January 2, 2008

Maryland Stadium Authority

MARYLAND STADIUM AUTHORITY
MARTIN O'MALLEY  GOVERNOR        

DAVID A. RAlTH
ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE WAREHOUSE AT CAMDEN YARDS
333 WEST CAMDEN STREET. SUITE 500
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21201-2435
(41 0) 333-1 560 FAX (41 0) 333-1 888

FREDERICK W. PUDDESTER
CHAlRMAN

 MEMBERS

LEONARD J. ATMAN
DENNIS 0. MATHER
OTIS ROLLEY. Ill
VICTORIA ROSELLlNl
HOWARD M. STEVENS, JR.
RICHARD T. STEWART

Maryland Stadium Authority Unveils National Sailing Hall of Fame Study
For Immediate Release
December 10,2007
Contact: Frederick W. Puddester, or
Jan Hardesty, (410) 333-1 560

The Maryland Stadium Authority has released the feasibility study for a
permanent "National Sailing Hall of Fame," envisioned for the Annapolis City
Dock near the United States Naval Academy.

The role of the Stadium Authority, which has coordinated the development of
public use facilities throughout Maryland for the past twenty years, is limited
to studying the scope of the project, evaluating the existing state property and
determining how the facility can best be structured.

Efforts to establish and finance such an attraction began two years ago with the
formation of a non-profit. National Sailing Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc.
includes sailing enthusiasts, community leaders, local maritime business
interests, and ESPN commentator and sailing great Gary Jobson. Their goal is
to promote U.S. sailing achievements, educate the public about the sport in
"America's Sailing Capital," and preserve America's sailing legacy.

In December 2005, NSHOF signed a memorandum of understanding with the
Department of Natural Resources and the City of Annapolis to locate the
museum complex on state property at the end of Prince George Street. In  August, 2006, the Maryland Stadium Authority was asked to perform a feasibilitystudy evaluating the National Sailing Hall of Fame as an appropriate fit for the
property based on site suitability, engineering, economic impact, preliminary
programmatic and design requirements.

In requesting the Stadium Authority's participation with the Department of Natural
Resources and the City of Annapolis, National Sailing Hall of Fame president
Dick Franyo said "Your experience with complicated economic development
projects such as this will provide the team with a valuable resource and roadmap
to further implementation."

MSA contracted a multi-disciplinary team led by RCG Architects. The team
included Lord Cultural Resources, who evaluated exhibit content, Sage Policy
Group, who provided the economic study, and various civil and structural
engineers, surveyors and environmental engineers who studied the site and its
surrounds.

The team met with a long list of stakeholders, including the Maryland Historical
Trust, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
Conference and Visitors Bureau, state and local elected officials, and various
community and business groups.

The study determined the National Sailing Hall of Fame at the Department of
Natural Resources site on City Dock is a feasible venture, can leverage
additional tourism, and enhance downtown Annapolis. The vision of the project
fits well with the waterfront location and the maritime history of the City of
Annapolis.

The study recommends that the board continue working with the Maryland
Historic Trust and the City of Annapolis for guidance in design and scope of the
building. It also suggests they continue meetings with community and business
groups to keep them informed and gain the support necessary to secure funding
for the design phase.

A copy of the Executive Summary of the feasibility study is attached. The study
will be posted on the Maryland Stadium Authority website on this page:

http://www.mdstad.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=110

Preserving America’s Sailing Legacy

Engaging Sailing’s Next Generation


Stay Connected to the National Sailing Hall of Fame