Where is the Army vs Navy Game?
The Army vs Navy game, also known as the Army-Navy Game, is an annual college football game played between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy). The game is one of the most historic and prestigious in college football, with a rivalry that dates back to 1890.
Location of the Game
The Army vs Navy game is typically played on the first Saturday in December, with the location alternating between West Point, New York (Army’s home field) and Annapolis, Maryland (Navy’s home field). The game is played at a neutral site, with the home team alternating each year. For example, if Army plays at home one year, Navy will play at home the following year.
History of the Game
The first Army vs Navy game was played on November 29, 1890, at West Point, New York. The game was played in front of a small crowd of 2,000 spectators and ended in a 24-0 win for Navy. The game has been played annually ever since, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II.
Stadiums
The game is played at one of two stadiums:
- Lincoln Financial Field: Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this stadium has hosted the game since 2010. It has a seating capacity of over 69,000.
- M&T Bank Stadium: Located in Baltimore, Maryland, this stadium has hosted the game since 2002. It has a seating capacity of over 71,000.
Recent Years
Here are the locations and scores of the Army vs Navy game for the past 5 years:
| Year | Location | Score | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Lincoln Financial Field | Navy 31, Army 7 | 65,597 |
| 2019 | M&T Bank Stadium | Navy 31, Army 17 | 61,949 |
| 2020 | Not played (COVID-19 pandemic) | ||
| 2021 | West Point, NY | Army 10, Navy 27 | 21,000 (limited attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions) |
| 2022 | Lincoln Financial Field | Navy 20, Army 17 | 69,000 |
Traditions
The Army vs Navy game is steeped in tradition and pageantry. Some of the most notable traditions include:
- The Service Academy Bands: The game features the marching bands of both the Army and Navy service academies, with their respective alma maters and fight songs.
- The Coin Toss: The game begins with a coin toss, with the winner choosing whether to receive the ball or choose which goalpost to defend.
- The Rivalry Trophy: The game’s winner receives the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, which is presented by the President of the United States.
- The Singing of the National Anthem: The national anthem is sung by the Naval Academy’s Glee Club, while the Army’s Glee Club sings "The Army Goes Rolling Along".
Tickets
Tickets for the Army vs Navy game are highly sought after and can be difficult to obtain. Here are some tips for getting tickets:
- Service Academy Alumni: Service academy alumni can purchase tickets through their respective alma mater’s athletic department.
- Ticket Lottery: The Army and Navy athletic departments hold ticket lotteries for fans who are not affiliated with the service academies.
- Secondary Ticketing Market: Fans can also purchase tickets through the secondary ticketing market, such as StubHub or SeatGeek.
- Hospitality Packages: Some companies offer hospitality packages that include tickets, food, and drinks for the game.
Conclusion
The Army vs Navy game is a unique and special event in college football, with a rich history and tradition. Whether you’re a fan of the Army, Navy, or just college football in general, the game is an exciting and entertaining experience that’s not to be missed. So, where is the Army vs Navy game? It’s wherever you can get your hands on a ticket!
