BALTIMORE, Md. – The Baltimore Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and Towson University officials are pleased to announce today that the Bayhawks will play their six home games during the 2004 season at Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University. This is a move for the team to one of the newest and best-designed facilities for lacrosse in greater Baltimore. The stadium currently serves as the home field for Towson University's football, men's and women's lacrosse and field hockey teams. At 11,198 seats, it is the third largest outdoor venue in the Baltimore metropolitan area after M&T Bank Stadium (69,084) and Oriole Park at Camden Yards (48,000).
"The Bayhawks are pleased to partner with Towson University and understand the responsibility to both the University and the community to put on a fan friendly, family oriented production that will make us all proud," Bayhawks Owner/Operator Dave Pivec said.
In addition to many improvements that were made to the recently renovated stadium, a four-level field house was built at the stadium's west end. The field house provides Towson's student-athletes with an outstanding facility. It includes spacious, modern locker rooms for each of the sports that use the stadium, a state-of-the-art sports medicine facility, classrooms, conference rooms, an upscale equipment room, an academic resource center, a room for video editing and office space for coaches.
Designed to increase exterior scenic views of the stadium and the surrounding area, the field house includes windows that provide outstanding views of the stadium's interior.
The Minnegan Room can accommodate up to 200 guests at social functions ranging from pre-game and post-game parties and sports banquets to fund-raising events.
A four-level press box rises high above the south side of the stadium. A separate VIP level is located below the main media floor, which has space for 35 members of the press in addition to separate areas for two radio stations and coaches. Each booth can comfortably seat six people. Two additional booths for electronic media are located on the VIP level along with the stadium's operations booth. The top floor, or camera deck, is the primary location for television broadcasts and game filming.
The complex is named for two sports legends - a coach and educator who served Towson University for over 40 years and a former professional football player who is widely considered to be the greatest NFL quarterback of all-time.
Donald "Doc" Minnegan was a teacher, coach, physical education department chairman and Director of Athletics at Towson University for more than four decades. His soccer teams were highly successful, winning a total of 156 games. His teams were a combined 66-11 during a seven-year stretch from 1930-1936, including a school record 34 straight. His coaching tutelage led Towson to titles in baseball, basketball, track and swimming, as well as soccer.
"Doc" was inducted into the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's Hall of Fame in 1992. He passed away in 2002, just two weeks shy of his 100th birthday.
The stadium carried Minnegan's name from its opening in 1978 until the renovation. In accordance with that tribute, the field remains Minnegan Field in his memory.
Johnny Unitas also had a deep connection with the Towson University family. The former Baltimore Colt was the parent of three Towson University students. Several weeks prior to his untimely death, Unitas began to serve as community liaison for the Towson athletics program. His role was to assist the university in obtaining a naming rights partner for the new stadium complex. However, the legendary Golden Arm died suddenly on September 11, 2002, less than a week after participating in ceremonies to commemorate the opening of the new complex.
High spirits returned to Towson when Sandy Unitas chose to assume her husband's role with the university. Along with Johnny's two youngest children who were students at Towson, Sandy sought to memorialize her husband's legacy by inspiring and persuading others to have the stadium named in his honor. As a testimony to her efforts and Johnny's heroic reputation, the stadium was officially dedicated as Johnny Unitas Stadium on October 11, 2003.
"We know that lacrosse is tremendously popular with many people in the greater Baltimore community, and thus we're very excited to welcome the Bayhawks and local lacrosse fans to our campus this summer," Towson University President Dr. Robert L. Caret said. "Unitas Stadium will be a great experience for players and public alike. It's a fabulous facility. I welcome putting it on the map for Major League Lacrosse fans."
The Bayhawks will be playing in their third different venue since the team's inception in 2001. Baltimore has played two seasons at Homewood Field on the campus of Johns Hopkins University and played its home games during the 2002 season at M&T Bank Stadium in Downtown Baltimore. With just over two months left before the season starts, the Bayhawks have sold over 8,500 tickets.
"Baltimore is rich in lacrosse tradition," said David Gross, Major League Lacrosse's Chief Operating Officer. "Johnny Unitas Stadium continues that tradition and stands as the best venue for Major League Lacrosse in the area."
"We are thrilled with the efforts of the Baltimore Bayhawks organization, knowing that they have already sold more tickets for the upcoming 2004 season than were sold in all of 2003. This clearly shows the organization is moving in a direction to be one of the most successful in this League."
The Bayhawks will play their first game at Unitas Stadium on Thursday, May 27, when they host the Boston Cannons, with game-time set for 7:00 p.m.
The Bayhawks finished the 2003 season with an 8-5 record and look forward to an even better season in their new home. For 2004 ticket information, including group and season tickets, please call 1-866-99-HAWKS or visit www.baltimorebayhawks.com.
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