The Baltimore Blast is back-to-back Major Arena Soccer League champions. If they’re going win a third straight title, it’s going to be in a new home.
After 37 years at the building now known as Royal Farms Arena, the Blast is moving to SECU Arena on the campus of Towson University.
“I have mixed emotions. It’s not something we’ve taken lightly. Moving from there, with all the great memories, into a place that looks like this, we’re really pumped up,” said Blast Owner Ed Hale. “I think it’s going to be loud and crazy. I think it’s going to be a fun experience.”
The Blast has signed a three-year lease to play at Towson. I’m told Royal Farms Arena officials wanted the team to stay. But ownership and the city had their differences. Hale said the move north brings the club closer to its core fans.
“Our audience is right here from Essex around to Westminster. Even people from the Eastern Shore want to come here,” said Hale.
Head coach Danny Kelly said the goal is to try and replicate the same home field advantage his team had at Royal Farms.
“That was a difficult place to come and play for opposing teams. But we hope to recreate that situation here at SECU,” said Kelly while standing on what will be his new home field. “It’s a beautiful arena. It’s going to be a great, intimate setting with the fans being so close to the field.”
The players can’t wait for that.
“I like it. If I just scored a goal right here, I can go, and there’s fans all over here and there,” said Blast Forward Vini Dantas while walking around where the goals will stand.
The Blast averaged about 6,000 fans per game at Royal Farms Arena last season. SECU Arena, for indoor soccer, will hold around 4,000 fans.
Ticket prices to go to a game are going to increase by an average of $7 per seat. Parking will be included with the price of admission.
The first game for the Blast at SECU Arena is going to be on November 10.
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