Baltimore has been awarded the 2014 Men's Lacrosse Championships by the NCAA. The games will be played at M&T Bank Stadium on Memorial Day weekend (May 24-26, 2014). This will mark the sixth time these tournament games will be played in Baltimore.
"This is outstanding news," Ravens president Dick Cass said. "We've worked hard to have great events like this at M&T Bank Stadium, and it was truly a team effort. The Maryland Stadium Authority, Maryland's Department of Business and Economic Development and the City of Baltimore all contributed to secure this event."
Cass also applauded four local colleges – John Hopkins University, Loyola University, University of Maryland Baltimore County and Towson University – for their support in bringing the Championships back to Baltimore. The four schools will serve as the collegiate hosts for the three-day tournament.
Baltimore first hosted the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships in 2003 and again in 2004, 2007 and 2010. M&T Bank Stadium will also be the site for the 2011 NCAA men's tournament. Baltimore set the attendance record for this Championship when 147,094 fans attended the three-day event in 2007. The single-day attendance record was set the Saturday of that weekend when 52,004 fans came. Total for the 2010 tournament in Baltimore was 116,289.
Here is reaction from representatives of other groups who helped Baltimore earn this latest tournament:
Martin O'Malley, Governor, State of Maryland
"I'm thrilled that the NCAA will return to Baltimore, the cradle of lacrosse, for the 2014 Men's Championship Tournament. This event belongs here, and we're happy to welcome it back next year and in 2014. Baltimore has clearly demonstrated it is the ideal place for all things lacrosse. The location is central for the majority of teams and followers of the sport, and the fan experiences at Camden Yards and the Inner Harbor make it the ideal choice for families on Memorial Day weekend."
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor, City of Baltimore
"With a deep historic connection to the sport, as well as a strong, loyal fan base, Baltimore is a natural host for the NCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championships. We are very pleased to be named the host for the 2014 finals, and I look forward to welcoming thousands of lacrosse fans to our great city."
John Morton III, Chairman, Maryland Stadium Authority
"The Maryland Stadium Authority is pleased to be a part of the dynamic partnership that continues to bring high profile, well-attended events to Camden Yards. Together with the Ravens, the City of Baltimore and the Office of Sports Marketing, we've been very successful in our bids. These activities provide significant return on our investment by generating revenue from visitors while providing additional entertainment opportunities for our residents."
Terry Hasseltine, Director, Maryland Office of Sports Marketing
"Today is a great day for lacrosse in Maryland! The NCAA's announcement highlights Maryland's commitment to the game of lacrosse. We put a lot of sweat equity into our support for the game, and the NCAA recognized our efforts by awarding us the 2014 NCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championships. With today's announcement, Baltimore, Maryland is already positioned to deliver a first-class event in May 2011, but starting today, we can build on our strategies long-term."
