

Philadelphia Union devotees will be assembling at 10:30 at a bar called Tir Na Nog (near the Convention Center) and marching over at noon

New England fans are planning a bus trip, leaving Gillette Stadium at 1:00 am. and not leaving Baltimore until 5:00 PM. 

United fans are carpooling and busing.  They are meeting at RFK and will convoy up the parkway.  United fans will also march into the ballroom from their bus, and adjourn to the Pratt Street Ale House afterwards.

ESPN 2 will broadcast the first round live.  Subsequent rounds will be carried live on MLSsoccer.com.

It sounds like a good time, and a great kickoff for the soccer convention later in the week.  We'll get to watch some of the fun (like the parade of fans) from here in the Warehouse, but I'm beginning to think this scene might be well worth checking out for its spectator appeal. 

If there was one thing we learned during the World Cup chase, these fans are passionate and devoted.  And that's worth watching.

$port$ $upport$

Anyone in the hospitality industry will tell you that January is pretty grim.  Not too many vacationers, home games, or even socializing when the days are short and nights are cold. 

So it was indeed encouraging to pass some visitors stepping off the light rail, headed for the Hilton, as I was leaving work last night.  Even more gratifying when they stopped to admire our display of purple passion shining from the clock tower over Camden Station.  These out of towners knew immediately they were in a sports-loving town.

As it turns out, that's one reason why they're here.  Terry reminded me that the National Field Hockey Coaches Association was holding their annual convention at the Hilton, bringing 500 coaches and officials from all over the country for three days of meetings.  And that is just the first of three national sports conventions this month, representing nearly 13,000 room nights in Baltimore hotels and over six million dollars in direct spending.

In addition to the conferences and lectures, the nfhca is also staging a SNEAK PEEK  Sunday at the Baltimore Convention Center.  SNEAK PEEK is for aspiring scholastic athletes,  an opportunity to participate in game play, skill stations and clinics with and in front of Division I, II and III coaches from across the nation. With all the coaching power in attendance, SNEAK PEEK offers the opportunity to learn from clinicians while providing significant exposure to college coaches.

From January 11-13, Major League Soccer will be in town for their annual draft.  This event is held in conjunction with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

The actual convention begins on the 13th, although there is overlap between the two.  This compound event is the soccer summit of the year, and will attract about 8,000 attendees over the course of the week.  Because Maryland is such a hotbed of soccer players and programs, there will be many people who come just for the day, so the actual attendance could be much higher.

The following weekend, Baltimore-based US Lacrosse, governing body of the sport, will host their annual convention here.  This event, which includes the popular, open to the public Fan Fest, is considered the official opening of the lacrosse season.  The trade show alone has 300 vendors, so every new innovation in the sport is represented.

As exciting as all this is, I can't help but wonder (and I know all you Marylanders are with me on this) how truly grand it would be if our Ravens beat the Chiefs and Steelers and the Jets bump off Indy and New England.  (Work with me on this.) 

With that scenario, Baltimore would host the AFC Championships right here in Camden Yards.  Wouldn't that make a heck of a January for our hospitality industry? 

Wouldn't hurt the Stadium Authority, either. That would keep us in purple gels for the Camden Station clock tower for at least another year.

Round Up at the Car Club Corral

I was rather puzzled when first viewing the animated map of the Baltimore Grand Prix.  I noted there was something called a paddock in Lot B here at Camden Yards and,  immediately next to it in Lot C, a corral.

To the uninitiated, it sounded more like a layout at the Preakness (or the Ponderosa.)  But now that details of the American Le Mans Series part of the Labor Day extravaganza are coming out, I better understand why Camden Yards will be the center of so much of the Grand Prix action.

The American Le Mans Series involves cars made by various manufacturers, such as Porsche, Corvette, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Mazda, and Acura.

These brands have their devotees -- many of whom participate in road course driving themselves.  As has been noted previously in this blog, road course driving is exceedingly popular in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.  A number of our regional stadiums are used for these amateur meets.

Other events -- such as the Polish Mountain Hill Climb sponsored by the National Road Autosport Club in Cumberland -- have an avid following for their annual open road challenge up the mountain.

In short, Maryland is a motor sports state, from tracks and strips in Allegany, Washington and Frederick Counties to road course driving and rallies in the central region to more tracks, strips and courses on the Eastern Shore and St. Mary's County.

And with this culture comes car clubs -- like-minded folks who share a passion for a particular discipline or vehicle model.

