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For Immediate Release: May 14, 2007
Contact: M. J. Brodie, President, Baltimore Development Corporation
Alison L. Asti, Executive Director, Maryland Stadium Authority The Maryland Stadium Authority has completed a feasibility study for a new Baltimore arena. The study was requested and funded by a group of interested agencies and stakeholders, including the Baltimore Development Corporation, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, the Greater Baltimore Committee, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, and the Westside Renaissance.
The Stadium Authority’s participation was approved by the Budget committees of the General Assembly. After reviewing a number of proposals in a competitive process, MSA selected the project team of KPMG and Odell Associates. The study focuses on the existing arena site. A market and financial analysis cited the ongoing success of the existing facility, opened in 1962 as the Baltimore Civic Center. Despite its age, the city-owned facility hosts a wide range of activities throughout the year, attracting approximately 600,000 in attendance and generating an estimated $47.2 million in economic impact and $3.7 million in tax revenues each year. The current arena is operated and programmed by SMG, and counts the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team as one of its tenants. The project team concluded that, while the structure continues to function, it is becoming operationally inefficient and increasingly obsolete. Many of the mechanical and electrical systems are original. Eventually, the arena’s market share will erode while maintenance costs and frequency of repairs will increase. In addition, the study anticipates that the growing obsolescence of the arena’s systems could someday lead to an interruption of operations or interference with shows. The project team also looked at the current design. The team found it is not competitive with newer facilities. Obstructed sightlines, the rectangular shape of the seating plan, tight corridors, small bathrooms and a cramped concourse level are among the dated features. Also, the existing building does not integrate well with the neighborhood, with the entire Howard Street side devoid of activity at the street level. The consultants suggest that the arena “represents one of the last major public facilities that has not been addressed within the urban core.” They conclude that a new arena could be built on the present site if the adjacent parking garage and surface lot are included in the footprint. The consultants recommend that if a new Baltimore Arena were constructed, it should have permanent seating for 15,000-16,000 to accommodate the concerts and family shows proven to be reliable attractions. The study concludes that while renovating the existing arena is a possibility, this could not correct most of the shortcomings. Also, it would not be significantly less costly than building a new arena. Estimated costs of expansion/renovation range from $120 million to $135 million. New construction is estimated from $128 million to $160 million in 2007 dollars. Costs will be higher when a new arena is built. “The City, in partnership with the State of Maryland, has created one of the nation’s best sports complexes in Baltimore’s expanding downtown, “ Baltimore Development Corporation President M. J. “Jay” Brodie commented. “There is one missing piece -- replacing the out-of-date arena with a new facility equal to the quality of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M & T Bank Stadium. Now is the time!" Downtown Partnership of Baltimore president Kirby Fowler agreed. “The arena has been an asset to downtown, drawing thousands of visitors to our neighborhood each year,” he said. “However, now is the time to start planning to replace this aging arena and create a state-of-the-art venue that attracts even more visitors.” “All options should be explored in terms of programming and location of the new arena,” he added, “although downtown and the stadium district have obvious advantages.” The facility would have a far-reaching effect on more than the local economy. “It’s important to recognize that a new arena would be a resource for the entire region, not just Baltimore City,” said Donald C. Fry, president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. “It’s essential that we have a centrally-located, state-of-the-art venue of larger capacity to accommodate sports events, attract name concert performers, and host popular cultural and family-oriented events –– all of which enhance our region’s quality of life.” Maryland Stadium Authority Chairman Robert L. McKinney praised the effort. " MSA's study provides the critical information City and State leaders need," he noted. “Now they can decide the best way to move forward in the development of a 21st century arena designed to meet the demands of today's, and tomorrow's, marketplace.” The next step in the process will be issuing a formal Request for Expression of Interest. The Baltimore Development Corporation, on behalf of the City, will solicit for private sector interest in the project. Such interest may include other suggested sites as well as funding options. Baltimore Development Corporation and the Maryland Stadium Authority will evaluate these proposals. The study was funded by contributions from: The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
The Baltimore Development Corporation
City Crescent Limited Partnership
The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.
The Greater Baltimore Committee
Mercantile Bankshares Corporation
The University of Maryland Baltimore
Venable, LP
The Westside Renaissance, Inc. |
