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.

Terry and a Tale of Two Cities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Counting down . . .

It's almost showtime.  I've been watching the preparations from afar all week, but did a quick run through at M&T to see the finishing touches being put on the stadium before tomorrow night's debut.

The production trucks, which arrived Monday, have now been positioned into their game day slots.  Some are in the stadium and ones with satellites are in the lots closest to the field.

Our new turf  (feeling a tad more comfortable since its workout Saturday) is getting its warpaint.  That's the grounds crew (yes, a synthetic surface requires grooming, too) spray painting the team emblem on the 50 yard line.

On a day like today, the special formula (water-soluable, but rain resistant) paint will dry in about 10 minutes, but that didn't excuse our unauthorized incursion on the field.  After royally reprimanding us for the faux pas, the head groundskeeper showed how the design is sketched with a template (note the black lines) and then filled with a hand held airbrush.  By tomorrow night, the artwork will be ready to withstand the trampling.  By the time Navy and Maryland roll in on Labor Day, the emblem will have been treated with a solvent and the paint easily washed away.

The Perfect Amphitheater

There couldn't be a better setup for a Fan Fest than the promenade between Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium.  The sycamores edging the walkway created shade for tailgating and (what else?)  pickup lacrosse games on the grass. 

(Do people carry portable goals around in their trunks or something?  They materilize out of nowhere, like picnic tables.  Kids with sticks are right behind them.)

Along the the flag-lined route were festival tents with lacrosse challenges and other activities .  Fans of all ages are having a blast.

One thing I noticed is that the lax support is not confined to the two teams in the championship.  Lacrosse t-shirts from colleges and programs all around are proudly displayed.  A lot of Navy, a few Syracuse, and some youth players from Yorktown who seemed to have established a campsite on Lot H.  Very evident they are here to see the top level of competition and not necessarily the teams.

What is really cool is the main stage, which is situated right under the overpass.  Not only is it shaded and roughly in the middle, but the structural supports and the deck create a perfect acoustics for percussion.  (The overhead traffic adds a nice touch, too.)

About an hour before face-off, the 23 man drum line of the Marching Ravens took the stage for a show that drew everyone into the action.  If it was possible to energize the crowd any more, the drum line delivered.  Then they reassembled in front of the stage and led the parade into the stadium.

Here's a picture of what the promenade looked like even before the band began.

Terry told me the Terp women champs are going to be recognized on the field today.  Their game, and the crowd in Towson, was the talk of the US Lacrosse tent this afternoon.

It's been a great weekend for lacrosse in Baltimore. Why hold a championship anywhere else?

Soccer Soccer Everywhere . . . .

This was the week we finally got to crow about the impending Manchester City - Inter Milan soccer match coming to M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, July 31st.

(That's Terry talking with Liz Farmer of the Daily Record about the economic impact of the event.  You can see him on video here.)

The "friendly" has been in the works a long time, and the press conference scheduled and rescheduled several times.  Having the news seep out a little early did nothing to quell the interest and enthusiasm of the press and general public in the prospects of another energetic, sold-out event this summer.

In fact, all of us have been questioned pretty much all the time about when and who the next soccer rockers were going to be. It is nice to finally be able to direct folks to ticket sales.

Particularly fortuitous about the announcement was the timing.   The Inter Milan side was in Madrid, preparing for the European Champions League final against Munich.  Inter Milan had already wrapped the Serie A and league titals;  winning the Champions League would be the equivilent of a triple crown.

Keeping soccer even more in the forefront of conversation is the impending World Cup competition in South Africa, which always brings the conversation back to --- how is Maryland doing in the bid to host a match if the US is awarded either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup?

Yes, we get asked that all the time, too.  And yes, even though the US bid has officially been delivered, Terry is still churning up support to remind US and FIFA officials that Maryland is a hotbed of soccer mania and splendid facilities.