Traditionially, when there are major racing events, there are also car club corrals, where these interest groups can bring their prize steeds, brag, and hang out together while enjoying the sights, sounds and smells that go with the sport.

(I'm not sure if tailgating is a part of this experience or not.  While at Polish Mountain, I saw activities that look suspiciously like grilling, but this may not have been a sanctioned activity.)

In any case, the Baltimore Grand Prix, by popular demand, is featuring a Car Club Corral for member groups.

Among the benefits for Car Club attendees are premier parking in Lot C (next to the track between turns on Lee Street, adjacent to the ALMS paddock,) a dedicated grandstand seat between turns 10 and 12, and various hospitality options (which could mean tents or rallies in the Warehouse.)

These car club functions sometimes include seminars and sessions with manufacturer reps.  And BGP is even promising an on-track parade!

(Note:  there will be personally guided tours of Bin 400, Warehouse B, offered with the Lamborghini club hospitality package.)

So while the Junquemobile may feel slighted that there are no rallies for vintage Quest mini-vans, I have to admit the idea of sharing the Camden Yards complex with a fleet of hot cars does sound appealing.

This event just keeps getting better and better . . . .!

In Pursuit of Purple Passion

Other than Anne Boleyn, I don't know anyone who dreaded a trip to the tower more than this acrophobe. But with the Ravens in the playoff hunt, Camden Yards needs to put on our brightest purple face.  Or faces.

That's right -- when the sun goes down tonight, the clock tower of Camden Station will be beaming purple in all four directions.

This is the third straight year we've made the trip to the tower, armed with violet gels, and this is the highest I've ever made it.  Admittedly, the hatch on the roof is a sissy place to stop, but it did give me a good vantage point to snap our electricians as they made their way to the clock tower. 

(Special thanks to Ray Winfrey, on the left, and Donendo Bryant on the right. John Waters, who led the mission, is already scaling up the inside.)



Yesterday was Paint the Town Purple Day, and the most visible sign is this Ravens logo on War Memorial Plaza at City Hall.  This year, Ravens fans went on a stealth recon mission, hitting the streets of Baltimore under the cover of darkness to spray washable lavender chalk paint onto Raven head stencils with WIN  -- What's Important Now -- in black under them.

(Lest you think we are encouraging tagging, fear not. This graffiti is legit because the chalk washes off in the rain.)

So join in the fun and mark your territory for the home team.

These stencils and supplies are available for $10 through the Ravens Store at the Sports Legends Museum, where you can get Ravens gear and other spirit merchandise.

You won't have any trouble finding Sports Legends Museum here at Camden Yards.  Just look for the clock tower with the four purple faces as your beacon.

 

On Time, On Budget

For the people I work with, it's more than a mantra.  On time, on budget is a promise made and kept.

While I've always admired the work ethic that comes that commitment, this is the first time I've lived with it.  In this case, it means heavy construction projects with a tight schedule.  Under my window.  It's an eye opener rather than earache, though.  It shows just how skillfully our professionals plan things.

Because Camden Yards operates 365 days a year as an office complex, visitor attraction, and transit center as well as sports complex, our engineers coordinate work around those functions.  Their juggling is worthy of Cirque du Soleil.

Right now, it is well below freezing with high winds making the chill factor much lower.  But work began on the Pit Lane improvements long before I arrived this morning.  Like the widening of Lee Street by the City, construction had to begin as soon as the Orioles season ended, and completed before their return in the spring.

That's a pretty narrow window, and doesn't leave much wiggle room for bad weather or anything else.  And yes, there is some discomfort for Ravens home games, but that will be more than compensated by improved traffic flow and some additional parking when the project is complete.

Pit Row is not the only project that has battled the elements.  Here is a picture of the work on the seating bowl that continued during the February blizzards earlier this year.  Again, the new seats and drainage trenches had to be installed by Opening Day.  Neither rain, nor snow, nor other meterological surprises could stop the work.

And it didn't.  Additional work on the seating bowl has continued this off season, and we can guarantee you, it will be finished no matter what Mother Nature throws at us this year.  (Hard to top last year, Mom.)

So while we all look forward to the wonderful experiences we have at Camden Yards, (and will have at the Baltimore Grand Prix over Labor Day,)  take a moment to appreciate what goes into keeping our facilities the best of the best. 

Even if it occasionally sounds like a woodpecker on steroids outside your window.

Vrooming up Russell Street

Terry and I were ambling towards our favorite haunt beyond center field late yesterday afternoon.  The streets were nearly deserted as we crossed Russell Street, as most folks already checked out for the holidays.

