Naval Academy Athletic Association’s neighborhood meeting

About 25 residents learned about how the Naval Academy Athletic Association is a good neighbor to the communities surrounding the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium during a meeting held Aug. 24 at the stadium.

They learned about a “new garden” and “green space” that is being planned for the North End of the stadium. Originally slated to be completed this year, the “pocket park” was delayed by supply chain issues and is now expected to be open for the 2023 football season.

Trees, grass, impervious pavers, a fountain, planters, and open space will replace the black asphalt behind the scoreboard on the Farragut Road side of the stadium. Fans will mingle there during football games and halftime. When no games are scheduled, the public can relax, meditate, read a book, and meet friends in this “beautiful oasis” and “environmentally friendly space.”

Disruption to the community will be minimal with noise confined to weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

During the summer community residents enjoyed two movie nights and Farmers Markets held on Sundays in July and August at the stadium. During the fall they may purchase tickets to five home football games and the Military Bowl. Walks, runs and musical events are also held at the stadium. To learn about more stadium events, go to navysports.com, click on Athletic Dept. and N-MCMS calendar. Neighborhoods can also arrange to use the Akerson Tower Clubs.

As part of being a good neighbor, LED lights have been installed at the stadium. These lights will focus more on the football field and less on the streets adjacent to the stadium. They will also use about 40 percent less electricity. Steps have also been taken to reduce noise, increase security and control the impact of garbage.

Concerns during football games? Call 410-295-0088. Stadium Operations Center staff and representatives from the city police and fire departments, and the Annapolis Office of Emergency Management will be available to answer questions.