A Winner’s Week

We won’t deny our disappointment over losing a chance to host a future (albeit way, way in the future) World Cup tournament. Not even Domino could sugarcoat that pill, so let’s focus on all the positives gained from a valuable experience, and celebrate the more immediate goals scored by the Office of Sports Marketing this week.

First of all, the gathering at Slainte’s. Many thanks to our new friends in the sacristy of soccer (where early morning worshippers were already taking communion when we arrived.)  This veritable cathedral for kickers was the perfect setting in decor and spirit.

Slainte’s very generously opened their establishment at 5:00 AM to accommodate the daybreak news teams. If you didn’t catch the interview with Kevin Healey (godfather of all that is soccer in Baltimore) it was more energizing than espresso.

When the delegation from MSA posted at 9:00AM, the place was already overrun with cameras, reporters, fans, and soccer operatives from all over the state. The assemblage, which also included our teammates, the Ravens, was a tribute to the outreach, networking, and partnerships that coalesced into a remarkable show of support over the 18 months of this process.

While the announcement was delayed, Terry had the opportunity to share his thoughts about the recognition Maryland had already gained with the press and those who helped on the bid. This continued even after the disappointing news the US would not be hosting, because at that point the conversation changed to what soccer events ARE coming to Baltimore.

Among them — another international match at M&T this summer, was greeted with great enthusiasm by the Slainte regulars, who attend en masse after evening vespers.

While Terry could probably have talked all day about soccer’s bright future in Maryland (Marie Lankford of Maryland Youth Soccer and Matthew Libber of Elite Tournaments represented the growing popularity of the sport) he and his track team had to hit the cinders for Virginia Beach. There, the USA Track and Field Federation would be hearing presentations to host future tournaments.

We can only imagine how exhausting this road trip was after all the drama, but Team Terry must have exploded with a burst of energy just before the finish line.

We heard Friday morning that the Prince George’s County’s Sports Complex had been awarded the 2013 USAFT Masters Indoor tournament. And by close of business, he emailed that Morgan State won the 2012 outdoor USATF Junior Olympics.

Needless to say, these Team Maryland partners are elated with revenue producing events that enhance the visibility of their facilities. Here are a few particulars about these tournaments and what they produce:

The USAFT Masters draws approximately 1,500 athletes who are 50+ years of age for an indoor track meet that lasts over three days.  It is projected to generate revenues of $800,000 to $1.2 million over the long weekend.

The USATF Junior Olympics youth tournament brings 7,000 athletes from all over the country, along with friends and family, for five days.  Its economic impact is estimated at $3.5 million.

So, as demanding as this week was for Team Terry and their many partners and associates around the state, it was rewarding for the achievements and recognition it brought to the office of Sports Marketing.

Now if only the Ravens can come through for us tomorrow night . . .

The D-Day Tutorial

We realize not every soccer-phile can slouch over their computer for hours on end, hitting “refresh” to get the latest odds and assorted intrigues surrounding World Cup Decision Day.

So just to bring you up to date on past history and present scuttlebut, Fox Soccer Channel has thoughtfully compiled a series of specials on the decision-making process.  By tuning in, you can spout platitudes with the best of the insiders when the big announcement is made. 

With Decision Day 2022: A Fox Soccer Report Special, the network will bring viewers the historic announcement live from FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, along with interviews with leading figures in U.S. Soccer and fan reaction from viewing parties around the country.   This program will air live beginning at 9:30 AM (ET.) Curt Menefee, host of Fox Sports’s 2010 UEFA Champions League Final coverage and Fox NFL Sunday, will host the special.

On December 1 at 9:00 PM (ET) a 30-minute preview show, D-Day Minus 1, will examine all of the nations in contention to host the tournaments in 2018 and 2022.    This overview will be followed at 9:30 PM by Team USA: Journey to Glory.

So you have plenty of time to get briefed on the past present and future of Sam’s Army by tuning in the Fox Soccer Channel.  If you don’t have that on your cable plan, you can always stop in early to Slainte’s.  Soccer is always the topic of conversation, and they open at 7:00 AM.

Team Terry looks forward to having you join us for this momentous occasion.

Join our December 2nd Soccer Celebration!!

Has it been almost a year since Maryland landed TWO venues in the US World Cup Bid?  Amazing how the months have flown since Team Terry and Friends gathered to celebrate that selection in January.

Since then, we’ve been involved in a successful World Cup party at the Inner Harbor, hosted another wildly popular international match at M&T Bank Stadium, and landed a major regional youth soccer tournament for the state.

Now, as we prepare to close out 2010 and revisit the major achievements of the Office of Sports Marketing, the focus is back where the year began — on the quest to bring the biggest, most viewed, sports event in the world to the USA and our backyard. 

On December 2nd, FIFA will deliver their verdict from Zurich and we want you to be with us.  Because no matter what the decision, what we achieved as we worked our way through this process together merits great celebration.

Please join Team Terry and the regulars at Slainte Pub in Fells Point at 9:30 AM, Thursday December 2nd, to watch the announcement and meet the soccer community who comprise the fiber of our bid. 

Even before the announcement, Terry wants to thank and congratulate everyone for what we achieved — and stand to gain in years to come.  The infrastructure created during the bid process will manifest itself in countless ways as we establish Maryland as a place to host sporting events of all kinds.  Our efforts demonstrated cooperation across all jurisdictional lines and unprecedented participation on every level of organized soccer. 