Out of nowhere a car careened around the corner, creating a bit of excitement.

"I think the Grand Prix is underway," Terry quipped as we dashed across the median.  Terry had good reason to think so, based on the good news he'd just heard.

Hard to believe, but in a few short months that median will be covered with grandstands.  And, as Terry shared with me when we were safely seated in our watering hole, those grandstands are well on their way to being filled.  Phones were ringing even as we sipped our holiday cheer.

Here's what he heard from organizers:  after two initial online offerings, more than 20,000 tickets for the Labor Day "Festival of Speed" have been sold.  Spectators will be coming from all over the country. To date, tickets have been sold in thirty three states and Puerto Rico.  These include every Eastern Seaboard state from Maine to Florida, and across the country to include most of the Midwest and the entire West Coast.

While the IZOD and BRD folks are gratified, you know the hotels and restaurants must be doing handsprings.  This kind of response indicates a diverse, affluent visitor that will be encamped locally for several days.  Much as we love the home crowds, it's those out of staters who really get the economy jumping.

This is the kind of news that energizes everyone.  Gives us one more good thing to look forward to in the New Year.  Even those jackhammers under my window are beginning to sound like jingle bells.  Or cash registers.

Don't get left in the dust.  Get your tickets now.

Peeling out of the Gate

Despite the white-out from the cold, snowy weather, tickets went on sale as promised for the Labor Day Weekend running of the Baltimore Grand Prix.

As we mentioned in an earlier post, limited sales to Checked Flag Club members raised over $600,000 in just two hours.  That's a pretty good barometer of the interest level in this event.

The gates opened at 10:00 AM (EST) this morning and there is already a rush.

The inaugural event will include two headline races from the IZOD IndyCar Series and the American Le Mans Series, as well as full three-day festival of music, food and fun.  Organizers like to refer to the weekent as a "Festival of Speed" for the many activities it will feature.

Of course, the weather outside makes holiday shopping more challenging, so the timing couldn't be better.  With only eight more days before Christmas, buying a set of Grand Prix tickets as a stuffing stuffer has great appeal.

Fans have a variety of ticket options to choose from. Both grounds admission and reserved grandstand tickets are available, as single-day or three-day tickets. Reserved grandstand tickets will offer fans a guaranteed seat for the races on Saturday and Sunday as well as the best view of the action at key locations around the track.

Single day reserved tickets start at $65, while 3-day reserved tickets range from $130 - $160.

(No, I'm not renting space in Bin 400, although it has to be one of the best views in the city.)

Grounds admission tickets start at $20 for Friday, representing the most economical way for fans to enjoy the event and take in the sights and sounds of the Grand Prix. On Friday, most grandstands will be general admission seating, allowing grounds admission ticket holders the opportunity to see racecars traveling at more than 180 m.p.h. during practice and qualifying on the streets of Baltimore for only $20.

After racing is over on Friday, fans will be treated to an evening headliner free to all ticket holders. Details regarding the concert will be announced at a later date.

Saturday will feature qualifying for the IZOD IndyCar Series, and the American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patron will take center stage for an afternoon race. On Sunday, the Grand Prix will culminate with the IZOD IndyCar Series race.

A variety of activities will take place in three entertainment zones throughout the infield area: the Family Fun Zone, the Action Sports Zone (that's in Camden Yards), and the Party Zone.

Fans will be treated to live local music throughout the weekend, major concerts at night, excellent food, beer gardens, interactive exhibits, and entertainment ranging from professional beach volley ball to extreme sports demonstrations.

Grandstands for the event will be located throughout the planned two-mile racetrack around Baltimore's Inner Harbor and will be strategically placed to give fans views of the fastest and most action-packed areas of the track. Most grandstands are available for either three-day or single-day tickets, but the best grandstands are available only to three-day ticket buyers.

The Grand Prix will be offering paddock passes as single day and three-day passes. These tickets do not provide admittance into the Grand Prix, but allow fans special access to one of the most exciting areas at the Grand Prix: the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights paddocks.  These will be located in the Baltimore Convention Center, which lies within the course.   Paddock passes will give fans a chance to see the race teams and drivers at work up close in an air-conditioned environment.

A variety of corporate hospitality options are also available, including Turn 1 Suites, Pit Lane Suites, Terrace Chalets, Harborside Village, and Trackside Patios. Fans wanting to purchase individual tickets with a little more luxury will be interested in the Grand Prix Club and also the VIP Balcony Club, which gives fans air-conditioned comfort and an excellent view from a balcony at the Baltimore Convention Center.
Tickets are available online or by phone at 877-4-FLY-TIX.

