Start with the location. You’re in Annapolis, for heavens sake. One of the most beautiful and historic college towns in the country. Even before the game, you’ll want to wander through the colonial seaport that has been home to the Naval Academy since 1845. You'll definitely want to return for dinner afterwards.
When I worked for the city, we started the practice of dressing downtown on game weekends. You’ll see N* and Brigade of Midshipmen flags flying atop baskets of flowers on the street lamps of the Historic District. The shops and restaurants will be filled, starting Friday afternoons, as the Class of Whatever (there’s always someone having a reunion) or the parents of some underclassman (they’re always around, too) mosey from one event to the next.
They’re easy to spot, because invariably they’re dressed in blue and gold with large pins proclaiming their affiliation. And they always have shopping bags, God bless ‘em. Annapolis retailers love Navy games almost as much as restaurateurs.
A few hours before the game, you’ll see a steady migration from the Historic District towards the stadium. Yes, it’s close enough to walk and a lot of people prefer that to parking on site, particularly if they’re staying at a downtown hotel or B&B. It’s a pleasant stroll, past the State House and Governor’s Mansion, and across College Creek by St. John’s.
One thing you’ll notice is bedsheets with spirit slogans hanging from strange places. Greetings from this company or that squad. They’ve been placed there by recon artists who slip over the wall Friday night to hang their words of encouragement for the Brigade and players to see on their way to the game. Some of them are hilarious. The Mids may be limited in art supplies, but they are ever resourceful with materials at hand. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear a story about how the banners were made and who engineered them in place.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, celebrating its 50th birthday this month, was renovated a few years ago. The bowl was completely retrofitted, with suites and banquet facilities added to upper decks.
The most amazing upgrades were to the grounds, aka Tailgate Heaven. The entire complex was beautifully landscaped, including acres of grass where there was once only cinders. This turf parking lot offers a prime location for the true tailgaters who serve out of their trunks. You’ll see games of catch and even a little soccer going on over here.
As part of the renovation, NCAA constructed a walking trail around the stadium. This mile+ ellipse bordered with gardens and trees has become a tailgating concourse, with tables and small canopies dotting its perimeter. Very convenient for gladhandling on the tailgate circuit. The proverbial moveable feast.
(Note: Tailgating at Navy-Marine Corps stadium is not confined to football season. You see elaborate spreads at lacrosse matches, the Ten Mile Run, walkathons and other events staged during the year -- including USNA Commissioning. I’ve even seen tailgaters before demonstrations at the Maryland General Assembly. It's a part of our heritage. Yes, George Washington tailgated here.)
The true NavyFest area, where large parties and corporate tents are located, is the prime stretch between the stadium and Taylor Avenue. This is where you watch the parade of Midshipmen as they march from the Academy to the game. It’s always a stirring experience, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
My boys were thrilled by the parades when they were little. They loved hearing “Anchors Aweigh” as the band marched into view, followed by the Brigade of Midshipmen, Bill the Goat, and a tiny battleship that patrols the field. They cheered wildly when some Mids threw Tootsie Rolls as they passed (sorry, kids - they don’t allow that anymore.) But for them, the best part was getting buzzed by a Navy Tomcat or watching skydivers sail onto the field right before the game. They would talk about it for days.
They always wanted to sit on the hill, above the cannon that blasted whenever Navy scored. That way, they got to watch the Plebes run out for their pushups. (It also made panhandling more candy from the Brigade easier. Navy games infused more sugar in those two than Halloween.)
Even fans who aren’t part of a tailgate crowd can be a part of the culinary experience. There are pregame parties in the NavyFest area you can purchase tickets for. This weekend, it’s an all you can eat crab feast. Can you imagine such fun at that school overlooking the Hudson?
Navy football is all about pageantry, pride, and tradition. It’s also about family –the Fleet that comprises the Navy universe and the generations of naval officers who began service to their country here. It’s also about Annapolis families like mine, who grew up with the Academy as the best friends and neighbors any town could ever have.
So Saturday I’ll be in game gear – blue and gold rugby shirt, navy blue leggings and enormous gold anchors in the ears and around the neck. I may even paint my face or stick on a tattoo.
(Yes, it still embarrasses the boys, even after all these years.)
GO NAVY !!!
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