Sports

Preakness May Have to Leave Baltimore for Laurel to Stay in MD

THE AFRO — Baltimore may have to rely on the CIAA Basketball Tournament to recoup whatever the city may lose in tourism dollars if the Preakness moves to Laurel in 2021. Despite pleas to keep the second jewel of the Triple Crown in Charm City, Laurel Race Track appears to be the choice of The Stronach Group, who owns both venues, but wants grow the track that sits on the edge of Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties into a “super track” in the near future.

Published

7 years ago

April 15, 2019

Oakland Post

By Mark F. Gray

Baltimore may have to rely on the CIAA Basketball Tournament to recoup whatever the city may lose in tourism dollars if the Preakness moves to Laurel in 2021. Despite pleas to keep the second jewel of the Triple Crown in Charm City, Laurel Race Track appears to be the choice of The Stronach Group, who owns both venues, but wants grow the track that sits on the edge of Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties into a “super track” in the near future.

Baltimore acting Mayor Jack Young implored the state legislature last week to quash a bill that would continue funding for the Stronach Group, who has been guaranteed $87.2 million in Gov. Hogan’s 2019 budget to spend on racing facilities. However, according to reports, the company has spent $14.3 million at Laurel and only $1.4 million at Pimlico.

The premiere HBCU basketball tournament traditionally brings an impact of $50 million to the city of Charlotte, who Baltimore won the bid from in February. If the Preakness moves 26 miles south and the basketball tournament proves successful, the tourism and hospitality impact could prove to be negligible.

However, Baltimore’s loss may be Laurel’s gain. Laurel could possibly get a boost from the Stronach Group’s plans to consolidate its facilities there and they have been very public about wanting to turn Laurel Race Track into an entertainment destination whether the Preakness moves or not. The group has made it known that it would like to host the Breeders Cup at the track, but that would require state lawmakers to approve an additional $120 million for upgrades at the property.

The state’s 2019 budget allocation to use on racing facilities comes from a state Racetrack Facility Renewal Account that is paid through casino slot games.

According to reports, the Maryland Stadium Authority estimates repairs and new construction around Pimlico would cost $434 million. Laurel Race Track needs $120 million to repair the barn area, modernize the clubhouse and relocate the wetlands on the property, but the Stronach Group wants the state to provide that money too.

However, Laurel also has its own concerns. Residents of the community have traditionally complained they weren’t interested in dealing with more traffic in the area where MD Rt. 198 extends from Fort Meade past Baltimore Washington Parkway to US Rt. 1. The two lane roadways in each direction have become congested in recent years thanks to housing communities being constructed and the emphasis on retail business.

“It would probably mean things get tighter in the area,” said Mr. W., a 30-year resident from Baltimore who didn’t want to be identified by the AFRO since he’s a government contractor. “I could see it benefitting the area because there’s a lot of redevelopment going on around here. I would hate to see the Preakness leave Baltimore though.”

The race track has also been under scrutiny from Maryland Jockey Club and state lawmakers, who have been evaluating conditions for employees who live there. Baltimore state Delegate Nick Mosby and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman lead a contingent that toured the facility on April 5.

However, if bringing Breeder’s Cup races to Maryland truly is a goal, each of Maryland’s century old racing facilities needs major renovations. Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., home of the Kentucky Derby, and Belmont Park in New York, which hosts the Belmont Stakes are entertainment venues with activities that attract more than gamblers who bet on races.

“I support improvement of Laurel and turning that into an entertainment destination, regardless of whether the Preakness moves,” Pittman said.

This article originally appeared in The Afro.

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.