Where Does Army-Navy Play? A Guide to the Most Prestigious College Football Game
The Army-Navy game is one of the most iconic and historic college football rivalries in the United States. Played annually on the last Saturday of December, this match-up pits the United States Military Academy (Army) against the United States Naval Academy (Navy) in a battle of gridiron giants. But where exactly do these two proud institutions square off?
Where does Army-Navy play?
The answer to this question is not straightforward. Unlike other college football bowl games, the Army-Navy game is not tied to a specific venue, but rather rotates between a few select stadiums in different cities. For 2022, the game will be played at Merrill Field at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Here’s a breakdown of the current rotation and past venues:
| Year | City | Stadium |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Philadelphia, PA | Lincoln Financial Field (Merrill Field) |
| 2023 | Annapolis, MD | Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium |
| 2024 | West Point, NY | Michie Stadium |
Why the Rotation?
The Army-Navy game has been played on a rotating basis since 1926, when it was first moved from Polo Grounds in New York City to a neutral site. The rotation was instituted to ensure that both institutions have an equal opportunity to host the game and accommodate their respective cadets, midshipmen, and their families.
Stadium History
Lincoln Financial Field, also known as "The Linc," is a 69,176-seat stadium in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition to hosting Eagles (NFL) and Union (MLS) games, The Linc has hosted the Army-Navy game a record 15 times.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, located on the campus of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, is the home stadium of the Midshipmen. The stadium seats approximately 34,000 spectators and has hosted the Army-Navy game a dozen times.
Michie Stadium, located on the West Point campus in Highland Falls, New York, has been the home of Army football since 1925. The stadium has hosted the Army-Navy game 12 times and features a seating capacity of over 38,000.
Game-Day Atmosphere
The Army-Navy game is known for its electric atmosphere, with fans from both institutions gathering to cheer on their alma mater. Game-day festivities typically begin early, with tailgating, live music, and mascots from both sides joining in on the fun.
Tailgating
Tailgating at the Army-Navy game is a time-honored tradition, with both sides vying for space and bragging rights. Expect to see a sea of colors, with cadets and midshipmen grilling, singing, and high-fiving each other throughout the morning.
In-Game Entertainment
Throughout the game, expect a variety of entertainment options, including:
- Mascot showdowns: Army’s Mose I. Dry and Navy’s Bill the Goat engage in a series of friendly rivalry challenges.
- Alumni bands: Bands from both institutions perform before the game and during timeouts.
- Fight songs: Cadets and midshipmen sing their alma mater’s fight songs in full voice.
Tips and Tricks
Before heading to the game, make sure to:
- Buy tickets early: The game is always a sellout, so don’t wait until the last minute.
- Dress the part: Wear your cadet or midshipmen gear to show your allegiance.
- Be prepared for security checks: Take your time and arrive early to account for security lines.
- Pack for the weather: Check the forecast and dress accordingly for the Philadelphia weather.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy game is a beloved and storied tradition that attracts fans from all over the country. While the answer to "Where does Army-Navy play?" might seem simple, it requires a deeper understanding of the game’s history, venues, and atmosphere. Make sure to join in on the fun and soak up the electric atmosphere as the Black Knights and Midshipmen clash in this holiday season classic. Merry Christmas, America!