Part of this campaign is the ongoing effort to get signers for the online petition -- the link for which is carried on this blog and also the main website.  But Terry is reaching even further -- trying to tap into every sports bar, running reminders on scoreboards, and sending email alerts to clubs and rec leagues.  (If it's possible to get an app, Terry will probably figure a way to have you vote via Iphone.)

In fact, that latest word is that our campaign has 15,000 signatures and is in the top five contenders.

It was actually part of this outreach effort that took me to Fells Point yesterday to a place where soccer-watching is said to be a religion.   Somehow this seemed to be a good choice to watch Inter Milan and see what kind of crowd really follows this stuff, and if they could somehow be incorporated into our petition signing campaign.

It's not like I'm a stranger at sports bars (as the folks in the establishment beyond centerfield will attest) but I'd never seen anything quite like this before.  For one thing, everyone in the place wore some kind of soccer shirt.  Didn't have anything to do with who was playing (although there was a sizable delegation of black and blues quaffing pints) but more a celebration of European soccer in general.   Most shirts were from English clubs, although the Croation was a colorful touch.  (As the only Saprissa in the house,  I was floored that someone actually recognized the Costa Rican purple dragon.)

I snagged a stool next to a British visitor who identified all the shirts and explained many of the soccer customs (his tutorial on the rules helped, too.)

What I was actually listening for was chatter about Inter Milan's visit to Baltimore (although there was regret expressed that Special One will probably have moved on to his next miracle by then, everyone I spoke with was planning to go) and thoughts about the World Cup (some of the zealots there were actually planning to take off work to watch the tournament to the end.)

It was an enlightening experience.  I was delighted Milan won, because that translates into even greater interest in their appearance here.  But I was genuinely astounded by the whooping and hollering that goes on while watching a soccer match halfway across the world in which not a single American seemed to be involved.

I also enjoyed explaining the role Baltimore played in the War of 1812 to the chap from Tottenham, who quickly retorted that if his side hadn't been dealing with Napolean and all his nonsense, we'd all still be part of the family.

Looking around that room at all the soccer-mad locals in their Arsenal jerseys, I couldn't help but think maybe we are.

Anyway, this was the week for soccer.  Next week, it's all lacrosse, all the time and the following week we'll be learning even more about that Indy Race that is zooming our way next year.

Sign the petition!

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.

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.

Protect this House!

Securing our premises and ensuring the comfort and safety of those millions of fans who visit Camden Yards every year is paramount to the Maryland Stadium Authority.  Our security team is vigilant and resourceful in their efforts to address all threats.

Therefore, it was not surprising to see they've picked up an additional sentry to guard M&T Bank Stadium.  This candid shot was caught on the security camera his first day on duty.

Our red tail hawk is the newest recruit in the ongoing battle against bomb dropping pigeons.  Oriole Park has been outfitted with netting to discourage roosting in the rafters, so we'll have to see which system works better.

While the Tower of London has been protected by ravens for more than 400 years, we don't think Rise and Conquor are quite ready for that assignment in our fortress.  But if this feathered fan is successful in keeping M&T pigeon free, we may offer him a contract to train R & C to patrol the upper deck.

After all, if ravens have protected the Crown Jewels all these years,  a plague of pigeons should pose no problem.

Team Terry, Mining for Gold

While our bids for future World Cup competitions are marinating somewhere, Team Terry went prospecting for gold.  The CONCACAF Gold Cup, that is.  CONCACAF is the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football and it is one of six continental confederations in the FIFA family.

Gold Cup occurs the year before and after World Cup, and two years before FIFA Confederations Cup, which will be in Brazil in 2013.   They are all qualifiers for the quadrennial showdown in some way or another.

The 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup will be the 11th edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup competition and 21st CONCACAF regional championship overall.  A host nation for the Gold Cup has not yet been announced, so Terry and the Ravens are in the hunt -- not for the final match, but for one of the qualifying rounds.  This would work into other stadium complex uses much better, and is potentially more lucrative because it involves a longer stay for the teams and use of practice facilities.

