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Whereʼs the army navy game played?

Where’s the Army-Navy Game Played?

The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and revered collegiate football rivalries in the United States. Played between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy), this rivalry has been a staple of American sports for over 100 years. But have you ever wondered where exactly this epic showdown takes place?

History of the Game

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Before we get to the location of the game, let’s take a brief look at the history of the Army-Navy Game. The first game was played in 1890, with the United States Naval Academy claiming a 24-0 victory. The game has been played annually since 1899, with a few exceptions during World War I and World War II. The game has seen its fair share of iconic moments, including the infamous "Snow Game" of 1912, which was played in blizzard conditions, and the 1946 game, which was played at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field in front of a record crowd of 102,000.

Current Location

So, where is the Army-Navy Game played? Currently, the game is held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The stadium, located on the campus of Temple University, has been the host of the game since 2011. Prior to that, the game was played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, from 2002 to 2010. Before that, the game was played at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, from 1999 to 2001. And before that, it was played at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in West Point, New York, for several years.

Location History

Here’s a breakdown of the different locations where the Army-Navy Game has been played:

YearLocationStadium
1890-1935Various locations, including West Point, NYC, and BaltimoreMultiple stadiums
1936-1959Philadelphia, PAPhiladelphia Municipal Stadium (later John F. Kennedy Stadium)
1960-1970West Point, NYMichie Stadium
1971-1985Philadelphia, PAVeterans Stadium
1986-1997Baltimore, MDMemorial Stadium
1998-2000Landover, MDFedExField
2002-2010Baltimore, MDM&T Bank Stadium
2011-presentPhiladelphia, PALincoln Financial Field

Why Philadelphia?

So, why is the Army-Navy Game held in Philadelphia? The city has a long history with both the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy. In the early days of the game, the game was held at various locations in New York City and Baltimore, but Philadelphia eventually became a more permanent home for the game. The city’s central location made it easy for fans from both coast to coast to attend, and the city’s sporting tradition and history of hosting major events made it an attractive location for the game.

Traditions

The Army-Navy Game is steeped in tradition and pageantry. From the iconic marching bands to the ceremonial coin toss, every aspect of the game is designed to honor the long history and tradition of both academies. Here are some of the most notable traditions associated with the game:

  • The Playing of the Alma Maters: Before the game, both teams take the field and play their alma maters, the Army football team plays "The Stars and Stripes Forever," while the Navy football team plays "Anchors Aweigh."
  • The Coin Toss: The game’s starting point is marked by a ceremonial coin toss, which is conducted by a dignitary from the Department of Defense or a high-ranking official from one of the two academies.
  • The Singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner": The national anthem is sung before the game, with both teams gathered on the field, standing at attention.
  • The Marching Bands: Both the Army and Navy marching bands perform at halftime, playing a variety of tunes, including their alma maters and other patriotic music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and beloved collegiate football rivalries in the United States. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its current location at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the game has undergone many changes over the years. But one thing remains constant: the passion and patriotism of the fans, players, and coaches involved in this storied rivalry. Whether you’re a member of the Army or Navy community or simply a fan of college football, the Army-Navy Game is an event not to be missed.

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