Annapolis, MD - This weekend at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Coach Bill Belichick was presented with the Annapolis Key to the City at halftime during the Navy vs. Army lacrosse game. Mayor Gavin Buckley made the following statement below about the event, which was the largest in-person stadium event the Navy has had since reopening:
"I want to thank the United States Naval Academy Athletics Association for planning our presentation of the Annapolis Key to the City to Coach Bill Belichick at halftime during this weekend’s Navy vs. Army lacrosse game at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
This event was the largest in-person stadium event the Navy has had since reopening. It was great to see people out tailgating before the game. I viewed it as a sign that we are slowly getting back on our feet and doing it responsibly.
There remains a pent-up demand for tickets and Chet Gladchuck, Naval Athletics Director, relented in getting me tickets for a very limited number of people to attend this event.
I was honored that we were able to have five of our eight council members in the stadium.
The Navy put in place very specific protocols, so they couldn’t invite everyone, or allow everyone down on the field. I do know that Coach Belichick was honored to be remembered as a favorite son of his home City.
As many people already know, he loves his lacrosse as much as he loves NFL football.
Throughout the event on Saturday, we saw how the brigade leads our community. The midshipmen handled themselves, keeping their masks on and modeling the kind of behavior we would like to see with everyone who comes to Annapolis. In the stadium, we saw them keeping their distance, but still having a good time. You could hear the crowd, especially as we were able to watch a wonderful win against Army.
I want to thank Superintendent Sean Buck and all of the people at Navy Athletics who helped to make the event a success.
Thank you from us here in the City.
And -- Go Navy!"