"Field of Schemes" Take On Recent Arena News

Neil deMause over at Field of Schemes (the pre-eminent arena and stadium website) has a great update on recent developments for Baltimore's plan to "build a new arena, a hotel on top of it, and an expanded Baltimore Convention Center".

Holy Crap!

Finally something to talk about: Willard Hackerman offers to build arena! Also, nice "Before and After" interactive photo on today's Baltimore Sun homepage.

Arena's General Manager Profiled

Another great profile of 1st Mariner Arena's general manager, Frank Remesch in today's Baltimore Sun. Writer Chris Kaltenbach touches on the arena's history and its future as well. There's great inside scoop from Remesch regarding the deal he made to get the Rolling Stones to play there in 2006. The arena made little money on the show, but Remesch knew that the concert's impact would help the arena in the long term.

Rumor: NHL's Capitals To Play Preseason Game at Arena

The Capital's look to increase their presence in Baltimore by playing a preseason game here next fall. It is assumed that game would be played at the 1st Mariner Arena. BaltimoreSportsReport.com picked up the story from a Nestor Aparicio's Facebook posting.

The Blog Is Back!

Three months of down-time for the blog were not a big deal apparently.

The Baltimore Sun and Baltimore Business Journal reported on Towson University's announced plans for "Tiger Arena". Look for ground-breaking sometime in May.

More Details About The Newly Proposed Site

The current Sheraton would be rebuilt, of course. And bigger. And connected to the convention center.

Now, what about the Old Otterbein Church? Not mentioned yet. Dare I say eminent domain? On a church? The first question I have: is it still there?

Move It Down & To The Right A Little

I go away for a few days and, wow, someone ("city officials") wants to move the location of the new Baltimore Arena.

For those of you just tuning in, a new arena is set to be built on the site of the existing one, once there's is money to pay for it. Obviously, choosing a different site would allow the First Mariner Arena to operate while the new one is under construction. Also mentioned is that an arena that is physically connected to the convention center would allow for bigger conventions.

City councilman William H. Cole, IV says in the November 11th Baltimore Sun, "…city officials shouldn't pin their hopes on luring a major league basketball or hockey team…because neither sport appears poised to expand." Thank you, councilman!

The next day the Maryland Daily Record reported more specific plans: tear down the Sheraton at 300 S. Charles Street, its parking garage and part of the older, eastern half of the convention center and build it there.

Dan Rodricks discussed the topic with Don Fry of the Greater Baltimore Committee, Sun architecture critic Ed Gunts, and architect Klaus Phillipsen of ArchPlan Inc., Philipsen Architects on his WYPR Midday show this past Monday. Listen to it here.