Frank Remesch is the general manager of the 1st Mariner Arena, a job he has held for more than 20 years. He is native of Baltimore, a big time sports fan, but when it comes to sports and his arena, he likes his current tenant — the American Indoor Football Association’s Mariners — and that’s about it.

Examiner columnist Jim Williams recently spoke with Remesch regarding the arena’s stance on bringing more teams to the city.

Examiner: The American Hockey League’s Philadelphia Phantoms are looking to relocate. Would the 1st Mariner Arena be interested in having them?

Remesch: No. We have had three minor league hockey teams the Clippers, Skipjacks and the Bandits over the years and none of them were able to make it. I really don't see the Phantoms being any different. Hockey takes up 40 home dates including our prime weekend dates and it is also very expensive. We must have a rink in place and that requires we build a floor on top of it for when it is not in use so we can stage concerts and other events. To be honest, we could have three major concerts that draw 7,500 people each and make more than an entire season of minor league hockey. So, while I will never say never, I will say it is unlikely that we would be interested in the Phantoms.

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Examiner: How about an NBA Developmental League team?

Remesch: We had conversations with the NBA about a D-League team and gave it our best shot. But in the end, we just couldn't give up the weekends. Once again, the amount of money that a D-League team brings in versus the many concerts, entertainment event, trade shows and the circus just does not warrant this arena having a team. We tried college basketball games here and they have not drawn well with the exception of Maryland and they would draw anywhere in the state. We run a bottom-line business and neither an AHL or D-League team would pay the bills the way the concerts and other events do. We are proud of having one of the most successful and profitable buildings on the east coast and we see no reason to change the way we do business.”

Examiner: What about a WNBA team?

Remesch: “We have had some very early conversations with some folks that the league sent our way. It is way too early to say anything definitive but the fact that they play a summer schedule, a WNBA team might make some sense for us. But we are along way away saying anything other than we are talking. Let me again say that I am a huge sports fan and if we could make money off sports in this building we would. We are very happy with the 15 Blast games a season and the eight or so Mariners games. That is a good mix for us.”

Examiner: So what does that mean for minor league sports in Baltimore?

Remesch: “Baltimore fans like pro sports. They will go down to Washington and watch the Wizards and the Caps. We have never really been a town that supports the minor leagues. Here at the 1st Mariner Arena we have been successful because we have a building that seats 14,000 but can be used for smaller concerts, stage shows, trade shows and other forms of entertainment. We can actually beat New York, Philadelphia and Washington in the mid-range concert and entertainment business. That is why unless sports pays, and most minor league sports don’t, we don't do it. Baltimore is too good a concert and traveling entertainment city.”

Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer.