Where is the Army and Navy Game Played?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most historic and prestigious college football rivalry games in the United States. The game is played between the United States Naval Academy (Navy) and the United States Military Academy (Army). This annual showdown has been a tradition since 1890, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II.
Location:
The Army-Navy Game is typically played at a neutral site, usually a large stadium in the eastern United States. Over the years, the game has been played at various venues, including:
- Philadelphia’s Municipal Stadium (1935-1939)
- Shibe Park (1940-1942)
- New York’s Giants Stadium (1951-1954)
- John F. Kennedy Stadium (1955-1979)
- Memorial Stadium (1980-1996)
- Fenway Park (1996)
- Lincoln Financial Field (2002-2011)
- Lincoln Financial Field (2012-present)
Current Venue:
As of 2022, the Army-Navy Game is played at Lincoln Financial Field, which is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 69,000 and is home to the Philadelphia Eagles (National Football League).
Game Tradition:
The Army-Navy Game is steeped in tradition and pageantry. The game is usually played on the last Saturday in December, with the exception of a few years when it has been played on the first Saturday in December. The game is broadcast nationally on television, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the clash of the two service academies.
Pre-Game Events:
The day of the game is filled with pre-game events and ceremonies. These events include:
- Tribute to the Service Members: A ceremony honoring the service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
- National Anthem: Performed by a distinguished soloist or choir.
- Color Guard: Representing the Army and Navy, the color guard performs a ceremonial march onto the field.
- Pre-Game Concert: The United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy bands perform a pre-game concert.
Game Time:
The game typically kicks off at 12:00 PM ET. The teams take the field, and the game is played with a 20-minute halftime show featuring the marching bands and a special guest performer.
Post-Game Events:
After the game, the teams participate in the Post-Game Concert, featuring the bands from both academies. The Trophy Presentation takes place, where the Commander-in-Chief Trophy is awarded to the winner of the game.
Key Statistics:
Here are some key statistics about the Army-Navy Game:
| Year | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | Navy | 24-0 | Annapolis, MD |
| 1900 | Army | 24-0 | West Point, NY |
| 1930 | Navy | 21-6 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 1950 | Army | 21-13 | New York, NY |
| 2000 | Navy | 48-38 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 2010 | Navy | 31-17 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 2020 | Navy | 17-10 | Annapolis, MD |
Conclusion:
The Army-Navy Game is a beloved tradition in American sports, with a rich history and tradition of excellence. The game is played annually at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a packed stadium and millions of viewers tuning in worldwide. Whether you’re an Army or Navy fan, the game is an exciting event that celebrates the values of service, sacrifice, and camaraderie between the two service academies.
