ANNAPOLIS, Md. (DC News Now) -- Festivities kicked off hours before the 2024 Go Bowling Military Bowl's official kickoff on Saturday. Parking lots opened at noon, and many people like Mary Illian came to set up and prepare for the tailgate despite the rainy weather. Keep up with everything Military Bowl here! Illian came from Chesapeake Beach, Md. She said that her friends enjoy the Military Bowl. "It's just exciting. It's close by so you don't have to spend a lot of money," she said. (Paola Belloso/DC News Now)(Paola Belloso/DC News Now)(Paola Belloso/DC News Now)(Paola Belloso/DC News Now) Thaddeus Wolfe from Johnstown, Pa. said it was his first time at the Military Bowl. "It's been good! A little rainy but good otherwise, and we're excited to see everything kick off over here with the tailgate," he said. Kickoff was scheduled for 5:45 p.m.