Agreeing to play each other in football was the easy part for Navy and Maryland.
But deciding on the specific terms of a game on Sept. 4, 2010 was when it got complicated.
Both schools are guaranteed at least $1.4 million as long as at least 60,000 tickets are sold for the game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. That shouldn?t be a problem since 67,809 fans packed the stands for the 2005 game, won by Maryland, 23-20. It was the school?s first meeting since 1965.
The chances of the 2010 game being scheduled was doubtful earlier this month after Maryland athletic director Debbie Yow said she had to move on after negotiations with Navy stalled, causing her to seek another opponent to open the 2010 season.
Gladchuk and Yow resumed talks shortly after reached an agreement. Yow previously said that Gladchuk still held animosity toward Maryland for deciding to play in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando Fla., instead of facing Navy in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte, N.C.
“We?re putting a check box on this accomplishment and are pleased to put this issue behind us,” Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk said. “Getting Maryland on the schedule was never an issue for us. I simply had some questions regarding Maryland?s commitment to this rivalry. I knew once we worked out the logistics we were going to get the deal done.”
But in order to play at a neutral site, three contracts had to be signed: one between Navy and Maryland, and separate contracts between each school and the Ravens, who handle all scheduling at M&T Bank Stadium.
“It was an unbelievably thorough job by both athletic directors and their assistant athletic directors,” said Dennis Mannion, Ravens senior vice president for business ventures. “They?re effectively adding an extra game to their schedule. I think both ADs showed a significant amount of flexibility.”
Originally, Navy had suggested a two-game series against Maryland with the second game to be played in 2014. However, Gladchuk said that just wasn?t feasible at this time.
“The Ravens appeared leery about making a commitment for a game that is still seven years away,” Gladchuk said.
Navy coach Paul Johnson said the only game he is concerned about right now is the one against Delaware on Saturday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
“I am just looking forward to practice tomorrow,” Johnson said. “I?m not looking forward to next week, much less 2010. Me and you both may be dead by then.”
Staff writer Sean Welsh contributed to this story.
