Nov 20, 2007 7:31 pm US/Eastern
Army-Navy Game Returns To Baltimore Next Weekend
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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The game returns to Baltimore next weekend.
It's called America's game. After a seven year absence, the Army-Navy game heads back to Baltimore next weekend.
Gigi Barnett reports that means millions for Baltimore businesses.
A packed stadium with thousands of fans in the stands and one of football's greatest rivalries between Army and Navy are coming back to Charm City.
"In the stands, it probably will be divided ticket-wise, but it sure does seem like a home game, being that it's only 30 minutes down the road. We always love coming to Baltimore," said Navy head coach Paul Johnson.
Now hotels are booked, restaurants are ready and the city is poised to make more than $19 million on the game.
"We were excited about it," said Tracy Baskerville. "It just really puts a spotlight on Baltimore."
And that spotlight is a national one, which could mean more visitors after the final touchdown. But while fans are in Baltimore, the goal is to lure them to the city's main attractions. There's a special Army-Navy brochure with coupons and listings of free events to do just that.
"This is more than a game. We're going to have a three-day celebration with a number of free activities open to everyone," said Mayor Sheila Dixon.
Baltimore has waited seven years for Army and Navy to return. The last time they hit the gridiron in Baltimore was back in 2000. The teams remembered it and asked for a replay.
"This is the game for us every year and we put a lot of emphasis and pride in playing for the Commander in Chief Trophy every year and to do it right down the street in Baltimore is really special," Johnson said.
The Army and Navy will both have ships, helicopters and displays open to fans before the game next Saturday.
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