What is not mentioned in this story, but was in the fall of 2007, is another, significant reason why they can't build on the current site: where do the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team, the circus, the concerts and the ice shows go for the two or three years it takes to build a new arena?
The economic loss of those bookings would be significant. Or so it is thought. During professional sport strikes and lock-outs, reports here and here have shown that people will just take their entertainment dollar elsewhere. It is likely suburbanites will spend their money outside of Baltimore, which isn't good for the health of the city.
There is speculation that if the circus and ice shows skip Baltimore during the construction, it might take years for them to return, as a number of cities vie for these attractions. I do not know if the circus and/or the ice shows have long-term contracts with specific arenas.
Obviously, the Baltimore business community would love to have an entire block (the present site) to develop as a bridge between downtown and the current west-side projects, in addition to consolidating the city's sports venues and encouraging retail, entertainment and dining growth south of M&T Stadium (if that is the selected site.)
Does Baltimore need a new arena? Yes, I think so.
I'm all for it, as long as it:
1. Isn't publicly funded.
2. Is Esthetically pleasing.
3. Does not result in the destruction of great old brick buildings (warehouses, foundries, machine shops, etc.) that really put the "charm" in Charm City.
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