From the Sun:
1st Mariner named best arena of its size in the U.S.
The 1st Mariner Arena is the top arena of its size in the U.S., according to industry publications Billboard Magazine and Venues Today.
After a star-studded year which included performances from Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce and Jay-Z, the aging venue took the No. 1 spot for arenas with capacities from 10,001 to 15,000.
The results were based on the number of tickets sold and gross revenue, according to Frank Remesch, 1st Mariner's general manager.
"We had a heck of a run this year," Remesch said. "I wouldn't say I'm surprised, but I'm proud. ... This is a neat feeling." ...
Last year, Billboard Magazine named 1st Mariner No. 3, behind Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City and the MGM Grand's Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This year's award shows that Baltimore is finally coming out of Washington's shadow and establishing itself as a legitimate market for A-list bands, Remesch said.
"It says more about Baltimore than it does about the arena," Remesch said. "If people from Baltimore and the surrounding area keep supporting the events, I can keep bringing better events. It's an endless good cycle."