In 2009, the Gold Cup series was held in the United States.  RFK in Washington was selected for an early round and hosted a double header on July 8th.

I'm learning that the world of international soccer offers many opportunities to bring top teams to Maryland, whether they be these continental tournaments, or barnstorming "friendlies."  As interest in soccer continues to grow, OSM and our partners will keep pursuing them.

Who, What, Where, When, and Why

Team Terry can't go anywhere without tout le monde asking about the international soccer match planned this summer at M&T Bank Stadium.  Yes, we thought we'd know something definite by now, but there are reasons why we don't.  So to answer as many of your questions as possible, we're giving you it to you in Journalism 101 format.

WHO:  We aren't sure whice teams are coming, but they will be major league (Premier, etc.) and European.

WHAT:  An exhibition or "friendly" match.  Unlike last year, this won't be a part of an International Football Challenge or round robin tournament.

WHY:  Remember, 2010 is a World Cup year.  That creates conflicts with league schedules since many players leave their professional team in order to participate in their nation's quest for the World Cup.  World Cup rounds take place in South Africa between June 11 and July 11.  (England is scheduled to play the US  June 12.)  World Cup obligations have made a US tour for European sides a tad trickier than last year.

WHEN:  Another variable.  The data has vacillated between July 25 and July 31, but that doesn't mean another date between those might not be selected.

WHERE:  That part we know-- M&T Bank Stadium.

Believe us, as soon as we have the answers to "when" and "who"  (as well as "how much") we'll let you know.  But we can guarantee that interest in soccer will be intensified by the focus on World Cup competition.  You'll be seeing and hearing about it all summer.  We already know of three large venues in Maryland planning "watch" parties.  By the time our match rolls around in late July, the country will be primed for the top flight soccer action we'll be bringing to Baltimore.

Face-Off Classic Underway!

Yes, it's still winter with a few grimy slush piles to prove it, but for the hearty souls assembled around M&T it is time for the first tailgate of the season.

The sun is shining and there is a steady stream of young fans working their way through the activities on the stadium perimeter.  There are also clusters of collegiates manning grills and coolers while waiting for their event to begin.

Maryland and Duke were evenly exchanging goals when I left a few minutes ago, but the Princeton crowd was just getting warmed up.  They have a sizable contingent in the parking lot (although I doubt they'll outnumber the Hopkins faithful since the Blue Jays enjoy hometown advantage.)

Today's tripleheader represents a value added element to the series.  While the past three years have featured four top ranked teams competing for early season honors, this year's event has six -- including Notre Dame (their fans are everywhere) and another hometown power, Loyola.    And the price is the same!  The last game won't begin until 4:00 PM, so there will be an all day influx of fans taking advantage of this opportunity.

Scads of youngsters are here with their rec teams.  They come from throughout the region to see the best of the best college play.  They're also having a good time playing along Ravens Walk.    The layout of Camden Yards lends itself to family picnics and games of catch.   More than likely, they'll be back in May when the championship is decided.

For that matter, we'll probably see one or more of the teams playing today at the end of the season.  We know at least two of them -- Maryland and Hopkins -- will return for the Day of Rivals next month.  Along with Army-Navy, that was a big hit last year.

So today marks the beginning of spring, at least in my book.  And it couldn't be a prettier day.

The Winning Team

  It was anything but a normal weekend around Camden Yards.  If you saw the Ravens on TV or even if you were here enjoying the game, it didn't look much different than any other game (although the snowman seated in the upper deck was a nice touch.)  It is to the credit of an extraordinary team of people, drawing on numerous resources and interfacing seamlessly with their counterparts in state and local government, that made the stadium and its parking lots safe and accessible for fans to enjoy tailgating and the game.

