Where is the Notre Dame Navy Game Being Played?
The rivalry between the University of Notre Dame and the United States Naval Academy is one of the most storied and intense in college football. The two teams have been battling it out on the gridiron since 1926, with the Irish leading the series 76-13-1. For many years, the game was played at Soldier Field in Chicago, but since 2012, it has been held at other locations. So, where is the Notre Dame-Navy game being played in 2023?
History of the Game
Before we dive into the current location of the game, let’s take a look at the history of this iconic rivalry. The two teams first met on October 13, 1926, with Notre Dame emerging victorious 13-7. The game was played at the United States Naval Academy’s campus in Annapolis, Maryland. Over the years, the game has been played at various locations, including Soldier Field in Chicago, the Orange Bowl in Miami, and the Naval Academy’s own stadium, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Recent History and Current Location
From 1926 to 2011, the game was played at Soldier Field in Chicago, except for a few years when it was held at other locations. In 2012, the game moved to Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium, where it has been played ever since. The 2023 game is scheduled to be played on September 2, 2023, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
Why the Move to Baltimore?
So, why did the game move from Chicago to Baltimore? The main reason was to create a more neutral site for the game. While Soldier Field is located in the Midwest, which is closer to Notre Dame’s campus in South Bend, Indiana, the location is still biased towards the Irish. By moving the game to Baltimore, which is relatively equidistant from both campuses, the teams hoped to create a more balanced atmosphere.
Recent Results and Trends
Over the past few years, the game has been highly competitive, with Navy putting up a strong fight against the Irish. Notre Dame has won four of the last five meetings, with the average margin of victory being around 10 points. The Midshipmen have had some success in recent years, including a 17-10 upset over the Irish in 2017.
Ticket Information
If you’re planning to attend the 2023 Notre Dame-Navy game at M&T Bank Stadium, here are some key details to keep in mind:
- Ticket Prices: Tickets for the game will range from around $30 to over $100, depending on the seat location and demand.
- Seating Chart: M&T Bank Stadium has a seating capacity of around 71,000. The upper deck is typically closed for most events, leaving around 50,000 seats available.
- Ticket Availability: Tickets for the game are usually available through the Notre Dame Athletics Ticket Office or the Navy Athletics Ticket Office. You can also try purchasing tickets from third-party ticket vendors.
Game Day Activities and Atmosphere
If you’re planning to attend the game, here are some things to expect on game day:
- Tailgating: Tailgating is a big part of the game-day experience at M&T Bank Stadium. You can expect to see a lot of teams, including Notre Dame and Navy, setting up tents and grills in the parking lot.
- Halftime Show: The halftime show typically features a musical performance, as well as a special tribute to the military.
- Concessions: M&T Bank Stadium offers a variety of concessions, including burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and other typical stadium fare.
Conclusion
The Notre Dame-Navy game is one of the most iconic rivalries in college football, with a rich history and intense competition. In 2023, the game will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Whether you’re a die-hard Irish fan or a Midshipman supporter, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
