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.

Another Area Arena

Yes, it’s snowing hard in Baltimore, but I seriously doubt it will interfere with the new arena opening at Coppin a few hours from now. Hades will freeze before the Eagles are denied the chance to flaunt their new crib for crosstown rival Morgan State. Really looking forward to seeing happy faces when the fans get their first look at this hardwood palace.

A few zip codes away, another arena opens today. Howard County officials will cut the ribbon on a public indoor sports facility, the latest phase of Meadowbrook Park near the intersection of routes 29 and 100 in Ellicott City.

Meadowbrook Park arena features volleyball and basketball courts, but can accommodate other games and activities. The 33,000 square-foot recreation facility completes an $8.5 million project.

The 77-acre park features three baseball fields; an open-play area; a large playground; two tennis courts; two basketball courts; two picnic pavilions; and approximately 2.5 miles of sidewalks and pathways, plus a 2.5-mile loop circling the park, parking, landscape, and restroom facilities.

(We hope there’s sledding hills, because they’d come in handy today.)

Congratulations to these two communities, who will greatly enjoy these newest additions to the Maryland sports and recreation scene.

Soar with the Eagles!

I have a lot of neat experiences working for the Stadium Authority. Among my favorites is visiting facilities we built, seeing how they impact their communities in large and small ways. I’ve enjoyed performances at the Hippodrome, galas at the Convention Center, a murder mystery at the Geppi Museum, and numerous events at Sports Legends. This year, it was a special treat to attend the Ripken World Series in Aberdeen, and a soccer match at our most recent project, Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf.

I’ve said it before — there is nothing more gratifying than watching families enjoy time together at something they all love. (Seeing happy, smiling County Commissioners is a nice touch, too.)

I’ve learned it isn’t just about the performances that take place in the structures, it’s about the lives it affects. Sports (and entertainment) engage people of all cultures and interests in a shared experience. Our projects promote a sense of community. In many cases, they provide economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and historic preservation in the process.

There’s also a component in our mission that goes largely unrecognized — education. Next Saturday, I’ll be attending a long-anticipated event on the campus of Coppin State University — the opening of a new sports arena which is the centerpiece of a Physical Education Complex three years in the making. Morgan State, beware. The Eagles will be soaring December 5th.

MSA has done university projects before, at College Park, Towson, and UMBC. All have become important parts of campus life. They’ve also hosted regional and national events. (Let us not forget the major chess tournament for which UMBC is famous.)

However, Coppin State, with its urban location, compact size, and modest facilities, will be truly transformed by this addition. The enormous three building center, with tracks, fields, parking lots and a new entrance, will enlarge the university size by a third. That’s probably not the most important impact, though. Coppin is a wellspring of educational and cultural opportunity in a struggling community.

It is also a fully engaged partner in developing the neighborhood. Coppin likes to say they grow their own students, since they operate an elementary school and magnet middle school. Nursing students staff a neighborhood storefront clinic. Coppin does not occupy an ivory tower; it stays real.

Coppin is more than a beacon to those who never thought college possible. It provides an avenue through its outreach. Just as other structures we have built have become multiuse, year round facilities, Coppin will be a community resource, with sports and recreational opportunities as segue to higher learning.

For a preview of the Coppin Physical Education Complex, go here (and be sure to click the webcam for a real time look.) To see some of the happiest college kids in Baltimore, come to the game next Saturday evening.