The Greatest Rivalry in Sports Returns to the Maryland Gridiron

Tomorrow, FedEx Field in Landover hosts the nation’s most enduring rivalry when the Navy Midshipmen take on the Black Knights of Army (game time is 2:30pm EST).  Tomorrow’s game will mark the 112^th meeting between the two teams.   Navy leads the series, 55-49-7, and have won the past nine straight. When Army and Navy meet pomp and circumstance abound, and tomorrow’s game will be no different.

College Sports and Maryland: A Perfect Fit

In recent weeks, Maryland has hosted many NCAA sporting events, like the ACC Field Hockey Championships and MEAC Cross Country Championships, and this past weekend was no different. Two big events took place in our great state this past Saturday: The NCAA Mid-Atlantic Cross Country Regionals in Princess Anne and the Notre Dame Shamrock Series game against Maryland in Landover.

International Spotlight Shines on Prince George’s County

Last week, Prince George’s County took center stage in the sports world as it hosted two international sporting events: the Citi Open and the World Football Challenge.  Beginning on July 23, the Tennis Center at College Park hosted the inaugural Citi Open, a professional women’s tennis tournament.  The Citi Open is part of the Women’s Tennis Association’s summer schedule.  It was one of only nine tournaments held stateside and one of only three WTA international-level events held in the USA.

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.)

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.

Another steller soccer showdown

Terry called this one in as he headed home from FedEx after the DC United-Real Madrid match. He was one of 72,368 who braved heat and humidity (the dreaded double H were in the mid-nineties today) to see the local MLS side take on the Greatest Team Money Can Buy. (Real Madrid recently stunned the soccer world by applying New York Yankee methods to roster development. Several of their $375 million acquistions were unveiled today.)

The high ticket talent eventually prevailed 3-0, but United kept them contained for a good portion of the game, thrilling the hometown fans.

Terry remarked that once again, enthusiasm and attendance showed how supportive Maryland and the Metropolitan region are for soccer. United’s fan clubs demonstrated the spirit the franchise is known for with singing, flag waving and drum beating. It was an impressive display for the US bid executives who returned to the region for the FedEx match after attending the friendly two weeks ago at M&T.

We won’t know for a few weeks if Maryland makes the cut for consideration in the US bid to host the World Cup, but there is no doubt a strong base of support exists in our state.