Fifty Thousand Visitors Expected In Philadelphia for 113th Edition of the Army-Navy Football Game
PHILADELPHIA, 2012-12-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — The interservice rivalry between the Army and Navy returns to Philadelphia on Saturday, December 8 for the 84th time since the Game’s inception and its 113th edition overall. The weekend is expected to draw 50,000 visitors to Philadelphia, generating an economic impact of $35 million for the region*. Out-of-town visitors will consume 17,000 hotel room nights, making this one of the busiest hotel weekends of the year, according to the Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB), which produces the event for the City of Philadelphia in conjunction with the service academies and Philadelphia Eagles.
“Philadelphia is thrilled to have Army-Navy back where it belongs,” said Larry Needle, executive director, PSC. “This is a tremendous event for Philadelphia on many levels, and a special chance to recognize the brave men and women of our armed forces. We look forward to rolling out the red carpet for all of our guests.”
“The Army-Navy Game is great for the hotel industry,” said Ed Grose, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association (GPHA). “Historically, the game has registered a big difference in hotel bookings compared to years when the Game has not been held in Philadelphia.”
The Cadets of Army and Midshipmen of Navy play at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8 at Lincoln Financial Field, in one of the nation’s most time-honored sports traditions, touted as “one of the top five best sporting events to see live.” Fans can show their support at one of several events leading up to the Game including a Pep Rally, Gala and Tailgate. This year’s Game is also special as the teams will be competing for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy, which is presented annually to the winner of the football competition amongst the three major service academies – Army, Navy and Air Force. The Navy has won the trophy a total of 12 times, while the Army has won the trophy 6 times.
Philadelphia will also host the Army-Navy Game in 2013, 2015 and 2017.
For more information on all Army-Navy Weekend activities, visit www.PhillyLovesArmyNavy.com. Like the Army-Navy Game Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PhillyLovesArmyNavy or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PhillyArmyNavy
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The Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, seeks to attract major sporting events and conventions to the Philadelphia area. The PSC produces the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA for the City of Philadelphia in conjunction with the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia will also host the game in 2013, 2015 and 2017.
*Based on a study conducted by Econsult Corporation in 2006.
Media Contact
Khaila Edward
215-636-3412
khailae@pcvb.org