I've had the pleasure of working with these folks for more than three years, and have long admired their resourcefulness and dedication to duty.  Some of the facilities personnel worked the entire weekend, not leaving until Sunday night, enduring some pretty brutal conditions shoveling snow in the seating bowl.

Our Chairman, John Morton, summarized their accomplishments in a "Letter to the Editor" I'd like to share with you.  He speaks for all who appreciate how fortunate we are to have these committed professionals working with us.

Dear Editor,

The Ravens were not the only triumphant team at M&T Bank Stadium this weekend. As Chairman of the Maryland Stadium Authority, I’d like to credit those unsung heroes who spent up to 72 hours straight preparing for battle against the toughest snowstorm this region has seen in years.


The Maryland Stadium Authority is committed to not only maintaining and managing our fine sports facilities, but also keeping them safe and accessible for the millions of visitors we have every year. We are vigilant in preparing for any challenge, so when the blizzard of ’09, arrived just before our last home football game, we had our team in place.


The workforce and equipment come from many sources: private contractors, our partners in Camden Yards operations (including the Ravens,) and other state agencies. Efforts to keep the stadium accessible were coordinated with state and local officials who worked tirelessly.. It is a tribute to all involved that the main arteries connecting the stadium were maintained through the storm and the lots were ready for tailgating by Sunday morning.

About 1,750 workers, many of whom stayed Thursday through Sunday night (sleeping on the club level floor) made this remarkable feat possible.


All of us at the Stadium Authority are proud of our teams – the ones on the fields, and those who maintain our operations and offer the best fan experience possible, despite any challenge.

Sincerely,
John Morton, III
Chairman, Maryland Stadium Authority

Leaf by leaf

Great news! Our seven crape myrtle trees, compliments of the City of Baltimore, arrived this week. As I related earlier (in the saga of our windowsill lavender nursery) MSA had to scrap our environmental landscaping this fall due to budget cuts. So we've been trying to make do by growing our own crops (the lavender sprouts) and identifying benevolent parties who want to save energy and protect the watershed as much as we.

Our very modest goal for this fall was the median strip between our service road and Russell Street, just before Hamburg Street. This gateway to our complex is usually patrolled by a panoply of panhandlers. That, along with trampled turf and sign clutter, make a less than impressive vision of Baltimore.

Instead, we plan to have a row of Powhattan crape myrtles, a fast growing, moderately sized street tree with an umbrella like canopy that produces bright purple blossoms in late summer.

(For all you Muskogee fans, we know they grow bigger and bloom longer. However, that pale lilac is just a little too girly for our Ravens. Trust us -- you'll love the Powhatans.)

Although we still won't be able to put in the perennials we wanted, the crape myrtles will get us started. Eventually, we hope to carry the look to other areas between parking lots to help offset the heat island effect from our acres of asphalt. And, like the regulars on the median strip, we'll have a hand outstretched to anyone willing to chip in.

Special thanks to Anne Draddy and Beth Strommen from the City. Please put un on the list for the next plant-a-thon.

Always in Season

I love this time of year.  After tomorrow, I can wear my holiday sweaters all the way through New Year's.  It's a short season, but a merry one.  When you're in the sports biz, you tend to regard the calendar not by months, but seasons.  It's something like being a mom, when you look at life through school schedules (or gestations periods.)

I mentioned our nine month countdown before birthing the NCAA Lacrosse Championships on Memorial Day. We've passed a relatively quiet first trimester but when I checked our Camden Yards calendar, I realized the triumphant weekend will actually be the third in a series of tournaments that carry Maryland's team sport from winter into summer. That's when it occurred to me:  in Maryland, it's always lacrosse season.  (Why don't they make garish sweaters so I can celebrate year-round?)

M&T Bank Stadium will host the first triple-header Face Off Classic in early (br-r-r-r-r-) March. Sponsored by Minolta and promoted by Inside Lacrosse magazine, the Face-Off Classic has paired top ranked college teams at the season's start . While the first three years of competition attracted as many as 20,000 fans for a doubleheader, the addition of a third pair of contenders is almost guaranteed to up the ante.

