When Does Army-Navy Play?
The Army-Navy football game is an annual collegiate football rivalry game played between the United States Military Academy (Army Black Knights) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy Midshipmen). This historic rivalry game is considered one of the most famous and cherished traditions in college football.
When does Army-Navy play?
The Army-Navy game typically takes place on the second Saturday in December, which is usually three weeks after the conclusion of the NCAA regular season. The exact date may vary from year to year, but it usually falls within the weekend of December 8th to December 15th.
A Brief History of the Game
The first Army-Navy game was played on February 28, 1890, at West Point, New York, with the Army winning 24-0. Since then, the game has been played annually, except for 1943 and 1945, during World War II. The game has been held at numerous venues over the years, including the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the FedExField in Landover, Maryland, and the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
Game-day Traditions
The Army-Navy game is filled with traditions and pageantry. Some of the notable traditions include:
- The Military Academy Bands: Both Army and Navy fields their prestigious military academy bands, which perform during the game.
- The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy: The winner of the game receives the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, which is awarded by the Secretary of Defense.
- The Coin Toss: The game features a special coin toss, where a midshipman and a cadet meet at the 50-yard line to determine which team gets possession of the ball first.
Recent Games and Winners
Here are the winners of the past few years:
| Year | Date | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | December 14 | Navy |
| 2018 | December 8 | Navy |
| 2017 | December 9 | Navy |
| 2016 | December 10 | Navy |
| 2015 | December 12 | Navy |
TV Coverage and Ticket Information
The Army-Navy game is broadcasted nationally on CBS. The game is typically played at a neutral site, with tickets usually going on sale in mid-to-late summer. Fans can purchase tickets through the ticket offices of either Army or Navy or through authorized ticket resellers.
Recent Attendance and Viewership
Here are the recent attendance and viewership figures for the Army-Navy game:
| Year | Attendance | Viewership (Average) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 69,048 | 3.32 million |
| 2018 | 69,672 | 3.19 million |
| 2017 | 67,444 | 3.12 million |
| 2016 | 70,378 | 2.99 million |
| 2015 | 67,903 | 2.85 million |
Why the Game is So Special
The Army-Navy game is more than just a football game; it’s a celebration of tradition, patriotism, and camaraderie. The game is a nod to the long-standing rivalry between the two service academies, and it’s an opportunity for the nation to come together and support its military personnel.
In conclusion, the Army-Navy game is a cherished tradition in college football, with a rich history and a range of traditions and pageantry. The game usually takes place on the second Saturday in December, with tickets typically going on sale in mid-to-late summer. With its passionate fan bases and national broadcast, the Army-Navy game is an event that’s not to be missed.
