8/20/2003 - Football
City Of Annapolis To Celebrate Navy Football Home Opener
To celebrate the return of the Brigade and the opening of football
season at the United States Naval Academy on August 30th, Mayor Ellen
Moyer is dressing Annapolis in Blue and Gold, and inviting the
Midshipmen to march up Main Street on their way to the stadium.
"I hope the citizens of Annapolis will join me in paying tribute to
the best friends, neighbors, and partners any city could hope to
have," she said in announcing the plans. "As the Brigade makes their
way through town, I hope the streets will be lined with those who
appreciate what this very special institution and their students mean
to us."
In addition to the volunteer activities many Midshipmen perform in
the schools, parks and special projects around town, they also
frequently become members of the extended Annapolis family through the
sponsorship program. Their camps and facilities have long been a part
of growing up in Annapolis, and their public events, like football
season and Commissioning Week, are an integral part of the local
economy.
Leading the Brigade of Midshipmen to the stadium is the Naval Academy
Band, another long time Annapolis favorite, whose summer concerts have
been a staple quality of life feature for almost 30 years.
"We also want to say 'thank you' to the band for all the enjoyment
they give us during the year in their concerts at our dock and at the
Academy," Mayor Moyer added. "They provide an extra dimension to many
of our community celebrations, and an additional cultural outlet for
our citizens."
The newly renovated stadium is itself an example of the symbiotic
relationship of the Academy and City. "Later in the season, we will be
celebrating the groundbreaking for the new recreational the NAAA is
constructing as a part of their stadium landscaping," Mayor Moyer
advised.
The mile long ellipse will be maintained by the City Department of
Recreation and Parks and will be a part of the trail system that
connects with two nationwide trail networks. The stormwater management
that is also a part of the stadium upgrade is credited with addressing
major run-off problems that have plagued city creeks for years.
"The Naval Academy Athletic Association is investing more than a
million dollars in beautifying our city and improving its
environment," she noted. "Later this fall, citizens of Annapolis will
be able to see for themselves just what a difference this makes to our
historic city gateway."
Downtown Annapolis will be festive with N* flags flying from lamp
posts and balloon bouquets, provided by Jaycees, adorning many
businesses. Mayor Moyer is asking the citizens of Annapolis to show
their support in individual ways.
"Almost everyone has a "NAVY" shirt or hat of some kind," she noted.
"This is the day to put it on and wear proudly, wherever you happen to
be. Show your support for the home team on their Opening Day."
She also had suggestions for those who live downtown. "You can put a
decoration on your door, or a pot of gold flowers on your steps," she
noted. "We will be welcoming a lot of visitors to town that weekend,
and we want to let them know we are proud of our long association with
the United States Naval Academy"
The route for the Brigade Parade for August 30th (only) will be: Gate
One to Randall Street, across the City Dock, up Main Street, counter
clockwise around Church Circle to College Avenue, and up Rowe
Boulevard. The procession will begin at noon and is expected to be
about 20 minutes long.
"I hope we have a great turn out from the citizens of Annapolis,"
Mayor Moyer concluded. "Whether you are tailgating, in the stands, or
on the streets, I hope everyone in Annapolis will take this time to
give a rousing 'Go Navy" cheer,"
"And remember 'Beat Army,' too," she added.
