Title
2023 Military Bowl Parade and Football Game - For the purpose of identifying the Military Bowl Parade and Football Game that will be held on December 27, 2023, as a Major Special Event; and waiving charges for certain City of Annapolis costs related to city services for that event.
Body
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
City of Annapolis
Resolution 50-23
Introduced by Mayor Buckley
Referred to:
Finance Committee
A RESOLUTION concerning
2023 Military Bowl Parade and Football Game
FOR the purpose of identifying the Military Bowl Parade and Football Game that will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, as a Major Special Event; and waiving certain City of Annapolis fees for services related to that event.
WHEREAS, Section 14.18.110 of the City Code states that “the City Council may exempt certain special events from fees by resolution”; and
WHEREAS, The daylong Military Bowl event on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, begins with a parade from the Annapolis City Dock to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, where the playoff football game takes place between top teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the American Athletic Conference; and
WHEREAS, The Military Bowl game, organized by the non-profit Military Bowl Foundation, benefits the USO and Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 294-acre retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers; and
WHEREAS, The Military Bowl is the culmination of "Bowl Week," which ends in the City of Annapolis with fans arriving for Military Bowl Eve followed by gameday, highlighted by the Military Bowl Parade featuring the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and honoring the nation’s Medal of Honor Recipients; and
WHEREAS, The five-year average Military Bowl game attendance is 27,525 people, leading to an overnight stay of an estimated 22,681 visitors, according to a 2019 survey by Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference & Visitors Bureau; and
WHEREAS, The 2019 survey also found that the Military Bowl led to $18,912,214 in direct business sales, supported 8,820 local jobs, and contributed to $1,058,694 in local taxes.
WHEREAS, The Military Bowl Football Game at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, is broadcast by ESPN with a viewing audience of more than 2.2 million people, placing a national spotlight on the City of Annapolis; and
WHEREAS, the City of Annapolis recognizes Military Bowl events contribute to the local economy, promote tourism and foster a welcoming spirit among residents and visitors alike; and
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that:
1. The Military Bowl Parade and Football Game that will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, is hereby designated a Major Special Event in recognition of its significance to our heritage and public service to our City; and
2. The City of Annapolis hereby waives reimbursement for the costs associated with the Military Bowl Parade and Football Game to be held Wednesday, December 27, 2023, up to a maximum of $15,000, including but not limited to costs for providing security, cleanup and other related services; and
3. This waiver of fees is intended to express the city's appreciation for the annual Military Bowl's positive impact on the community and its commitment to fostering a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage.