When is the Military Bowl?
The Military Bowl, officially known as the Pershing County Military Bowl, is a college football bowl game played annually at mid-December. The game is usually held on Christmas Day, December 25th, or the day after Christmas, December 26th.
History of the Military Bowl
The Military Bowl was founded in 2008 as a NCAA-sanctioned Division I bowl game, with the inaugural game held on December 31, 2008. The game was created to honor and support the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The game is sponsored by Fighting Hawk Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for various military and veterans’ charities.
Location and Stadium
The Military Bowl is played at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 34,000 and is located near the United States Naval Academy.
Matchup and Teams
The Military Bowl typically features teams from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and the Army West Point Black Knights, who represent the United States Military Academy. The teams are selected based on their performance during the regular season and their eligibility for postseason play.
| Year | Teams | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Bowling Green vs. Navy | December 31 | Navy 35, Bowling Green 28 |
| 2009 | North Carolina vs. East Carolina | December 31 | North Carolina 30, East Carolina 27 |
| 2010 | Air Force vs. Toledo | December 29 | Air Force 42, Toledo 41 |
| 2011 | Washington vs. Brian Kelly | December 28 | Washington 26, Purdue 7 |
Recent Trends and Standings
The Military Bowl has been dominated by the American Athletic Conference (AAC), with 6 of the last 10 teams representing the conference. The Army West Point Black Knights have also appeared in the game 5 times, including 3 losses.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- The Military Bowl is one of the few bowl games played on a weekday, making it a great option for fans looking for a holiday break.
- The game is also known for its patriotic pre-game show, featuring performances by various military bands and units.
- The Military Bowl has raised over $10 million for various military and veterans’ charities since its inception in 2008.
Conclusion
The Military Bowl is a unique and meaningful college football bowl game that honors and supports the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families. With its strong history and patriotic atmosphere, the Military Bowl is a must-watch event for fans of college football and those who appreciate the sacrifices of our nation’s military personnel. Mark your calendars for mid-December, and get ready to join in on the festivities as the best teams from the American Athletic Conference and Army West Point battle it out on the gridiron!
