I will not pretend to know anything about Indy Racing, or even claim to be a fan; but mark me down as enthusiastic about the IRL’s arrival in Baltimore.
Today it was announced that the city Board of Estimates signed off on a five-year contract with Baltimore Racing Development Corp., which is expected to land a deal with the Indy Racing League. As this is the lead story on Indycar.com (http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/37225-baltimore-race-moves-closer-to-green-flag/), it does not appear that landing a deal with the IRL will be an issue.
When you see expectations of 100,000 visitors a year for 5 years, and the potential of $250M to the City via ticket sales, hotel stays and restaurant business – you have to be excited.
Everyone in this City, and in the surrounding Metro should stand-up and applaud the effort that was made here. I will be even more ecstatic if the City can use this as momentum to finish deals for the building of a new Arena, and commits towards building a soccer-specific-stadium capable of housing a Major League Soccer team.
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.