Maryland Takes Center Stage

The weather was perfect this weekend for an exciting and eventful array of sports around the state. From horse racing to cycling to extreme races, there was something for everyone to participate in. Here is a snapshot of why Maryland is a growing Sports destination:

Maryland will have another, as the 137^th Preakness featured the largest crowd ever. Over 120,000 people donned their snazziest outfits, partied, jammed and celebrated horse racing at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore City. The horse racing did not disappoint either. I Will Have Another narrowly defeated Bodemeister to put itself in position to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. Stay tuned to see if I Will Have Another attempts to make history at the Belmont Stakes on June 9^th.    

The Best Gets Even Better

If you look closely at this picture of Navy-Marine Corps stadium taken last year, you’ll notice the west side of the stadium (on the left) has a tower and partial tier.  That’s where the press box, a number of hospitality suites and the deck for television cameras are located.  From there you can see over the State House, all the way to the Severn and the Bay.  It is simply breathtaking and a view few have the opportunity to enjoy.

As I was driving into Annapolis last weekend, I noticed another tower being constructed on the east side of the stadium and was curious what it was for.

It seems that to enhance the broadcast of Navy games (which are carried on CBS College Sports) a television deck will be stationed on that side, to better cover the Brigade of Midshipmen and their bench.

(Since there is so much pageantry at Navy games, it should be captured from as many angles as possible to convey the true fan experience.  Otherwise, you miss Bill the Goat grazing on the sidelines.)

The television deck is not the only upgrade to the stadium.  The new level will also include more hospitality suites and better handicapped access to the upper deck with two additional elevators.  To facilitate access for all fans, there will be a pedestrian bridge to their seats.

The stadium construction will be complete by Navy’s game against Georgia Southern on September 11th.  They’ll have an extra week to get things done, because their first real “home” game is at M&T against University of Maryland, September 6th.

Thrilled as we are to see them here in Baltimore, there’s really nothing like watching Navy in Annapolis.  It’s a ritual I treasure and as a resident, I couldn’t be prouder of the quality sports facilities our home team provides.

Congratulations to Chet Gladchuk and his team for continuing to improve on such a quality product.