There are still many people who believe the only purpose for stadium complexes is to host games and create traffic at public expense. One of the few benefits of the Blizzard of a Lifetime was demonstrating how an agency like MSA and a complex like Camden Yards are franchise players when it comes to tackling Mother Nature.
Because we (MSA) are responsible for maintaining our facilities in top condition, we have a staff of dedicated professionals who go to any length to achieve our standards despite any challenge. That was demonstrated clearly when the first blast of the season hit us right before Christmas and the last Ravens home game. The snow was a formidable opponent, but (like the Bears) it was no match for the home team here at the Yards.
It was this second wallop, the one-two punch we sustained over the past week, where city and state agencies really relied on the stadium complex and our team for services. It's probably something you'll never see or hear about (our guys don't brag,) so I'll tell you.
Camden Yards is a transit center for accessing buses, trains, light rail, downtown offices, and even the airport. Our lots have to be clear so the public can use these important connectors and drive as little as possible.
We also provide the parking for major events held at the Convention Center. This weekend was the annual auto show and the Bridal Showcase. I don't know if the elements detered the car fans, but I can bet it did nothing to discourage the June brides. (I can only imagine the ugly scene if the Bridezillas, bridesmaids and mothers couldn't get to that pageant.)
Convention Center activities are a significant economic factor, and we are important to their success. You can bet the lots were clear and safe for the bridal parties and tire kickers.
In the case of a major snow, where narrow streets are impossible to plow with residents parked on them, we provide free parking for our neighbors. The email tree we maintain with community associations let them know which lots were available to them and how best to access.
Two of the larger lots -- G and H on the southeast side of the complex -- were cleared for a crucial function in the digout process. This is where snow removal equipment from private contractors was unloaded and dispatched. When I visited Friday morning, it was stacked with bobcats (including a full flatbed carpooling from out of state,) bulldozers, front end loaders and dump trucks. Most had out of state tags. Jim Slusser, our director of security, made sure all the entrances were opened and plowed to accommodate the incoming cavalry. When we left, a dispatcher said a convoy from Tennessee was just an hour away and they needed more room. With City and MSA operatives working together, we were able to provide it.
(Tennessee's convoy arrived in the early afternoon. There must have been something wrong with their GPS, because they kept circling Pickles.)
Finally, there is one more, less glamorous service MSA provides -- a dumping ground for stacks of snow. Yesterday morning, Lot J was beginning to resemble the Swiss Alps (and that was before Tennessee arrived with their heavy loaders.) The snow had to go someplace, and the harbor was not convenient for everyone. If you live in South Baltimore, chances are the stuff from your street is now part of the MSA Matterhorn.
We'd like to thank everyone who worked together to bring relief to the City of Baltimore. I know our staff is exhausted. Many have been working 12 hour shifts for over a week now. As with the December snow, several supervisors hunkered down in the stadium club level to spend the night.
The good news is that Babe has shrugged off his winter coat and has his nice bronze glow back. Feet are still a little snowy, but he looks like the wistful 18 year old we all know and love.
In a few minutes, I'm going down to M&T to explore a rumor about a makeshift snow melter our very ingenious staff has devised. More as it happens . . . .