That’s Slainte’s Irish Pub at 1700 Thames Street in Fells Point at 9:30 AM.  The Pub opens at 7:00 AM for breakfast, so you can come early if you want to speculate with the locals.  Remember, this is where Soccer is Religion, so there will be plenty of daily communicants genuflecting.

Wear your team shirt, wave your scarf and show your support.  We want them to hear us in Zurich.

The Greatest "Shared Human Experience" in the World

I’m guessing two thirds of the world has now stopped what they were doing, or are furtively looking over their shoulder, to focus on the World Cup final in South Africa.  The other third is either there or at one of the thousands of watch parties all over the earth where partisans have gathered for the last contest of the quadrennial challenge.

Team Terry was out in force for the Happening at the Harbor, where giant high def screen loomed over the bulkhead between the Visitors Center and Science Center.

Hundreds had already gathered and claimed their spots when we arrived long before kickoff.

First thing I noticed was all the kids frolicking around.  They were down in front, close to the screen, kicking balls, twirling their Hula Hoops, jumping on moon bounces and taking soccer kick challenges.

(Who else has the energy to do that in this weather?)

Despite the heat, there was a gentle breeze blowing across the water, and plenty of tents to provide shade.  There were also numerous opportunities for libations to counter the heat.

Terry was part of the welcoming ceremony shortly before kickoff.  He urged all those present to show Baltimore’s commitment to soccer in two ways – by pulling out their cell phones and signing the online US Bid petition via text and by purchasing tickets to the Manchester City – Inter Milan game on July 31st at M&T .

(NOTE:  Sign that petition right now.  That’s right — stop reading and pull out your phone and dial 22442 and text the message “baltimore.”   Thank you.)

 There was no shortage of partisans at the festival.  Plenty of red, gold and blue wandering among the booths and an equal number of decked out in red white and blue face paint and bright orange shirts.

(We noted a number of Oriole shirts there.  We do not know if this was because the color is the same as the Dutch, or they’re still celebrating those comeback victories over the Rangers.)

Terry says there were more than a thousand people when the game started, and they were still streaming in despite the park being packed.  Folks were wandering around to the refreshment stands and the play areas and strolling along the promenade just to enjoy the breeze.

In all, it was a splendiforous occasion.  Kudos to Scott Westcoat and ASG Events, who organized everything.  Special thanks to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who was so supportive and continues to be one of our great cheerleaders for bringing major sports events to Baltimore.  Thanks to MSA board member and Deputy Mayor Kaliope Parthemos, who represented the Mayor and joined with Terry to welcome the crowd.

There really are no losers on this day.  Anytime, and any occasion that can bring people together for a shared experience in the joys of competition is a winner.  Today, Baltimore scored a timely goal.

Chesapeake Charge — Growing the Game in Gambrills

As we work our way to World Cup finals and our bid to bring the games to Maryland, now is a good time to look at organizations on all levels who show just how passionately the game is played in our region.

2010 is the inaugural season for the Chesapeake Charge, an Anne Arundel entry in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

If you’re not familiar with the Women’s Premier Soccer League, it was formed in 1998 as an independent national soccer organization whose main focus is on the development of highly competitive amateur women’s soccer teams.

Their mission to is to bring quality soccer to all levels of the community and promote the stature of female athletes as role models for youngsters.  The WPSL is affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States,  and our good friends at FIFA, who rule the world.
 
WPSL teams roster college, post-college, foreign and talented high school players every year. The season runs from May to August. A league championship tournament is held the last weekend of July or first weekend of August.  Many college programs encourage their athletes to play summer soccer with the WPSL to prepare for the upcoming season and gain experience playing with top caliber players, including former and aspiring professionals. 
 

The Chesapeake Charge, who play at Carroll Field at Arundel High in Gambrills, are currently 3-3-3 .   On Friday, they take on TSC Maryland Pride — a team established in 1991 in Howard County.  This game will be held in Columbia at Howard Community College.
 
There will be representatives from the Women’s Premier Soccer League at the World Cup Festival in the Inner Harbor this Sunday.  They are an integral part of what makes Maryland such a soccer-centric site for tournament play.
 
Can’t leave the subject without reminding you to sign the petition.  Our goal is to fill the stadium with supporters to let FIFI and the USA Bid Committee know just how committed we are to the sport.

Unimoniker

It used to be that unless you were a diva rock star (think:  Cher, Madonna) you couldn’t pull off the single name persona.

Thanks to the World Cup, tout le monde now realizes that all it requires is being a Brazilian soccer player.  Or a program that can turn your given name and favorite number into an instant Brazilian icon.

(The way this World Cup is going, you might get a lot of mileage out of that)

So before I depart for my favorite spot right beyond centerfield to see what’s left of the Dutch orange trying to squeeze something out of the samba slickters (disclaimer: early lunch, off the clock)  I leave you with this website where you can learn what your Brazilian soccer and see how it would look on your team jersey.

(This is even more fun than learning what your mob name would be if you worked for ”The Sopranos,” because a uniform comes with it.)

So try it yourself.  You might have a fun souvenir to wear to the Man City-Inter Milan game on the 31st at M&T Bank Stadium