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1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore's largest indoor sports and entertainment facility, has long been considered an anchor, which contributed to the growth and prosperity of Baltimore. The facility opened in 1962 and was the cornerstone of the Baltimore Inner Harbor redevelopment. Major renovations occurred in the late 80's. The 1st Mariner Arena is just a short distance from harbor front attractions and major hotels. An 850-car garage is attached to the facility for the convenience of patron parking and there are thousands of additional parking spaces nearby.
1st Mariner Arena began as the Civic Center in 1962. In 1986 the facility was renamed the Baltimore Arena and in 2003 was again renamed 1st Mariner Arena. The official opening of the Civic Center began with a Baltimore Clippers game with entertainment by Paul Anka. From there, the list of stars and guests increased with acts like the Beatles, Elvis, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, the Supremes, and more.
1st Mariner Arena is City-owned facility which hosts an average of 800,000 guests and 120 events annually. One professional sports franchise-- the Baltimore Blast MISL soccer team calls 1st Mariner Arena home. Shows like Sesame Street Live, Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice, Stars on Ice, Monster Jam, Motocross, WWE and more, regularly play the facility each year. The Arena also hosts events such as boxing, basketball, graduations, tennis, comedy shows and other miscellaneous events.
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SMG, a Philadelphia based private facility management company, assumed leadership of 1st Mariner Arena in 1999. Since then the Arena has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment such as Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Toby Keith, The Eagles, Kanye West, Rascal Flatts, U2, Martina McBride, Hilary Duff, the Rolling Stones and more. In April of 2006 1st Mariner Arena will host the 55th Annual Miss USA Competition.
1st Mariner Arena has 11,000 permanent seats (3 levels in a horseshoe shape) facing a 58' deep x 117' wide x 42' high wooden permanent proscenium stage. Temporary seating is used on the floor and/or the stage for various event configurations. With floor seating concert or meeting capacity is 13,500; other shows and sporting events capacities range from 11,000 to 14,000. The Arena can also be curtained down to a 5,000-person capacity with a portable stage house center. The ice system was completely replaced in 1997.
1st Mariner Arena is easily accessible via Interstates 95, 295, 83 and 395 and is located approximately seven miles from Baltimore/Washington International Airport. The light rail and major bus lines stop alongside the facility.
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