Attention Annapolis residents and visitors: the Brigade of Midshipmen is set to march downtown on Saturday, August 31st, as part of the pomp surrounding the United States Naval Academy's season-opening football game. Kickoff for the game against the Bucknell Bison at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is scheduled for high noon, and in tandem with this competitive display of college sportsmanship, a bit of tradition will unfold on the streets of our charming capital city, as reported by an official press release.
The midshipmen's march is a ceremonial lead-up to the game that will create a buzz of activity—and no small amount of traffic disruption. It begins promptly at 10:50 a.m., starting from Gate I of the Naval Academy at Randall Street and King George Street and finishing around 11:40 a.m. at the stadium. Consequently, a row of roads will not only crowded with cheers and the crisp uniforms of midshipmen but also with rolling closures and parking restrictions to accommodate the brigade's passage through downtown.
Residents need to be cognizant of several parking restrictions effective from 7 a.m. until the midshipmen have marched past, estimated to conclude by 11:30 a.m. These restrictions will predominantly affect Randall Street from King George Street to Dock Street, and Main Street from Memorial Circle to Church Circle. The march route and traffic implications should be taken into account by anyone planning to traverse or depart from the downtown area during that morning.
Furthermore, the Annapolis Police Department will be managing road closures beginning at 10:50 a.m. on the day of the parade. Roads are set to reopen on a rolling basis once the brigade has moved on through. The list of closures includes but is not limited to Randall Street between King George and Memorial Circle, Main Street between Memorial Circle and Church Circle, as well as parts of Bladen Street and Rowe Blvd. Particular attention should be paid to travel and navigation around the affected zones to ease into the day without unnecessary interruption or frustration.
