Patience is often described as a virtue, and I can readily admit it is something that I often lack. Certainly that is the case when I have a vision for something that can be improved. One thought I (and countless others) have had for a very long-time is that Baltimore is in desperate need for a New Arena. As the proposals for a New Arena have started and stalled and started again over the past few years, I have grown tired by the process.

With the news (http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-downtown-plans-20110525,0,1434961.story) from last night that the proposed downtown arena has received a private financing commitment, perhaps the axiom that good things happen to those wait has been proven true for all of us in Baltimore. Make no mistake, the plan outlined here is the absolute dream scenario for our City.

I love everything about the proposal. First, the size (18,500 seats) is ideal. Luring a team from either the National Basketball Association (NBA) or the National Hockey League (NHL) is extremely unlikely in the near-term. Both leagues are currently talking about possible contraction. However, it would be illogical for Baltimore to build a new Arena and discount any chance of obtaining a team over the course of the next 30 years. The Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia has 126 Luxury Suites, the Verizon Center in D.C. has 106 Suites. With 18,500 seats, it is likely the new Arena would have a comparable amount of luxury boxes to be a suitable home for either league.

Secondly, while I had supported an earlier idea of building where the existing Arena is, this plan is better for the City as a whole. While the New Arena was under construction, 1st Mariner would stay open an allow the City to continue to receive some acts. As 1st Mariner has become profitable in recent years, this is a win.  Perhaps most importantly, is that built in the proposed space and in-conjunction with Convention Center expansion – Baltimore will be able to attract the largest Conventions in the Country. The Conventions that currently by-pass our City because the Convention Center as is (and the City’s existing hotel space) is deemed not large enough. When those larger Conventions come to the City, everyone (Hotels, Restaurants, etc. etc. ) will benefit by the dollars those people spend here. It will help a City that struggles to generate revenue.

The construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards was a major turning-point for the City of Baltimore. The designers for OPACY originally suggested a stadium that would have resembled New Comiskey in Chicago. In-fact, initial proposals for the park had it being built in Lansdowne. Ms. Janet Marie Smith had the vision to build down-town, to refurbish the Warehouse and not tear that down.

That vision and the construction of OPACY is what ultimately allowed for Harbor East, and Harbor Point, along with the new construction in the Harbor, Canton, and Federal Hill. OPACY is what allowed for Art Model to envision moving his Browns from Cleveland, and the building of Ravens Stadium.

This New Arena / Convention Center Expansion / 25 Story Hotel can have a similar impact for Baltimore. While 1st Mariner has had better success in recent years, a New Arena will bring in a more regular level of National level concerts. Concerts that currently go to Washington, and skip Baltimore. A New Arena, will allow Baltimore to compete for NCAA Tournament games, along with conference tournaments (ACC, Big East, CAA, MEAC).

In addition to the link above, The Sun has an Op/Ed on the proposal you can find at: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bs-ed-gbc-downtown-20110525,0,7328606.story

There will always be dissenting opinions and those that think ‘as is’ is good enough. I think bolder strokes are needed, and it will be terribly disappointing if the project does not come to fruition. News of private financing for the New Arena, and Hotel (with the City and State tasked to fund the more manageable expansion of the Convention Center) is really fantastic to hear. I’ll be even more excited when we hear when construction can begin.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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