VAAAC signage at first match – photo credit Portsmouth FC
Partnership with the UK-based club aims to encourage visitation between two historic waterfront destinations and inspire international travel through their shared maritime heritage
ANNAPOLIS, MD– Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) today announced a partnership with Portsmouth Football Club (Pompey) that will promote tourism and international connections between Annapolis, Maryland, and Portsmouth, England. The partnership brings together two historic waterfront destinations with deep naval roots. Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy, while Portsmouth is home to the Royal Navy's principal naval base, creating a natural connection between communities that have long played important roles in their nations' maritime history.
As VAAAC continues to expand its presence in the United Kingdom (UK) as part of its international marketing strategy, Portsmouth offers an authentic point of connection between two communities with shared maritime heritage and naval traditions, with football providing a new way to bring those communities together.
“Our partnership with Portsmouth FC is about building a meaningful connection between two communities with a shared maritime heritage,” said Kristen Pironis, CEO of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County. “As we continue to grow our presence in the UK, Portsmouth is a natural partner, with strong ties to Annapolis through our shared naval history and waterfront identities. We look forward to strengthening that connection and welcoming more UK visitors to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.”
As part of the agreement, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County branding will be featured throughout Fratton Park, home of Portsmouth Football Club, during the 2026-27 football season. The visibility will introduce Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to thousands of supporters attending matches from August 2026 through May 2027 and extend the destination's reach among the club's broader fanbase across the UK.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County as a partner of Portsmouth Football Club and to establish an international partnership, within the United States,” said Portsmouth FC Chief Commercial Officer Mark Judges. “Annapolis is a fantastic destination with such strong parallels to Portsmouth, particularly through our shared maritime heritage, naval history and proud waterfront identities. We’re delighted to welcome Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County into the Portsmouth family and look forward to building a strong relationship together. This partnership presents a fantastic opportunity to connect Portsmouth and Annapolis, introducing our supporters and wider audiences to everything the destination has to offer. We’re really looking forward to seeing where the partnership can take us.”
VAAAC signage at first match – photo credit Portsmouth FC
Located on England's south coast, approximately 75 miles southwest of London, Portsmouth is a historic waterfront city known for its maritime heritage, vibrant harbor, and rich naval history. The city is home to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, the iconic Spinnaker Tower, the waterfront district of Gunwharf Quays, and Fratton Park. As the home of the Royal Navy's principal naval base, Portsmouth has played a central role in Britain's naval history for centuries.
Like Portsmouth, Annapolis is deeply connected to the sea and military service. Recognized as America's Sailing Capital and home to the U.S. Naval Academy since 1845, Annapolis has long helped shape American naval leadership, creating a natural bond between two waterfront cities whose maritime heritage, naval traditions, and waterfront character continue to shape their identities today.
As VAAAC continues to grow its international outreach, the partnership provides a powerful platform to elevate awareness of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County among UK audiences, encouraging travelers to discover Maryland's capital region.
About Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is a nonprofit, partnership-focused destination marketing and management organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming destination and promoting tourism for visitors, partners, and the community. The tourism and hospitality industry in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County significantly impacts Maryland's economy. In 2024, visitor spending injected $4.3 billion into the state economy, attracting more than 7.2 million visitors, and sustaining more than 27,000 jobs (both directly and indirectly), according to the 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland Report. That daily impact — an average of $11.9 million in visitor spending — strengthens small businesses, supports the hospitality workforce, and enhances quality of life for residents across the region. For more information, please visit www.VAAAC.org.
