Army Navy Game brings military pageantry, city operations into focus

The 126th Army Navy Game arrives in Baltimore today, filling M&T Bank Stadium with the pageantry and traditions that define the long standing rivalry. Photo coverage of pregame activity shows cadets and midshipmen rehearsing the national anthem, instrument sections tuning and staging activity on the sidelines, and stadium staff and fans preparing for kickoff. Images captured show service academy personnel on the field ahead of the 3:00 p.m. ET start, underscoring the ceremonial role the contest plays beyond athletics.

For Baltimore residents the immediate effects are clear. Large crowds arriving for the game will affect traffic patterns around the stadium, transit ridership on light rail and buses, and demand for police and emergency services in surrounding neighborhoods. Local restaurants, hotels, and retailers can expect increased business, but the net benefit to the city depends on how event revenue, vendor fees, and tax receipts offset the public costs of staffing, sanitation, traffic control, and transit adjustments.

The presence of the game also surfaces institutional questions about coordination among city agencies, the stadium operator, and the service academies. Transparent accounting of overtime, cleanup, and policing expenses, along with clear reporting of revenue sharing arrangements, would allow residents and elected officials to evaluate whether hosting such events produces a net gain for Baltimore taxpayers. Civic groups and neighborhood associations will have a stake in how temporary disruptions are managed and how local businesses and residents are compensated or supported.

Beyond logistics, the Army Navy Game serves as a civic occasion that connects Baltimore to broader national traditions. The ceremony provides opportunities for veterans outreach, youth engagement with military careers, and local partnership with service organizations. For voters and community leaders the event is also a reminder that municipal performance on public safety, transit reliability, and event management is visible and salient during high profile gatherings.

City officials and stadium operators can use the occasion to publish post event reports detailing costs and benefits, and to solicit community feedback on future hosting practices. Clearer data and open communication will help Baltimoreers judge whether major events strengthen the city s economy and civic life, or place undue burdens on neighborhoods near the stadium.