Annapolis, MD (PRWEB) February 06, 2015 -- The Virginia Tech Hokies aren’t the only ones who came out on top with the 2014 Military Bowl® presented by Northrop Grumman, benefiting the USO. The Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB) reports the December 27 event at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium generated more than $17 million for the Annapolis/Washington region, a nearly 25 percent increase from the 2013 game.
AAACCVB President and CEO Connie Del Signore says the game was a win/win for all involved. “The excitement of hosting the Military Bowl was magnified by the fact that it took place at a time of year when hotels and downtown businesses typically could use a boost,” Del Signore said. “While some of the fans may have experienced Annapolis during sailing season, the December game gave visitors an open invitation to discover the vibrancy of Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay during the brisk winter months.”
Using Destination Marketing Association International’s Event Impact Calculator, the AAACCVB determined Military Bowl attendees accounted for more than 32,000 hotel room nights resulting in more than $4 million in lodging costs. Military Bowl fans also spent more than $2.6 million on transportation, more than $3 million on food and beverages, and more than $3.3 million each on retail and recreational opportunities. The event directly supported nearly 8,000 jobs.
Military Bowl President & Executive Director Steve Beck says a full slate of activities surrounding the matchup between Virginia Tech and Cincinnati added to the appeal of the 2014 game. “Military Bowl Eve, the Military Bowl 5K, Military Bowl Parade, the official tailgate and a total commitment from all of our supporters and the local community gave this year’s fans a major incentive to come early and stay late,” Beck said.
According to a Smith Travel Research Report, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County’s average hotel room occupancy for the Thursday-Saturday of Military Bowl weekend was 50.4 percent, compared to 41.3 percent in 2013. The average daily rate for the same three-day period was $85.55 compared to $78.17 in 2013.
While the 2014 game was a rousing success, Del Signore, Beck, City leaders and members of the business community already are putting their heads together to determine ways to make the 2015 Military Bowl even stronger.
The AAACCVB is a nonprofit, membership-based destination marketing organization that generates revenues for the local economy by promoting Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay to leisure and business travelers across the country and around the world.
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Susan Steckman, Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB), http://www.visitannapolis.org, +1 (410) 280-0445 Ext: 103, [email protected]
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