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.

Shriver's 25th -- And Final -- Tennis Challenge

The Pam Shriver Tennis Challenge will end this year, as reported by The Baltimore Sun's Sandra McKee. A charity-fundraising institution bows out this November 17th. For more information on additional events (held separately) such as a celebrity pro-am and a 'Toast to the Silver Anniversary', go here.

Mariners' Future In Doubt

Baltimore's indoor football team might be finished, this just after winning the league championship. Rich Scherr reports in the September 4th Baltimore Sun, that the "entire front office resigned" and "league officials … have yet to secure ownership." It is reported that Dwayne Wells was charged with embezzling over $100,000 from his employer to pay for part ownership in Baltimore's AIFA team.

Mildly Interesting Arena News

The Baltimore Business Journal reports that the Baltimore city government is considering a plan to merger arena, arts, convention and tourism agencies to save money.

Profile of Arena's General Manager

Baltimore Magazine's John Lewis has written a very nice article profiling Frank Remesch, the general manager of 1st Mariner Arena.

Arena: Best of It's Size

Sam Sessa's Midnight Sun blog posting of Billboard magazine's top rating.