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.    

Maryland Events Nominated for SportsTravel Awards

The state of Maryland hosted two events this year that have been nominated for a 2011 SportsTravel Award: the 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championships and the 2011 USGA U.S. Open!  The 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championships are nominated for the Best Sports Event Series or Circuit in the Collegiate Sporting Event category, and the 2011 USGA U.S. Open is nominated for Best Single-Sport Event in the Professional Sporting Event category.

Both events are eligible for Sports Event of the Year.  But in order for us to take home the top prize, we need your vote! Go to SportsTravel Magazine’s website to vote! Voting ends on August 15^th, so don’t delay! Help show the sports community that Maryland is here to play!

U-biquitous

It was been hard to escape the most famous Maryland sports brand the past few weeks.  In fact, starting with the “chalet” that greeted infield-goers at the Preakness, the Under Armour brand was everywhere.

From horses to lacrosse to golf, Under Armour has been everywhere the past few weeks.  Between the selections for the All-America series to be played this July at Unitas Stadium, the introduction of new lacrosse-specific equipment to the product line, the presence of Terp men and women in the NCAA finals and as the presenting sponsor of the Nationwide Tour’s Melwood Prince George’s County Open, the familiar entwined “UA” has constantly been in front of us.

Crab Cakes and Lacrosse, That’s What Maryland Does!

Crabcakes and Lacrosse, that’s what Maryland does. A saying that everyone, no matter where you’re from, can feel once you cross the state lines. It is only natural that the NCAA Lacrosse Championship would be a big hit and attract an abundance of fans.

These fanatics poured in from all across the country to watch their beloved teams compete for the title of 2011 National Champion. Even before the games began, school spirit could be seen for miles across the parking lots of tailgaters and intertwined throughout the whole stadium.

Warning, Warning, Invasion Imminent

M&T Bank Stadium is officially ready for the 2011 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship starting tomorrow- the field is lined, locker rooms prepped, vendors stocked and fan fest area ready to roll! All that is left to do is officially kick of the weekend with a prep rally and opening ceremonies!!

Growing the Game…from East to West to East Again!

The stage is finally set for the 2011 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships this weekend- a fact confirmed upon invading M&T Bank Stadium Monday afternoon to find the purple and gold of the city’s favorite bird covered in preparation for the tournament (plus head NCAA lax officials have invaded the stadium ops’ conference room, which is kind of like a warning siren signally an invasion– no offense Jeff and company, I mean we NEED the warning). And while we are geared up and ready for the impending onslaught of teams and fans from all across the country, we would like to first state two truths: