When is the Army Air Force Football Game?
The Army Air Force football game, also known as the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy game, is an annual college football rivalry game played between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Air Force Academy (Air Force). The game is one of the most iconic and storied rivalries in college football, with a rich history dating back to 1959.
History of the Game
The first Army Air Force football game was played on November 29, 1959, at the United States Military Academy’s Michie Stadium in West Point, New York. The game was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the United States Air Force and to promote good sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two service academies. Since then, the game has been played annually, with the exception of a few years during the Vietnam War when the game was suspended.
Schedule and Dates
The Army Air Force football game is typically played on the last Saturday of October or the first Saturday of November. The exact date and time of the game may vary from year to year, but it usually takes place at 2:30 PM ET. Here is a table outlining the schedule and dates for the past few years:
| Year | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | November 7 | 2:30 PM ET | Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO |
| 2019 | November 2 | 2:30 PM ET | Michie Stadium, West Point, NY |
| 2018 | October 27 | 2:30 PM ET | Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO |
| 2017 | November 4 | 2:30 PM ET | Michie Stadium, West Point, NY |
Where is the Game Played?
The Army Air Force football game is played at alternating locations between the two service academies. The game is typically played at either Michie Stadium, located on the campus of the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, or Falcon Stadium, located on the campus of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the Army Air Force football game are usually available through the ticket offices of the two service academies. The game is typically played in front of a sold-out crowd, with attendance ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 fans. Here is a table outlining the attendance figures for the past few years:
| Year | Attendance |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 47,122 |
| 2019 | 42,419 |
| 2018 | 45,111 |
| 2017 | 40,896 |
Traditions and Rivalry
The Army Air Force football game is steeped in tradition and rivalry. The two service academies have a long history of competition and camaraderie, and the game is seen as a way to promote good sportsmanship and esprit de corps. Some of the traditions associated with the game include:
- The Army-Air Force Fight Song: The two service academies have their own fight songs, which are played during the game. The Army fight song is "The Army Goes Rolling Along," while the Air Force fight song is "The Air Force Fight Song."
- The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy: The winner of the game receives the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, which is awarded annually to the service academy that wins the most games against the other two service academies (Army, Air Force, and Navy).
- The Military Academy Band: The Military Academy Band performs during the game, playing traditional military songs and patriotic anthems.
Conclusion
The Army Air Force football game is a beloved and storied rivalry in college football, with a rich history dating back to 1959. The game is played annually between the United States Military Academy and the United States Air Force Academy, with the winner receiving the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. The game is a celebration of good sportsmanship, camaraderie, and patriotism, and is a must-see event for fans of college football and the military.
