When is the Army-Navy Football Game?
The Army-Navy Football Game is one of the most iconic and oldest rivalries in college football, with a history dating back to 1890. The game is played between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy) every year on the last Saturday of December. The 2022 Army-Navy Game is scheduled to take place on December 10, 2022.
History of the Army-Navy Game
The first Army-Navy Game was played on November 29, 1890, at West Point, New York. The game was initially played as an exhibition match, with both teams donating their proceeds to charity. Over the years, the game has grown in popularity, and in 1936, the game was officially sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Today, the game is played at a neutral site, with the location rotating between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland.
Why is the Army-Navy Game Important?
The Army-Navy Game is more than just a football game; it’s a symbol of the centuries-old rivalry between the United States Army and the United States Navy. The game is a celebration of military tradition, camaraderie, and patriotism. The game is also a key part of the annual Holiday Bowl season, with the winner receiving the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy is awarded to the team that wins the most games in the three-year cycle.
Game Day Traditions
The Army-Navy Game is steeped in tradition, with several key events and activities taking place on game day. Some of the most notable traditions include:
- The March-On: Before the game, the Army and Navy football teams march onto the field, accompanied by their respective bands and corps of cadets. This is a highlight of the day, with the crowds cheering and waving flags and banners.
- The National Anthem: The national anthem is sung before the game, with the crowds standing and singing along. This is a poignant moment, with the significance of the game and the traditions of the military academies palpable.
- The Coin Toss: The coin toss is performed by a distinguished guest, usually a high-ranking military officer or a notable alumnus of one of the academies. This is a key moment in the game, with the winner choosing which team will receive the ball first.
- The Game Itself: The game is played with a mix of military precision and college football flair. The teams will play 60 minutes of football, with the objective of scoring more points than the opposing team.
Recent Results and Trends
The Army-Navy Game has been dominated by the Navy Midshipmen in recent years, with Navy winning 15 of the last 17 games. However, the Army Black Knights have shown signs of improvement, with a victory in 2016 and a close loss in 2020. Navy has won the last 14 Commander-in-Chief’s Trophies.
TV and Streaming Information
The Army-Navy Game is broadcast live on television and streamed online. The game is shown on CBS, with pre-game coverage starting at 1:00 PM EST. The game is also available to stream on the CBS Sports app and the NCAA March Madness Live app. The game is not available on traditional cable subscription services.
Table: Army-Navy Game Results (2010-2021)
| Year | Winner | Score | Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Navy | 31-17 | Navy |
| 2011 | Navy | 27-21 | Navy |
| 2012 | Navy | 17-13 | Navy |
| 2013 | Navy | 34-7 | Navy |
| 2014 | Navy | 17-10 | Navy |
| 2015 | Navy | 21-17 | Navy |
| 2016 | Army | 21-17 | Army |
| 2017 | Navy | 14-13 | Navy |
| 2018 | Navy | 31-7 | Navy |
| 2019 | Navy | 31-7 | Navy |
| 2020 | Navy | 27-17 | Navy |
| 2021 | Navy | 17-13 | Navy |
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Football Game is a beloved tradition in American sports, with a rich history and a deep significance. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Army or Navy, or just someone who appreciates the pomp and circumstance of the game, the Army-Navy Game is an event that should be on your must-watch list. So mark your calendars for December 10, 2022, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team!
