When is the Army Navy Game?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most storied and prestigious rivalries in American sports, dating back to 1890. The game pits the United States Military Academy (Army) against the United States Naval Academy (Navy) in a battle for supremacy on the gridiron. In this article, we’ll delve into the history and traditions of the game, as well as provide you with all the information you need to know about when and how to watch the Army-Navy Game.
History of the Army-Navy Game
The first Army-Navy Game was played on November 29, 1890, at West Point, New York, with Navy emerging victorious by a score of 24-0. The game was initially played to boost morale and unity among the two academies, and it has since become a beloved tradition.
Over the years, the game has been played 123 times, with Navy holding a slight edge in the series, 61-52-7. However, Army has been on a roll in recent years, winning seven of the last nine meetings.
When is the Army-Navy Game?
The Army-Navy Game is typically played on the second Saturday in December, although the date can vary from year to year. Here are the dates for the next few years:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2023 | December 9 |
| 2024 | December 8 |
| 2025 | December 13 |
Game Day Traditions
The Army-Navy Game is steeped in tradition, with many rituals and customs that take place before, during, and after the game.
- The Game’s Pregame Ceremonies: The game begins with the traditional coin toss, where the winning team gets to choose which goalpost to defend. The teams also participate in a rendition of the national anthem, which is led by the Brigade of Midshipmen (Navy) and the Corps of Cadets (Army).
- The Singing of the Songs: Both teams sing their respective school songs, with the Brigade of Midshipmen belting out "Anchors Aweigh" and the Corps of Cadets singing "The Army Goes Rolling Along."
- The Line of Scrimmage: Before the game, the players from both teams form a line of scrimmage, where they pray together and take a moment to reflect on the significance of the game.
Watching the Army-Navy Game
If you can’t make it to the game in person, there are several ways to watch the Army-Navy Game.
- Television: The game is broadcast on CBS, with coverage beginning at 2:30 PM ET. You can also stream the game online through the CBS Sports app.
- Radio: The game is broadcast on the radio by Westwood One, with coverage available on various stations across the country.
- Internet: You can also watch the game online through various streaming services, such as ESPN+ and the CBS Sports app.
Interesting Facts About the Army-Navy Game
Here are some interesting facts about the Army-Navy Game:
- The First Live Televised Game: The 1981 Army-Navy Game was the first to be televised live, with coverage provided by ABC.
- The Largest Attendance: The largest attendance at the Army-Navy Game was 101,721 in 2019 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- The Most Points Scored: The most points scored in a single game was 87, achieved in 1957.
- The Fewest Points Scored: The fewest points scored in a single game was 0, achieved in 1896 and 1927.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Game is a beloved tradition in American sports, with a rich history and many cultural significance. Whether you’re a fan of the Black Knights of Army or the Midshipmen of Navy, this game is an event you won’t want to miss. With its unique blend of military pomp and circumstance, football action, and camaraderie, the Army-Navy Game is a true spectacle that is not to be missed.
