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Nov 30, 2007 11:19 pm US/Eastern
Hundreds Attend Army/Navy Pep Rally
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Fans have fun at the Army/Navy Pep Rally at the Inner Harbor.
CBS
It's been a long time coming, seven years to be exact.
For the first time since 2000, the Army-Navy game will kickoff in Charm City.
Kathryn Brown reports the final preparations are being made at M&T Bank Stadium.
A full day of festivities Friday built up to Saturday's kickoff at the stadium.
More than 70,000 fans are preparing to pack M&T Bank Stadium for the 108th matchup between Army and Navy.
"This game is completely unpredictable. There's so much emotion and energy from both teams," said one fan.
Pep rallies and fight songs fill the day.
"We are so excited to beat Army again this year," said a Navy cheerleader.
The Army-Navy game brings about $20 million into the city of Baltimore.
"We have a lot of sailors that we brought in from Norfolk, Va., and they're gonna have a wonderful time just enjoying the game and enjoying Baltimore," said one man.
As night falls, loud cheers gave way to a star-packed gala.
"This is akin to almost like the Superbowl or some huge major league event here in our city," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "To see all of the tradition coming together here in Baltimore. There's not a better city for the Army-Navy game than Baltimore."
All the fun is building up to a football game that's much more than just a football game.
"It's explained as a nationwide game because there's people all over the country who have relatives, family members, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, grandparents that have been in the Army or Navy, and it draws a lot of support," said another fan.
If Navy wins for the sixth straight time, they once again earn the commander in chief's trophy and a trip to the White House to meet with President Bush.
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