The Camden Yard Sports Complex is looking to draw big events — and even bigger dollars.  Following the success of the 2007 NCAA Lacrosse Championships and the AST Dew Tour held this past Spring and Summer, the Camden Yards Sports and Entertainment Commission and Maryland Stadium Authority hope to draw more high-profile events.

At the commission’s meeting Thursday, however, one message remained consistent: everyone must do their job to help market Charm City.

“I want everyone on the commission to work, to buy tickets,” said commission chair Paul A. Tiburzi. “We want everyone to pitch in and help promote Baltimore.”

Much of Tiburzi’s presentation focused on the upcoming Army vs. Navy college football game on Dec. 1. Estimated to generate nearly $15 million in economic impact for the city, the commission and Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) emphasized the importance of selling corporate hospitality tents and getting area businesses involved.

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They also discussed the return of the NCAA Lacrosse Championships in 2009. Breaking all-time attendance records this Spring at M&T Bank Stadium, a contingent from the commission is going to Indiana to meet with the NCAA in early August, ready to offer what Baltimore Ravens president Dick Cass called “the largest offer ever made” for the event.

It also looks promising for the AST Dew Tour to return in 2008 and 2009, pending approval of potential conflicting Orioles game dates set by Major League Baseball. The tour, which posted higher attendance in Baltimore (55,000) than its most recent stop, Cleveland, showed what the Camden Yard Sports Complex can do when groups work together, said John P. Angelos, executive vice president of the Orioles.

“We couldn’t be more supportive of how all the organizations are working together,” he said.

Commission looking into bowl bid

With the success of the Navy vs. Notre Dame and Army vs. Navy college football games in Baltimore, the Camden Yards Sports and Entertainment Commission is looking for more.

At a meeting Thursday, the commission gave updates on the feasibility of the hosting a college football bowl game as early as December of 2008 at M&T Bank Stadium. However, with extensive conference tie-ins from schools, and the desire to bring a consistent quality event to Baltimore, the group is also looking ahead to 2009, when all conference affiliated contracts come to an end.

“We are very adamantly looking at a bowl game,” said former Towson University athletic director Dr. R. Wayne Edwards. “But at this time it’s very general for both the short and long term.”
Also on the radar is bringing the Navy vs. Maryland college football game scheduled for 2010, to a neutral stadium Baltimore to draw more fans. In 2005, Maryland beat Navy in the local rivalry game held at M&T Bank Stadium.

dcarey@baltimoreexaminer.com