Security ramping up for Army-Navy game in Baltimore, with Trump expected to attend
Security and law enforcement will be ramped up in Baltimore this weekend for the prestigious military football rivalry between Army and Navy, which will be played at M&T Bank Stadium.
President Trump announced recently that he plans to attend the game, just as he did in 2024 in Landover, Maryland.
The 126th version of the Army-Navy game will be played at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, in downtown Baltimore. The game will be televised on WJZ.
The last time Baltimore hosted the Army-Navy Game was in 2016, which ended in a 21-17 Army.
The military football rivalry started in 1890, and the academies have played 125 times. Navy holds a 63-55-7 all-time series lead.
In an email, police confirmed to WJZ that enhanced enforcement will include state and federal law enforcement partners as well.
That extra enforcement and the extra foot traffic are going to keep Federal Hill resident Allison Christian home.
"We like to walk down [to Cross Street Market] and get a coffee or something like that on a Saturday. We probably won't do that this weekend just because of the craziness," Christian said. "People drinking, we have a baby, we're just trying to avoid all of that."
Damien Gero, who lives in Prince George's County, says he often feels safe when he comes to Baltimore for a Ravens game.
"I mean, it can get rowdy, it's a game," Gero said. "But essentially, people re just out to have fun, enjoy themselves, and kind of just be in the spirit."
Businesses prepare for game day
There's a lot of excitement in the air for the return of the Army-Navy game, with businesses trying to capitalize on the big event.
Liv's Tavern in Federal Hill plans to have its patio fully open, with some specials on tap all day.
"Having an extra game that is very comparable to a home game is really where we get that excitement," said Nick Riley, Liv's Tavern's events director. "Staff gets energized. There are a lot of people here. You can feel the energy in the building."
Restrictions for Army-Navy game
Drones won't be allowed to fly near or around M&T Bank Stadium for most of Saturday.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland and the FBI - Baltimore Field Office announced Wednesday that there will be a Temporary Flight Restriction in place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Parking Authority of Baltimore City is encouraging those with parking permits to have them updated or renewed ahead of Saturday.
Stadium event restricted parking will be enforced, which includes towing cars found to be illegally parked.