Just a few quick tips - I live a few blocks from the stadium, and have Navy season tix....
- The bowl does not utilize the same folks that run parking and the gate entries as Navy games. Navy typically sells out or comes close, and it's a smooth operation getting in and out. I've been to both Military Bowls here and it's anything but smooth. Last year was awful - parking was a cluster, and it took an hour waiting in line to get through security. We missed the anthem, and finally they just let everyone through the gates at once. So plan to arrive a earlier to get your parking, and know exactly which lot your are in (there are entrances on three sides of the stadium). Also, head into the game earlier than you would normally.
- Parking: if you don't have an official pass for the stadium lots there is a great option nearby at Germantown Elementary School. They have large fields and lots pretty much diagonal from the official lot and is usually $20. Money goes to the PTA, which is nice! There really aren't other options close to the stadium except for small private house lots, etc. Parking passes are in high demand and only Navy season ticket holders have the right to buy them for the regular season. Most street parking is permit only for residents on game day. Some people park and tailgate in the park 'n ride commuter lots and get bused into the game. Parking downtown and walking is doable.
- The town: visiting downtown and City Dock is a must. There are some great haunted pub tours and stuff like that, as well as great tours of USNA. The parade up Main St is usually a lot of fun. The bowl has only been here two years, but the town has embraced it, and knows how to host big events (national boat shows, etc). Do yourself a favor a go over the Spa Creek drawbridge and explore Eastport. It's on the opposite side of City Dock (which is somewhat touristy) and more of a "locals" vibe. Davis' Pub and The Boatyard are two of the best places to grab a bite and a brew. You can take a water taxi from City Dock, too, if you don't want to walk. Parking is tricky downtown as most historic districts are. One-way streets and traffic circles. You can park at garages a few blocks outside of the main district (Gotts and Knighton garages) and walk in or take the trolley. Cabs are prevalent, too, for a small town.
- Thanks for coming! I know ticket sales are slow for Navy, but that should pick up now that the Army game is done. The general view is that it's a bit of a letdown playing in your own stadium after such a great season, but interest went up after the match-up was announced (better than NC St or Duke). Also, there probably won't be as many Mids in attendance - getting them to come back to Annapolis on their much-needed break is a tough sell!
If anyone has any questions about Annapolis I'm guessing you can message me through this site. Good luck!
- The bowl does not utilize the same folks that run parking and the gate entries as Navy games. Navy typically sells out or comes close, and it's a smooth operation getting in and out. I've been to both Military Bowls here and it's anything but smooth. Last year was awful - parking was a cluster, and it took an hour waiting in line to get through security. We missed the anthem, and finally they just let everyone through the gates at once. So plan to arrive a earlier to get your parking, and know exactly which lot your are in (there are entrances on three sides of the stadium). Also, head into the game earlier than you would normally.
- Parking: if you don't have an official pass for the stadium lots there is a great option nearby at Germantown Elementary School. They have large fields and lots pretty much diagonal from the official lot and is usually $20. Money goes to the PTA, which is nice! There really aren't other options close to the stadium except for small private house lots, etc. Parking passes are in high demand and only Navy season ticket holders have the right to buy them for the regular season. Most street parking is permit only for residents on game day. Some people park and tailgate in the park 'n ride commuter lots and get bused into the game. Parking downtown and walking is doable.
- The town: visiting downtown and City Dock is a must. There are some great haunted pub tours and stuff like that, as well as great tours of USNA. The parade up Main St is usually a lot of fun. The bowl has only been here two years, but the town has embraced it, and knows how to host big events (national boat shows, etc). Do yourself a favor a go over the Spa Creek drawbridge and explore Eastport. It's on the opposite side of City Dock (which is somewhat touristy) and more of a "locals" vibe. Davis' Pub and The Boatyard are two of the best places to grab a bite and a brew. You can take a water taxi from City Dock, too, if you don't want to walk. Parking is tricky downtown as most historic districts are. One-way streets and traffic circles. You can park at garages a few blocks outside of the main district (Gotts and Knighton garages) and walk in or take the trolley. Cabs are prevalent, too, for a small town.
- Thanks for coming! I know ticket sales are slow for Navy, but that should pick up now that the Army game is done. The general view is that it's a bit of a letdown playing in your own stadium after such a great season, but interest went up after the match-up was announced (better than NC St or Duke). Also, there probably won't be as many Mids in attendance - getting them to come back to Annapolis on their much-needed break is a tough sell!
If anyone has any questions about Annapolis I'm guessing you can message me through this site. Good luck!
