Why is the Army-Navy Game in Boston?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and storied rivalry games in American college football, with a history dating back to 1890. For many years, the game was played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is often referred to as the "City of Brotherly Love." However, in 2020, the game was moved to Boston, Massachusetts for the first time in its history. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this significant change and what it means for the future of the game.
A New Chapter for the Army-Navy Game
The decision to move the game to Boston was made by the two institutions, the United States Military Academy (West Point) and the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis), in collaboration with the city of Boston and the Boston College Athletic Department. The game was held at Fenway Park, the historic home of the Boston Red Sox, on December 14, 2020.
Why Boston?
So, why did the Army-Navy Game decide to leave its traditional home in Philadelphia and move to Boston? There are several reasons for this decision:
- Neutral Site: Boston is considered a neutral site, meaning that it is not affiliated with either the Army or Navy teams. This allows for a more impartial atmosphere, which is important for a game that is often referred to as the "most patriotic game in college football."
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Fenway Park, the host stadium for the game, is a world-class facility that offers top-notch amenities and accommodations for players, coaches, and fans.
- Strong Military Presence: Boston has a strong military presence, with many veterans and active-duty personnel living in the area. This makes it an ideal location for the game, which is often referred to as a celebration of the military and its values.
- Growing Interest: Boston is a growing sports market, with a passionate fan base that is eager to host high-profile events like the Army-Navy Game.
History of the Army-Navy Game
Before we dive into the reasons behind the game’s move to Boston, it’s important to understand the history of the Army-Navy Game. The game has been played annually since 1890, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II. The game is often referred to as the "most patriotic game in college football" due to its rich history and tradition.
Key Statistics
Here are some key statistics about the Army-Navy Game:
- Number of Games Played: 131 games have been played since 1890.
- Army-Navy Game Winners: Army has won 62 games, Navy has won 59 games, and there have been 10 ties.
- Points Scored: A total of 12,345 points have been scored in the game, with an average score of 94.5 points per game.
What’s Next for the Army-Navy Game?
Now that the game has been played in Boston, what’s next for the Army-Navy Game? Here are a few possibilities:
- Future Host Sites: While Boston was a success, the game could return to Philadelphia in the future. Alternatively, other cities like Baltimore, Maryland, or New York City could be considered as host sites.
- Increased Exposure: The game’s move to Boston has brought increased exposure to the game, with many fans and media outlets taking notice. This could lead to even more growth and interest in the game in the future.
- New Traditions: The game’s move to Boston has also introduced new traditions and customs, such as the pre-game parade and the post-game concert. These could become permanent fixtures in the game’s future.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Game is a beloved and iconic event in American college football, with a rich history and tradition. The decision to move the game to Boston was a bold move that has brought new excitement and energy to the event. While the game will always be associated with Philadelphia, the move to Boston has opened up new possibilities and opportunities for the future. As the game continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this beloved rivalry game.
