Baltimore's Big Game: A Boost for the City

Baltimore is getting ready for a huge event: the Army-Navy game. This game is a big deal, and it's not just about football. It's about money and how people see the city. Lots of visitors will come to Baltimore for the game. They will stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, and shop. This means a lot of money will flow into the city. An economist named Anirban Basu says this could be worth tens of millions of dollars. But money isn't the only thing that matters. The game also gives Baltimore a chance to show off its good sides. Many people think of Baltimore as a place with high crime. But it's also a city with beautiful places, great food, and friendly people. Some business owners, like David Ellerby, are happy about the game. His restaurant will get more customers. But he also worries about crime. He saw a shooting recently. This made him and other business owners nervous. Still, Basu says crime has gone down in Baltimore over time. There are fewer shootings and homicides this year than before. He believes the city is improving. He points to things like the airport, stadiums, and museums as reasons to be proud. The Army-Navy game is a big opportunity for Baltimore. It can bring in money and show the world that the city is more than just its problems. It's a chance for Baltimore to shine.