Yes, the weather can be iffy in March (remember the ignominious departure of the Colts?) and last year it was pretty miserable. But lacrosse fans are a hardy bunch and always eager to see the best teams and look at the newest equipment at the beginning of the season.

Three local teams (Maryland, Hopkins, and Loyola) will take on three tough opponents (Duke, Princeton, and Notre Dame) in that order on March 6th. A full day of hard hitting action and indoor tailgating at Pickles.

On April 17th, the second annual Smartlink Day of Rivals (another Inside Lacrosse production) takes place. This double header features two classic grudge matches -- Army-Navy and Maryland-Hopkins -- and hopefully better spring weather.

By the time Memorial Day rolls around, local lacrosse fans should be familiar with at least some of the final four because they've likely already seen them at M&T (or Annapolis, where quarter finals will be held again in 2010.)

As lacrosse becomes a major sport around the country, Maryland is increasingly recognized as the go-to place for tournaments, conventions, camps and clinics. It isn't just the top notch facilities and passionate fan base, it's institutional memory, coaching talent, rec leagues and school programs providing infrastructure to nurture athletes and develop the sport's popularity. The Lacrosse Hall of Fame is here, as is the sport's governing body and major communications network (Inside Lacrosse magazine.)   Even lacrosse equipment is manufactured here.

Maryland is a four season lacrosse state. After the winter to spring season, we'll be into professional lacrosse during the summer (finals in Annapolis again next year) and fall ball exhibitions and tourneys that continue to expand the program.

So the NCAA Championships aren't the beginning, middle or end of the 2010 lacrosse frenzy in Maryland. But they are the marquee event for the sport, and they should be a regular part of Maryland lacrosse heritage (and yes, Terry's working on that . . . .)

Our Field of Fescue

Jeff Provenzano, MSA’s Director of Football Operations, sent this pic this morning after the last strip of sod was prodded into place at M&T. I had to go see this amazing transformation for myself. While I’ve been to events where potted palms, flowering shrubs and even dance floors were rentals, I’ve never seen a tempo job like this before. Row after row of tightly woven Bermuda grass with an inch and a half of thatched soil and roots, covering the entire football field. Right now, it looks a bit dry in some places, and feels soggy in others (couldn’t resist taking off my shoes for the full effect.) Jeff says that after a few days in place, the seams will be barely discernable. By Wednesday it will be ready for lining; on Thursday, the teams practice for the Friday match

This preparation isn’t nearly as messy as bulldozing a couple tons of dirt for the Dew Tour BMX course, but it’s still a monumental task. The sod hails from a farm outside of Richmond, so it’s had a bit of a commute. What is neat, though, is that after the game Friday, the turf will be rolled up again and trucked back to the farm where it will be unfurled in the field, awaiting its next gig.

How cool is that? Just one more example of our commitment to sustainability and responsible recycling.

Sold Out Soccer

It’s official – the Chelsea FC-AC Milan soccer match taking place at M&T Bank Stadium July 24th has sold out, ten days before the event. This “friendly” is more than an exhibition . For the first time, the European soccer teams who cross the pond post season will be participating in a round robin tournament known as the World Football Challenge. Each team plays three times in the six matches, accumulating points to determine the winner of the inaugural Challenge. The event in Baltimore will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Baltimore, with its avid soccer community, is a natural to host a contest between two teams recognized as the best of the best. The fact that this came about is a tribute to the synergy created by the Office of Sports Marketing and the Baltimore Ravens, who took quick advantage of an opening in the schedule to land this premiere event (au revior, Montreal) on very short notice.

The showcase event gives us yet another opportunity to demonstrate why Maryland is such an excellent choice. We’ll be commenting as more preparations take place prior to Friday’s face off.