It was a move not without risk for the Baltimore Blast.
Leaving the spacious, older Royal Farms Arena downtown for the smaller, newer SECU Arena on the campus of Towson University.
Through two games Blast owner Ed Hale is more than happy with the way it’s gone so far.
"The reception that we have gotten here has been overwhelmingly positive," said Hale. "There's a few people that don't like it because they have to travel a little bit farther from southern Baltimore. However, people love it."
Hale said revenues are up, season ticket renewals are around the same and they’ve come close to selling out the almost 4,000 seats for both home games.
"I think it's a lot more fun here than it was downtown and I've got unbelievable, great memories downtown at the arena. But at the same time, it was time for us to go and we left," said Hale.
He said his relationship with the city started to sour over a contract for the billboards outside the arena. Then they wanted to raise his rent to play downtown. A representative from Royal Farms Arena told ABC2 News reporter Shawn Stepner the Blast leaving was tough but it’s worked out for all parties involved.
Hale said with the move security on the way into their venue and around the building has increased as well and fans feel safer now.
"I'm really glad, based on what's happened in the city, that I have left. Because people were getting a little bit skeptical about coming downtown," added Hale.
He said the biggest drawback to SECU is that many people still don’t know where it is located. He’s trying to add more signage around Towson to change that.
The Blast returns home for games on Friday and Saturday nights. The defending Major Arena Soccer Leauge champions are currently 2-1 on the season.
Both wins came at home, including the season-opener over Cedar Rapids 8-7.
All three games have been decided by one goal.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerABC2 and Facebook
