The Last Fling of Fall

Thanks to Arlene, my kayaking buddy, I didn't have to endure a season without visiting Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.  Saturday was Senior Day, traditionally held on the last home game.  Emotions are high, pagaentry and ceremony most festive, and the last tailgate with friends always sentimental.

While November weather in Annapolis ranges from brisk to brutal, yesterday was a reprieve.  With the skies sunny and bright, Arlene and I hoofed from downtown to the stadium, which gave us the opportunity to admire all the improvements that have taken place to the facility since the two of us worked for the City a few years ago when the stadium renovations were taking place.

While the environmental enhancements and extensive landscaping have made a huge difference in the appearance of the stadium and its grounds, one of the most popular (and revenue producing) features in that master plan was the installation of a walking trail around the circumference.  Envisioned as a recreational facility for the neighborhood, the trail has also become the grand promenade and prestigious address for tailgaters.  It was amusing to see the large areas between the trail and the access road labeled as "premium" locations.  With the trail loop being a little over a mile and mostly two sided, you can imagine how nicely this neighborhood amenity works into the economic benefits of Navy football.

But strolling is not the only use of the trail, as you can see above.  You never know what kind of action you may encounter between visits with old friends and sharing a cup of cheer.  While wandering through a wooded section of the trail, we encountered a regiment of Scottish pipers, in full regalia and with bonny lasses performing the Highland fling.  Perhaps "Highland" is the operative word here, because it turns out this unlikely image that seemed to emanate from Brigadoon was actually from Highland Falls -- New York.  That tiny hamlet on the Hudson known as the home of West Point.

That's right -- the Long Gray Line now comes in plaid and knee socks.  And no, I didn't ask what was under the kilts.  I can only guess it is Army issue and TSA compliant.

Now it might surprise some of you that a West Point delegation would show up at a Navy home game, but one thing I learned years ago is not to be surprised at anyone who appears in Annapolis.  It is a favorite destinations for about everyone, and when the chance came for the Cadets to perform, they jumped right on it.  (For the record, Navy has a bagpipe troupe too, so they could have been jamming all night in Bancroft Hall. with dueling refrains of "Amazing Grace.")

As always, the game was inspiring.  The stadium, under a full moon, was luminescent. The north tower addition to the upper deck (completed before the season)  adds the perfect finishing touch.

I'm glad I didn't have to go a season without belting a heartfelt "Navy Blue and Gold" and screaming "Beat Army" with a stadium full of fans.  It's a great Maryland experience that everyone should have at least once.

Another Opening, Another Show

That's the Brigade of Midshipmen, mustered in T-Court behind the Navy Band.  In just a few moments, the drum major will lift his mace and they will begin their march to the stadium to the familiar refrain of "Anchors Aweigh."

The annual pagaent that is Navy football in Annapolis has begun.

The opponent on this beautiful but somber Saturday, September 11th, is Georgia Southern.  The game is informally referred to as the "Paul Johnson Bowl" because the former Navy coach  was instrumental in scheduling the meeting between the two schools where he taught the triple option offense.

Tecumsah was decked in patriotic flair.  I've seen him whimsically painted as Elvis and even Bart Simpon, but on this anniversary date, his flag motif seems just right.

Although there's nothing like the experience in the stands at Navy Marine Corps stadium (or the revelry of the tailgates before.) I left before kickoff so I could watch the game at my favorite City Dock spot -- corner stool at corner establishment one block from the Academy.

This has nothing to do with comfort or convenience, mind you.  Truth is, even after seven years of the triple option offense, I can't figure out where the ball is or where it came from without having a commentator explain.  Replays and drawings also help.  With both Navy and Georgia Souther running the triple, I would really be lost without an interpreter.  So my premier spot in front of the flatscreen provided me with all the color and excitement to go along with a birds-eye view of the elusive football.

(NOTE:  This year, the coverage is even better, thanks to the new tower and media platform erected during the off-season.)

And yes, I get to be a part of the home team rooting section because there is always a posse from this "Class of" or that "USS" crew clustered around me.  As I've said many times before -- Navy football is a huge boon to the hospitality community in Annapolis every weekend they play at home.

Yesterday was not an easy win for Navy.  Their triple option trained counterparts were not as easy to baffle as some other opponents, and it ended up with the defense being the heroes of the day.  But by the time I left, the fans were trickling back to town, ready to continue their celebration.  The flag in Memorial Circle was still flying at half staff, as was the flag at Bancroft Hall (above)  The cost of freedom, and the price paid by many graduates of the Naval Academy, was never far from anyone's mind, even on this joyous and beautiful September day in Annapolis.

Wild Blue Yonder

Two thirds of Team Terry was in Annapolis yesterday, for the game against Air Force that set an attendance record (nearly 38,000) at Navy-Marine Corps stadium.

(For the record, one was at the game, while the other watched CSTV and texted periodic updates of the Notre Dame score from a downtown establishment.)

While missing the experience on the field, we nonetheless enjoyed the excitement and energy on display in Annapolis whenever Navy plays at home.  The USAFA biennial visit is particularly colorful since they always send a few companies and their drum and bugle corps to provide moral support.  In the spirit of military cooperation, the Zoomies muster up and join the parade from the Yard to the stadium.  So in addition to hearing the familiar refrain of "Anchors Aweigh" and "The Marine Hymn"  the townies were treated to a few choruses of "Wild Blue Yonder" as well.

Yes, they got quite a few cheers, too.   One of the flyboys told me they love coming in for this game because of the ritual, the rivalry, and the apres game activities downtown.

It was a hard fought game and nail biting finish, but Navy prevailed for the seventh year in a row.  Team Terry was well out of town when the stadium emptied (no dummies, we) but all accounts were that a good time was had by the Brigade and the Wing as they celebrated their academies and mutual respect.

Tailgate Heaven

Tailgates are like a favorite player or team. Everyone considers theirs the best. So don’t flame me for my belief that there’s nothing in this world like a football afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

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 !!!