If you're tired of snow already, order those tickets.  It's a pretty safe bet you won't be dealing with the white stuff over Labor Day.

Roaring to the Ticket Window

The flag had barely dropped when fingers started flying over keyboards around the country. Tickets for the 2011 Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix went on limited sale December 8th . Early supporters of the race, known as the Checkered Flag Club, had first crack at all selections. They were quick to take advantage.


Race promoters were astonished at the number and levels of tickets sold. In all, more than $600,000 of tickets were snapped up in two hours during this abbreviated offering. It was a rousing vote of confidence for the widespread appeal of this event.

Tickets to the general public will open December 16th. Given the early rush at the box office, it might be advisable to tuck a few of these away in someone's Christmas stocking. By Labor Day, it might be standing room only.

(Observation opportunities in Bin 400 are also limited, as I've been reminding my sons for months.)

You'll find a dynamic layout of the course, festival, and all the amenities around it by clicking this interactive feature on the Baltimore Grand Prix website. This shows you were the grandstands, sponsoring hotels, paddocks, and action zones will all be located (with no sign of the jackhammers, backhoes, or hardhats currently on the site.)

From there you can access the ticket sale feature.

Start counting down the days until you can buy YOUR tickets. Then you can go out and cheer for the Pratt Street Pavers with renewed gusto. Maybe even wave a flag or two. We're all doing our part to make this event a fabulous success.

Win-Win-Win

Hard to believe, but nine months from now the inaugural 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix will highlight a "Festival of Speed" over Labor Day weekend.  This includes Indy Car and American Le Mans races through the streets of downtown, along with numerous family-oriented activities and attractions in the race village within the course.

Like most highly anticipated births, this blessed event comes with some pains early in its gestation.  Instead of morning sickness and heartburn, we're dealing with road construction during rush hour and utility replacement in pedestrian thoroughfares.

Here in Camden Yards, the epicenter of race activities, this translates into closed parking lots, redirected traffic, disappearing curbs, and a lot of jackhammers.  

But the momentary discomfort is forgotten when weighed against all the improvements this project brings to our facility.  The result will be a win-win-win for many years to come.

First, the aesthetics.  Camden Yards has changed greatly over the past twenty years, evolving from a gritty industrial park into a vibrant entertainment complex, visitor attraction and transit center.  However, the east side of the Warehouse -- corridor to the Inner Harbor -- has experienced very little since it was surrounded by a sea of asphalt in 1992.  Since then, the expanded Convention Center borders us on the northeast, the Hilton Baltimore looms over our north, Camden Station has developed into a museum site and popular catering facility, and the light rail/MARC station has more than doubled in use. Thousands of visitors enter Baltimore via this route every week.

What was once the back door to the ballpark is now a major gateway, and it could use more than a little makeover.  Cosmetic surgery is neither painless nor cheap (take it from one who knows) but the cost of this facelift is more than offset by its contributions to our complex.

From this course diagram you can the focus on the east approach to the Warehouse, where cars will enter after zooming down Conway.  After crossing Howard they will either turn left and continue to the end of the Warehouse, or turn right to pull into Pit Row alongside it.

This is a rendering of how the course alongside the Warehouse will look, with Pit Row being the lane closest to the building.  The barriers are temporary structures that will be removed after the race so it can be reclaimed for parking duties.  One of the benefits of this reconstruction is having the entire stretch resurfaced.  It will also be reconfigured to give an extra lane for bus parking during major events.

But the real aesthetic and environmental improvements to our campus can be seen in this rendering, which gives a panoramic view of the entrance.  Notice the pedestrian plaza, with its planters, trees, benches and lighting.  This is complemented by the planters edging the Warehouse and inside the two new traffic circles that will facilite vehicular flow.  This represents a major improvement to the sports complex and also the MARC and light rail stations. 

The large concrete recepticle being unloaded by the crane in the top picture will hold 7,000 gallons of water, which will be captured from stormwater runoff and reused to irrigate the new planters.

So out of our involvement with the Baltimore Grand Prix, we get a new look for our east entrance, hundreds of trees, shrubs and flowers, a resurfaced parking facility, and a highly profitable event showcasing our facility to visitors and viewers all over the world.

Win-Win-Win.  For this, we can listen to a chorus of jackhammers a little longer.