The ACC men?s lacrosse tournament could be out, while another high-profile college football game such as Maryland vs. Navy or a regular-season lacrosse doubleheader are some potential future events being considered for M&T Bank Stadium, said a high-ranking Baltimore Ravens official Tuesday.
Ravens Senior Vice President for Business Ventures Dennis M. Mannion told the Camden Yards Sports and Entertainment Commission that poor attendance this year, along with the uncertain future of Duke?s mens lacrosse program, is forcing the franchise to consider whether to renew its relationship with the ACC. Only 5,739 people turned out April 30 to watch the Virgina men beat Maryland in the tourney finals.
Mannion discussed possible future events for M&T Bank Stadium, including establishing a matchup of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, much like Southern and Grambling State have in the Bayou Classic. However, previous attempts by the Ravens to start such an event have been unsuccessful.
“We would love to host such an event, but I lost confidence in our ability to get out there and market such an event effectively,” said Mannion,who is also a commission member.
The 30-member commission, a recently-formed arm of the Maryland Stadium Authority, is confident that with its diverse group of government, business and sports representatives it can help make events like an HBCU football classic a reality. In addition, the commission wants to show a cohesive, organized front to ensure that current events such as the NCAA lacrosse tournament continues to return to Baltimore.
“Just having this body shows something to those outside Baltimore,” commission President Gregory J. Smith said. “When someone wants to plan an event here, we need to show that Baltimore can make it happen, do it well. ”
Commission member and Towson University AD Wayne Edwards said such a commission is needed to attract events to the Camden Yards complex so outside groups know who they can turn to for assistance.
“I see a lot of potential here,” said Edwards, who offers perspective as an athletic director, an NCAA selection committee member and now as a commissioner.
STADIUM PLANS
» Navy and Notre Dame will play its annual football contest at M&T Bank Stadium in 2006 and 2008. In addition, Baltimore will host the 2007 Army/Navy game and NCAA men?s lacrosse championships. Oct. 28 is the date for Navy vs. Notre Dame this year.
» Commission members discussed a number of other potential sporting events and concerts for the Camden Yards complex, including a Washington Capitals hockey game, the NCAA soccer championships and/or a professional soccer exhibition game involving an international team such Manchester United. These were just suggestions and there is nothing officially in the works for any of these proposals.
