State of Maryland officials have denied a request from the Naval Academy Athletic Association to allow the Brigade of Midshipmen to attend Navy football’s season opener against BYU on Labor Day.
It was announced Aug. 19 that no fans would be allowed to attend Monday night’s nationally televised opener between Navy and visiting Brigham Young University.
However, athletic director Chet Gladchuk said NAAA was petitioning the governor’s office for a waiver that would enable the Brigade of Midshipmen to be in the stands at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The governor’s office did not approve the waiver, Gladchuk acknowledged on Monday, and elected to stick by its June directive barring fans from attending professional or collegiate sporting events held within the state.