Where Was the Army-Navy Game?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and nostalgic college football rivalries in the United States. Founded in 1890, the game has been played annually by the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy) since the late 19th century. But have you ever wondered where this historic match-up has taken place over the years?
Early Years (1890-1950)
The inaugural Army-Navy Game took place on November 30, 1890, at West Point, New York, with Army ultimately emerging victorious, 24-0. For decades, the game was contested on the campuses of one or both of the involved institutions, with the winner being determined by the cumulative score of the two venues. Table 1: Early Years of Army-Navy Game
| Year | Location | Game Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | West Point, NY | Army 24, Navy 0 |
| 1901 | Philadelphia, PA | Navy 12, Army 11 |
| 1912 | Cambridge, MA | Army 6, Navy 6 |
| 1928 | Philadelphia, PA | Navy 20, Army 7 |
Urban Stadiums (1950-1980)
In the post-war period, the game began to be played in urban stadiums, with the first Army-Navy Game held away from the campuses in Philadelphia’s Franklin Field in 1950. Municipal stadiums served as the backdrop for subsequent games, with the United States Naval Academy’s hometown of Annapolis and the United States Military Academy’s hometown of West Point occasionally hosting the event as well. Table 2: Urban Stadium Years
| Year | Location | Game Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Philadelphia, PA (Franklin Field) | Navy 13, Army 7 |
| 1963 | Philadelphia, PA (Franklin Field) | Navy 25, Army 21 |
| 1975 | Philadelphia, PA ( Veterans Stadium) | Navy 30, Army 15 |
Neutral Sites and Modern Era (1980-Present)
By the 1980s, the Army-Navy Game began to be hosted at neutral sites across the United States. This shift allowed for even more fans to attend, as well as the insertion of additional revenue streams through ticket sales. Table 3: Neutral Site and Modern Years
| Year | Location | Game Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Baltimore, MD | Navy 17, Army 3 |
| 1996 | Philadelphia, PA (Lincoln Financial Field) | Navy 38, Army 15 |
| 2014 | Philadelphia, PA (Lincoln Financial Field) | Navy 34, Army 10 |
Today, the Army-Navy Game is broadcast nationally by CBS and attracted over 4 million television viewers in 2019 alone. The current agreement between the two academy’s athletic departments ensures rotating neutral site matchups through 2021, with Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field serving as the host.
Conclusion
The 130-year history of the Army-Navy Game provides a fascinating glimpse into America’s rich football heritage, with the storied matchups taking place at various locations across the East Coast. From the idyllic campuses of Army and Navy to the inner-city stadiums of Philadelphia and Baltimore, the game continues to captivate fans.
