Harlem Globetrotters Perform In Grand Opening Of Tiger Arena

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ)--There's something new on the campus of Towson University, and its grand opening is just hours away.

Ron Matz has a sneak preview of the brand new $70 million Tiger Arena.

As only they can, the Harlem Globetrotters traveled 7.7 miles from the Inner Harbor to Towson, where they'll open the new Tiger Arena.

"I walked in here and looked at it and said 'Wow.' I was here a month ago when it was under construction. It seats 5,200, and it's a beautiful place," said Bull Bullard of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Mike Harris, the university's senior associate athletic director, calls the 5,200 seat arena a game changer.

"We've been able to take what I think is an NBA facility and right size it for Towson," Harris said. "It's a way for us to increase revenues and ticket sales. It's building the Towson brand in the Baltimore community."

It's hoped that this new building will bring back old friends: the estimated 80,000 Towson alumni in the area.

"We're looking to bring in a local concert, a garden show. We could do a small convention. This is a community building," Harris said.

Just like Oriole Park and M &T Bank Stadium, the new Tiger Arena features several luxury suites.

"You want to be able to reach out to all people in the community, including those corporate partners who are interested in having those luxury items, the suites. We've put together some of the best suites in the country. They match up with anything you see at the Nationals game, the Orioles game or Ravens game," Harris said.

The game changer starts with the Harlem Globetrotters.

"The games start at 7 p.m., and it's great," Bullard said.

The Harlem Globetrotters will be at the new Tiger Arena for three nights starting Wednesday.