PHILADELPHIA…December 9, 2013…The interservice rivalry between the Army and Navy returns to Philadelphia on Saturday, December 14 for the 85th time since the Game's inception and its 114th edition overall.  The weekend is expected to draw 50,000 visitors to Philadelphia, filling hotel rooms and generating an economic impact of $35-$40 million for the region*. Out-of-town visitors will consume 17,000 hotel room nights, making this one of the busiest hotel weekends of the year, according to the Philadelphia Sports Congress (PHL Sports), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), which produces the event for the City of Philadelphia in conjunction with the service academies and Philadelphia Eagles.

“Philadelphia is honored to again host this historic rivalry,” said Larry Needle, executive director, PHL Sports. “Our entire hospitality community takes great pride in rolling out the red carpet for past, present and future members of the military and their families, and giving them a very special weekend to remember.”

“Hotels in our city thrive during this weekend,” said Ed Grose, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association (GPHA). “The Army-Navy Game is great for Philadelphia and our hotels are looking forward to welcoming the thousands of out-of-town visitors who make this trip each year.”

The Cadets of Army and Midshipmen of Navy play at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14 at Lincoln Financial Field, in one of the nation's most time-honored sports traditions. Fans can show their support at one of several events leading up to the Game including a Pep Rally, Gala and Tailgate.

Philadelphia will also host the Army-Navy Game in 2015 and 2017.

For more information on all Army-Navy Weekend activities, visit www.PhillyLovesArmyNavy.com. Like the Army-Navy Game Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PhillyLovesArmyNavy or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PhillyArmyNavy

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The Philadelphia Sports Congress (PHLSports), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, seeks to attract major sporting events and conventions to the Philadelphia area. PHL Sports produces the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA for the City of Philadelphia in conjunction with the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia will also host the game in 2015 and 2017.

*Based on a study conducted by Econsult Corporation in 2006.

Contact: 
Khaila Edward, Communications Manager
215-636-3412
khaila@discoverPHL.com

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