When is the Navy- Army Game?
Every year, the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy come together for a grudge match unlike any other – the Navy-Army Game. This venerable annual tradition has a rich history, dating back to 1890 when the Naval Academy and Army Academy agreed to play their first matchup. Since then, these two esteemed academic institutions have clashed on the gridiron each year, giving fans across the country what is sure to be one of the most thrilling rivalries of the college football season. So, just when is the Navy-Army game?
Current Schedule:
The answer to when the Navy-Army game is happening is currently set for mid-December. After a brief departure from December, the Army-Navy Game returned to its classic December date on the second Saturday of December as of 2020. Check the official webpages or social media updates for changes to the event schedule:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2019 | December 14 |
| 2020 | December 12 |
Significance of the Game
The Navy-Army Game is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. From the moment when the 1890 opponents first suited up, teams have given their all with pride to represent their revered institutions of higher learning while honoring our nation’s revered military heroes. This historical rivalry spans over 123 years (as of 2019) in the rich history of Naval Academy- Army Academy cooperation.
Before the game started, various events take part, ranging from cadet chapel services prior to and after the 12noon kickoff to ensure that emotions are in hand. Team captains, representatives, band members, each with flags, banners and buglers, symbolize honor, unity and unwavering love for this nation:
• Captains from every team line up at every game (midfield with the National Anthem) right before 12noon at the West Point Military Band and at the United States Naval Academy Band.
Other events of the day including the:
• Military Bowl game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., on Thanksgiving Day – the last military bowl football game in every year until the Army-USC bowl game.
Navy – Army Game Pre-Events:
• Parade of Admirals and Brigadier-Generals takes place beforehand, approximately 40 minutes before opening kickoff at the West End of each stadium – Memorial Stadium is the Naval Academy’s sports stadium – and Michie Stadium represents the Army National Guard sports stadium;
• Prayer and singing events, often accompanied by ceremonial bugler performances.
On the subject of the most recent winners, the
NAVY Midshipmen
have been declared the previous winners, leading the historic rivalry 11- 9.1.6, as on December **14,2020.
What Impact Does The Game Have:
What makes the Navy-Army Game different from other high school competitions? This highly anticipated collegiate football game generates a lasting impact on student-athlete lives, affecting their performances, mental disciplines, hard work, family ties as well as an enduring sense of military pride.*
• Each team works hard leading up towards the event:
• Strong team bonding at the service academies in the year before the encounter, particularly in the spirit of school pride, for the student-athletes, trainers, and captains.
Here are some potential factors determining the success that each academic institution experiences each year on the field by the close of the matchup:
Some of the historical and influential factors include in the case of the games’ current success include how well Navy and Army executed their special teams, pass protections, and a well-conceived running strategies the ability to use the football field to showcase their discipline, agility for the purpose of a precise and intense football game which will reflect the team on the academic side.
Moreover, winning the Navy and Army college football rivalry directly affects military morale, influencing the atmosphere and spirit.
Recap
Whether you cheer for the USS Midshipmen or Cadets to win, and regardless, the Navy–Army rivalry is an ongoing testament of the spirit military and patriotic pride that American citizens maintain. The
*12noon kickoff will be this year’s official start
for teams from service academies playing the event. Throughout the
Navy-Army Game
, emotions will be lifted, representing the bond our nation creates with the game. By understanding the values and rich history of it, viewers can better celebrate the United States Naval and Military Institutes’ rivalry annually. Remember, win or loss, the victory is victory for the national spirit when the Navy team and its Army counterpart represent their organizations. Always keep their spirits high whenever you mention the Annual Navy vs. Army games **and their remarkable history among the college.
