In the aftermath of Friday’s Chelsea vs AC Milan event at M&T Bank Stadium, The Baltimore Sun has an interesting article today about the future of soccer in Baltimore.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.soccer26jul26,0,5268194.story
Mayor Dixon is quoted as saying she would like to see a 7,000 seat Soccer Specific Stadium south of M&T Bank.
Ravens President Dick Cass stated expressed interest in hosting another International game next summer, after the 2010 World Cup.
Those are both good things to hear.
I would again suggest that the City use this as an opportunity to dream big.
Thinking about planning a Soccer Specific Stadium is excellent news.
Thinking about having only 7,000 seats is limiting yourself as a City.
The idea should be not to make an acceptable home for the United Soccer League’s 2nd division team Crystal Palace FC, but to make a fantastic stadium that could one day house a Major League Soccer team.
Reach out to the Baltimore Lacrosse community, and have a World-class 17,500 to 20,000 seat facility that could house Major League Soccer, and top local lacrosse events.
1st Mariner Bank Chairman Ed Hale wanted the New Baltimore Arena to be built on his Canton Crossing facility. Build a Soccer/Lax facility in Canton instead.
The Baltimore Blast draw 7,500 a game for a medicore product indoors. However, that attendance, combined with what was shown Friday, and the 1,500 that attend Crystal Palace games – shows an audience exists for Soccer in Baltimore.
If you were to build a 7,000 seat-venue, there would be cost associated with that venture. When it was created, there would be an attractive stadium that had no chance to obtain an MLS team.
Do not limit what can be accomplished in Baltimore, dream bigger.
Here are examples of Soccer Specific Stadiums through-out the US:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Crew_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Depot_Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Hut_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Park_(Bridgeview)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick%27s_Sporting_Goods_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_Arena_(MLS)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Houston_Dynamo_stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trails_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Tinto_Stadium
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.