Birds on the Wing

It was still daylight when I left the Warehouse last night.  A welcome harbinger of spring that makes those grimy slosh piles a distant memory.

An even more cogent reminder greeted me in Mount Vernon.  I often hear honking at the busy intersection, but this was coming from overhead.  Several battalions of Canadian geese, flying in v-shaped formations, were heading north.  I've never quite understood why they squawk like an Aflac commerical (it's supposed to have something to do with cheering the flock leader) but for as long as I can remember, it signaled the changing of the seasons.

When I lived in Annapolis, I marvelled at the osprey couple who were my closest neighbors.  They always returned from wintering in South America between the Ides of March and St. Patrick's Day.  First came the male, who tidied up the nest, and then the female a few days later.  I don't know if they vacation separately, or she stays behind to close the nest in Rio, but be assured -- in several days you'll be seeing ospreys in and around the Chesapeake Bay.

Which brings me to our other migrating birds -- the ones currently in Sarasota, tuning up for another spring and summer here at Camden Yards. They'll be here a few weeks after the ospreys, but they can be assured that we've been spending the winter tidying up their nest, too. 

While they've been basking in the Florida sun, we've been replacing the seats in the lower bowl, (even during the blizzard,) upgrading the clubhouses, touching up paint, repairing concrete damage, installing a new energy efficient climate control system, developing a sustainable landscaping plan, and generally getting the place in tip-top shape for their triumphant return next month.

When the weather is as beautiful as it's been today, spring is in the air.  Very soon, our birds will fly north to spend another summer with us.

Piloting the Process

This is a rendering of what a professional soccer stadium could look like.  At this point, even a non-site specific drawing is way ahead of where we are in the process, but since this is about a feasibility study to determine whether or not Baltimore could benefit from the construction of such a facility, I thought I should provide an illustration of some sort.  A soccer stadium is visably different from a ballpark or coliseum in both size and shape.  Building one has even more variables.  Let's start at the beginning.

A good many people believe that stadiums and arenas get constructed just because communities or teams want them and have sufficient financial or political pull to muscle them into place.  Au contraire.  There is an exhaustive process that can take years before the deal is structured.

(Good example -- the very successful Regency Furniture Stadium.  That project kicked around for ten years before the site was selected, financing developed, and bid to budget.  Completed in 2008, it is now the pride of Charles County.  But it sure didn't happen overnight.)

I thought it would be a good exercise to chronical the steps that will be taken before the soccer stadium feasbility study will be released this summer.  Crossroads, the consultant responsible for the study, has worked with MSA before on market analysis of proposed projects.  Most recent is the Ocean City Convention Center expansion.

This study is unlike any other MSA has done in the past because it actually considers several scenarios.  Can Baltimore support the successful MLS franchise DC United if they relocated to a 20,000+ seat soccer-specific stadium located at the Westport transit-oriented community currently in development?  Or is 7,500-10,000 seat stadium located just south of M&T Bank Stadium for the existing Crystal Palace Baltimore NASL franchise a better fit?  Should it be either, or both?

(Disclaimer -- the picture is a rendering of the CP proposal.  This isn't an endorsement, just what's available.)

In order to do any study, MSA has to be asked.  We don't go out shopping for work, and we don't do studies simply because someone has a dream.  In this case, both the previous Mayor of Baltimore and the Baltimore Development Corporation wanted to explore the potential of the respective projects they had been considering on parallel courses.  The City agreed to pay for MSA to prepare a thorough and impartial analysis of all variables and make a recommendation.

This process began this week with a series of "interviews" with certain stakeholders.  They are actually discussions, a free exchange of questions, ideas, and opinions between MSA executive staff and those most impacted by such a facility.  These stateholders include the Mayor's office, City Council President and Councilmen, Visit Baltimore, the teams themselves, and other potential users of the stadium.  There were some very interesting points raised in this round, along with some tough questions involving fan base and corporate sponsorship. 

This round of interviews will help determine the level of support for building a stadium, and where it falls on a priority list.   (Remember -- a lot of folks have a new arena on their wish list, and there are rumblings about convention center renovations, too.)  It also sets the tone for what size stadium can be supported.  The second rendering is the new soccer-specific stadium for the MLS Red Bulls.  The 25,000 capacity facility opens in Harrison, New Jersey later this month.  This is closer to the requirement for an MLS franchise like DC United.

Public officials are not the only ones consulted.  Future meetings will involve the corporate community, our tenant teams, other professionial teams in the area, fan groups for both teams, and advocacy groups who just want to see more professional soccer.  (Yes, we've heard from the Lords of Baltimore.)

Terry observed that many of those consulted on this first round raised the point about the facility's and organization's role in developing youth sports.  Soccer franchises traditionally have close ties to community leagues, and also have recreational fields around their stadiums.  This question was asked by more than one soccer operative in the discussion.  (Remember, it was the Baltimore Bays and their partnership with Chelsea that helped bring them here last summer.)

As these talks continue, the consultants get a clearer picture of the market, the investment return on public dollars, and the economic impact this project will have on future development, the visitor industry, and quality of life.

A lot will happen before the report is released about six months from now.  But you can be assured it will be based on the views of many people, not just the professionals providing the analysis.

Cheer, cheer . . .

. . . . for another great event coming to Maryland!  Yesterday afternoon, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (favorite team of an unnamed member of Team Terry) announced they would be playing a home game against the University of Maryland at FedEx in November 2011.

