As the much-anticipated Army-Navy game at Gillette Stadium in December draws closer, a housing predicament has arisen, impacting veterans and other travelers planning to attend the event. The state of Massachusetts has reserved hotels and motels near Gillette Stadium to house migrants arriving in the state, a situation that has resulted in several rooms being unavailable for the Army-Navy game attendees.
The impending crisis quickly came to light as travel agents and veterans’ groups had their reservations canceled to accommodate the state’s commitments to migrants. City officials in Boston have defended their actions, asserting that providing housing for incoming migrants is a legal responsibility.
Realizing the severity of the situation, stakeholders have begun working towards finding a solution that will alleviate the housing crunch for the game attendees, especially veterans. Plans for the Army-Navy game have been long in the making, with thousands of veterans, families, fans, and other visitors planning to make their way to New England for the event.
Meet Boston, a local organization responsible for coordinating the logistics of events like the Army-Navy game, released a statement addressing the current hotel-related issues. Meet Boston has been collaborating with various entities, including the hotel community, the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Gillette Stadium, to prepare for the influx of visitors to the game.
The statement emphasizes that much of the activity around the Army-Navy game, such as the Patriot Games, will take place in downtown Boston, despite the game itself being held at Gillette Stadium. While some hotels around the stadium face displacement issues, Meet Boston assures the public that the downtown Boston hotels are well-prepared and well-equipped to accommodate thousands of guests.
One point that the statement underscores is the city’s commitment to ensuring that veterans are well-received and cared for during their stay in Boston. Veterans attending the Army-Navy game can benefit from discounted transportation to and from the game on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Moreover, Meet Boston has offered a dedicated reservation link for attendees to book hotels in Boston, where rates start at $200 per night. In many cases, Boston’s hotel rates are more competitive than those of properties surrounding the stadium.
As the city and event organizers continue to work together to address the housing challenges posed by the migrant accommodations, they are determined to ensure that the upcoming Army-Navy game is an unforgettable experience for all attendees, including the veterans who have played a vital role in the event’s history.
