Jul 25, 2008 5:49 pm US/Eastern
Hale Talks To WJZ About Arena Plans
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
City planners have announced a new arena will be built in the same spot as the one that's already there.
Ed Hale, who wanted a new arena to go up in Canton, tells Jessica Kartalija he now has his sights set on Baltimore County.
First Mariner Bank CEO Ed Hale talks about the plans for a new arena.
"I'm disappointed that it's not coming here," he said.
Hale, who owns the Baltimore Blast, wanted the arena to be built just off I-95 in Canton.
City planners announced Thursday a new arena will be built downtown in the same place as the old one.
"It's central to downtown. You have Metro, light rail buses, all connecting to that corner, parking garages surrounding it," said Kirby Fowler, president of Downtown Partnership.
The arena will take several years to build and Hale is looking to take his team outside the city, even building his own arena.
He's already ruled out Towson and UMBC as being too small.
"Bottom line is, I am going to find a place for my team to play. And if it has to be in Anne Arundel County or Baltimore County...I've talked to Baltimore County already," said Hale.
The city says it will consider building a temporary arena.
"Ed Hale is a very important person in the community. He's done a lot of great work and so during this time of disruption, there should be a place to play," said Fowler.
The city owns the arena, but Hale has been their biggest tenant. A contract gives him the naming rights to the venue until 2012.
"I have a contractual agreement with them. I have a contractual agreement with SMG Corporation who manages the arena and I have paid for years for rights to advertise in the arena. These are entanglements that have to be worked out," said Hale.
Hale says he is seriously considering building a new arena in the county. He's looking for a location close to I-95 and I-695.
City planners say after a design is approved, it will take at least three to four years for a new arena to be built.
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