3 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

Testudo Times: Point/Counter Terps Games Off-Campus

 

For annual game at M&T or FedEx: http://www.testudotimes.com/2013/7/16/4526410/point-counterpoint-should-maryland-plan-annual-games-in-baltimore

 

Against: http://www.testudoti...ames-off-campus

[Oriole85]

I'll say what I've said before: if Maryland wants to be a football force, they won't be playing at NFL stadiums for home games on a regular basis. Once every now and then, sure. FedEx is in the same county as Byrd and M&T isn't too far away either. The idea that they have to reach either the DC or Baltimore base isn't a good one IMO. I have no problem with the neutral site games against Navy. I get the business reasons for moving the games, it's still sacrificing homefield advantage.

[BSLMikeLowe]

The original link in the "For" column appears broken. Here's a new one.

 

http://www.testudoti...es-in-baltimore

 

As for the subject matter, one more point against: UM has already recently sunk millions into upgrading Byrd Stadium with luxury suites and seating, which are to be paid off via sales. Moving your marquee games out of that stadium is not going to help the cause. And furthermore, they apparently have plans on the drawing board (but no timetable) to upgrade it even further (lower the field to improve the view and value of seats in the front rows, and west endzone seating expansion). Again, moving your best games elsewhere does not speed up that timetable. Showing off improvements like that to your stadium will likely have an impression on recruits, as it indicates you are building something bigger and they will be a part of it. Showing them pictures of M&T and FedEx, probably not so much.

 

EDIT: Just saw, that wasn't mentioned until the very end.

[Oriole85]

The original link in the "For" column appears broken. Here's a new one.

 

http://www.testudoti...es-in-baltimore

 

As for the subject matter, one more point against: UM has already recently sunk millions into upgrading Byrd Stadium with luxury suites and seating, which are to be paid off via sales. Moving your marquee games out of that stadium is not going to help the cause. And furthermore, they apparently have plans on the drawing board (but no timetable) to upgrade it even further (lower the field to improve the view and value of seats in the front rows, and west endzone seating expansion). Again, moving your best games elsewhere does not speed up that timetable. Showing off improvements like that to your stadium will likely have an impression on recruits, as it indicates you are building something bigger and they will be a part of it. Showing them pictures of M&T and FedEx, probably not so much.

 

EDIT: Just saw, that wasn't mentioned until the very end.

Another error: in the against column they mention FedEx seating 91k. Dave probably forgot about FedEx's downsizing.

 

I completely agree with you on the suites. If you aren't get to go to the marquee game(s), it's not as big of a draw for perspective buyers.