That's right, no Golden Dome but still plenty of Notre Dame amenities, which translates into major television coverage (that means national broadcast,) huge ticket sales, and plenty of alumni tailgates and private parties.

The operative word here is "home" because the Terps don't have to give up any dates at Byrd to accommodate this crowd pleaser.  As part of the outreach to their international constituency (you find Notre Dame fans in every parish) Notre Dame is scheduling an occasional "home" game in places other than South Bend to minister the faithful.  Think of it as a pilgrimage, or crusade of sorts.  Like missionaries to the far flung flock.

(I've seen this phenomenon at M&T, so I know of which I speak.  Even a few Mids were moving their lips to the famous fight song.  After countless viewings of Knute Rockne-All American and Rudy, I can relate.)

However you look at this, it means big bucks for Maryland, as this will be a tourist attraction as well as national sporting event.  FedEx holds more than 90,000 and it will certainly be a sell-out.

So congratulations to FedEx, the Terps, and the Irish for putting together this deal that is certain to be a hot ticket next year.  And remember, you can also see the Terps battle Navy at M&T on Labor Day this year.  Consider that a home game for all concerned.

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.

Craziness at ComCen

Before Coppin's Physical Education Complex became the third-largest project completed by the Stadium Authority, that distinction belonged to another college facility -- Comcast Center in College Park, which replaced the venerable Cole Field House as the home of the Terps in 2002.

There was wailing and gnashing of teeth when the 1955 arena was abandoned in favor of the larger, more luxurious facility with greater amenities.  Despite being HVAC challanged (among other shortcomings) Cole Field House had a boatload of memories and great moments.  It was also intimidating to opponents with its peculiar acoustics amplifying the home town roar.  Cole Field House, like Memorial Stadium, had a soul -- and a special place in the heart of Marylanders.

When MSA undertook the responsibility of replacing the unreplacable, these factors were taken into consideration, along with the site challenges.  A sloping hill that could have proven an expensive obstacle was incorporated into a steep bank of spectators -- an end zone reservered for students that was as visually intimidating as it was loud.  To give the same surround-sound acoustical advantage that made Cole such an auditory annoyance for opponents, student seating was incorporated on all four sides of the court.

The memorable view of the court from the concourse level was also incorporated into the Comcast Center design, simulating the look and feel of Cole Field House.

Comcast seats nearly 18,000 spectators (although I suspect there may have been a few extra hanging from the rafters during the Duke game.)  It also  features a 7,000 square foot Academic Support and Career Development Center, a student activity center, accommodation facilities for 25 different sports and incorporates a well-equipped training facility.  It also has practice courts, a wrestling gym, administration offices and the "Walk of Fame."

These were all in place when Comcast opened in 2002.  But somewhere during the ensuring eight years, Comcast acquired a heart and a soul, too.   It developed its own identify as a feared opponent.  It seared its own unforgettable memories.

Last Monday night was one of those not soon forgotten by any of the capacity-plus crowd.  Defeating Duke (anytime, anywhere, any sport) is always cause for celebration.  But Monday night, at Comcast Center, the atmosphere was electric and the Terps (and fans) were on fire.

I doubt seriously if any there had even a fleeting thought about who built their arena, or how it differs from the hallowed hall of yore.  But for those of us at MSA, it is a reminder of what we do that impacts upon the State of Maryland and those who live, work, and attend school here.

Good luck in the tourneys, Terps.  As the song says, we're all behind you.

Stix and Sunshine on Saturday

I'm going out on a limb here in weather-weary Maryland, but trust me --it will be sunny and bright when six of the top NCAA lacrosse programs visit M&T Bank Stadium for the 4th Annual Face-off Classic.

That's right.  There's still a mountain of slush in the outer parking lots (think of it as refrigeration for your tailgate beverages) but ample room for your first outdoor entertaining of the 2010 season. 

Lots open at 8:00 AM, which gives you plenty of time to fire up your grills before the 11:00 AM face-off between Maryland and Duke.  Princeton takes on Hopkins at 1:30 and, for the first time, Loyola and Notre Dame bring their traditional meeting to M&T at 4:00.

Inside Lacrosse promises lots of activities, giveaways, and attractions.  All I can offer is the sunshine. 

So bring your sticks and see how many snowmen you can level on Lot G.  It's going to be a great day to celebrate spring -- whether or not the groundhog agrees.

Kudos at Coppin

This is the project that was so big it required two ribbon cuttings.

You'll recall the arena portion of this three building Physical Education Complex opened on a snowy day in early December.  The arena alone is an impressive facility, with suites, meeting rooms, and a natatorium in addition to the spacious basketball court.

However, on Saturday the full complex debuted, with its fitness center, classrooms, offices, and fields on display.

Mike Frenz represented the Stadium Authority and reminded all the distinguished guests that this four year project (lots of design, acquisition and demolion had to happen before construction started) was brought in the MSA way -- on time, on budget.  It is also LEED certified, and built with 42% MBE participation. 

This project is a particular source of pride because of the transformational effect it has on the University and the neighborhood.  Coppin is a vanguard in the community redevelopment efforts.  This multi purpose structure -- which expands the size of the urban campus by a third --will contribute greatly to the revitalization of West Baltimore and the recruiting ability of Coppin.

It was nice for MSA to be there with the Mayor, Congressman, Lt. Governor, and University Chancellor.  But it was really gratifying to hear how much this project means to those who will actually be enjoying it for many years to come.