Where Was the Army-Navy Game Played?
The Army-Navy Game is an annual college football rivalry game played between the United States Military Academy (Army Black Knights) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy Midshipmen) in the United States. The game is one of the most historic and meaningful rivalry games in college football, with a rich tradition dating back to 1890.
Early Years (1890-1935)
The first Army-Navy Game was played on November 29, 1890, at West Point, New York, with Army defeating Navy 24-0. The game was originally played at West Point to ensure the safety of both teams, as the Cadets and Midshipmen were required to return to their respective academies for duty. The game was played on a neutral field in the early years, alternating between West Point and the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Here is a breakdown of the early years of the game:
| Year | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | Army | 24-0 | West Point, NY |
| 1891 | Navy | 14-10 | Annapolis, MD |
| 1892 | Navy | 12-8 | West Point, NY |
| … | … | … | … |
| 1935 | Navy | 21-18 | Philadelphia, PA |
Philadelphia Era (1936-1961)
In 1936, the game was moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where it would remain for the next 26 years. Philadelphia’s Municipal Stadium (now known as Franklin Field) hosted the game from 1936 to 1942, and then back again from 1945 to 1961.
Here is a breakdown of the Philadelphia era:
| Year | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Navy | 20-0 | Philadelphia, PA |
| … | … | … | … |
| 1942 | Army | 21-18 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 1945 | Navy | 19-0 | Philadelphia, PA |
| … | … | … | … |
| 1961 | Navy | 31-14 | Philadelphia, PA |
Lincoln Financial Field and Modern Era (1962-Present)
Since 1962, the game has been played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The field has undergone several renovations over the years, including a major renovation in 2010.
Here is a breakdown of the modern era:
| Year | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Army | 14-14 | Philadelphia, PA |
| … | … | … | … |
| 2019 | Navy | 31-17 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 2020 | No game played due to COVID-19 pandemic | ||
| 2021 | Navy | 17-13 | Philadelphia, PA |
Interesting Facts
- The Army-Navy Game is one of the most popular and highly viewed college football games, attracting millions of viewers each year.
- The game has been played on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and even on Labor Day in the past.
- The game has also been played at other venues, including Baltimore’s Municipal Stadium (1959), San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium (1960), and Pasadena’s Rose Bowl (1970).
- The game has been delayed or postponed several times due to weather conditions, wars, and other circumstances.
- The game has had several notable moments, including a 1958 tie, a 1964 scoreless tie, and a 1984 scoreless tie.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Game has a rich and storied history, spanning over 130 years. From its humble beginnings at West Point to its current home at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the game has been a staple of college football tradition. As the game continues to captivate audiences each year, it’s a reminder of the enduring rivalry and the values of service, leadership, and teamwork that bind the two academies together.
