Who Plays in the Army-Navy Football Game?
The Army-Navy football game is one of the most historic and intense rivalries in college football, with a rich history dating back to 1890. The game is played annually on the second Saturday in December at a neutral site, and it’s a matchup between two of the most storied programs in the country. But who exactly plays in this legendary game?
The Rivalry
The Army-Navy game is more than just a football game – it’s a tradition that dates back to the late 19th century. The first game was played in 1890, with the Army winning 24-0. The game was played sporadically over the years, with the series being suspended during World War I and World War II. When the series resumed in 1946, it was played annually, with the exception of 1979 when the game was moved to the last Saturday in December.
The rivalry is fueled by more than just football – it’s about pride, honor, and tradition. The two teams are from the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy). The game is often referred to as "America’s Game" and is considered one of the most prestigious rivalries in college football.
The Teams
So, who exactly plays in the Army-Navy game? Well, it’s quite simple – the United States Military Academy Black Knights (Army) take on the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen (Navy).
The Teams’ Rosters
Here are the typical rosters for the two teams:
- Army Black Knights:
- 850 cadets from the United States Military Academy
- A mix of freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior players
- All players are cadets at the academy
- Navy Midshipmen:
- 4,500 midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy
- A mix of freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior players
- All players are midshipmen at the academy
The Game
The Army-Navy game is played at a neutral site, usually at a major stadium such as Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia or FedExField in Landover, Maryland. The game is played on the second Saturday in December, with the teams facing off at 2:30 PM ET.
Game Day Traditions
The game is steeped in tradition, with several customs and rituals taking place before and during the game:
- Eagle Hour: Before the game, the teams take part in a ceremony known as "Eagle Hour," where they sing their respective school songs and play their fight songs.
- Service Academy Bands: The bands from both service academies perform during the game, with the Army Band playing the "Caisson March" and the Navy Band playing "Anchors Aweigh."
- Midshipmen’s Tunnel: During the game, the Navy midshipmen form a tunnel for their team to run through, while the Army cadets form a tunnel for their team to run through.
The Significance of the Game
The Army-Navy game is more than just a football game – it’s a celebration of the United States’ military tradition and heritage. The game brings together thousands of alumni, cadets, and midshipmen, as well as families and fans from across the country.
Here are some interesting facts about the game:
- Attendance: The game is usually attended by over 60,000 fans, making it one of the most highly attended games in college football.
- TV Viewership: The game is broadcast on CBS and is watched by millions of viewers across the country.
- Game Day Donations: In recent years, the game has raised millions of dollars for military charities and organizations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Army-Navy game is a beloved tradition in college football, with two of the most storied programs in the country facing off in a game that’s steeped in history and tradition. The teams are made up of cadets and midshipmen from the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy, respectively, and the game is played at a neutral site in December. The game is a celebration of the United States’ military tradition and heritage, and it’s an event that’s not to be missed.
