(a) There is an office known as Maryland Sports in the Authority.
(b) Maryland Sports shall implement a program to bring regional, national, and international sporting events at all levels of competition to the State for the purposes of:
(1) utilizing sports facilities in the State;
(2) enhancing the economic development of the State; and
(3) promoting the State as a destination for amateur and professional sporting events.
(c) Maryland Sports shall act as the State’s sports commission for the purpose of the National Association of Sports Commissions.
(d) To carry out the purposes of this section, Maryland Sports may:
(1) notwithstanding any other provision of law, request any State or local government body to provide information and assistance;
(2) notwithstanding any other provision of law, accept a gift, bequest, or grant from a public or private source;
(3) spend funds made available in the State budget;
(4) act as the host committee for regional, national, and international sporting events to be held in whole or in part in the State; and
(5) perform any other act necessary.
(e) Maryland Sports is encouraged to promote private fund–raising by maintaining relationships with each affiliated foundation established under § 10–612 of this subtitle.