If the Air Force-Navy college football game is canceled this weekend because of the government shutdown, the Navy’s athletic department may lose $4 million.
Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk said the “emotional” and “financial toll it would take would be incalculable.”
He said when television fees, ticket sales, and parking and concession revenue are added, it would amount to nearly $4 million. According to CBS Sports, “the game is a sellout and expected to draw a record crowd to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.”
The game is reportedly set to be played, pending the approval of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, even though athletics at the service academies have been suspended after Tuesday’s federal government shutdown. A final decision will reportedly be made by Thursday.