Where is the army navy football game played?

Where is the Army Navy Football Game Played?

The Army-Navy football game is one of the most iconic and esteemed rivalries in college football. The game has been a tradition since 1890, with the two academies facing off against each other on the gridiron. But where exactly does this epic battle take place?

The Venue: Lincoln Financial Field

Since 2002, the Army-Navy game has been played at Lincoln Financial Field, a state-of-the-art stadium located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The stadium, affectionately known as "The Linc," has a seating capacity of over 69,000 and has undergone several renovations to improve fan experience and amenities.

History of the Game

The Army-Navy rivalry dates back to 1890, when the first game was played at West Point, New York. The game was originally meant to be a single exhibition match, but its success led to an annual showdown between the two military academies. Over the years, the game has been played at various locations, including the Polo Grounds in New York City, Chicago’s Soldier Field, and even the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Notable Venues and Locations

Here are some notable venues and locations that have hosted the Army-Navy game:

• 1890-1904: West Point, NY (The Plain)
• 1905-1909: Polo Grounds, New York City
• 1910-1913: Carnegie Tech Stadium, Pittsburgh
• 1914-1921: Municipal Stadium, Baltimore
• 1922-1927: Philadelphia’s Franklin Field
• 1928-1941: Municipal Stadium, Baltimore
• 1942-1944: No game played due to World War II
• 1945-1960: Philadelphia’s Municipal Stadium
• 1961-1962: Philadelphia’s Franklin Field
• 1963-1979: RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
• 1980-1996: Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood Field
• 1997-2001: Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
• 2002-present: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Championships and Tradition

The Army-Navy game is more than just a football match; it’s a celebration of military traditions and camaraderie. The game is typically held on the second Saturday of December, with the exception of years when it is played on the third or fourth Saturday due to NCAA scheduling conflicts.

What to Expect During the Game

Here are some aspects of the game that you can expect:

• Academic Bands: The Naval Academy’s Brigade of Midshipmen and the West Point’s Corps of Cadets perform during the halftime show, showcasing their band’s talents.
• Military Salutes: Before the game, each branch of the military renders its respective salute, with a flyover by the Naval Academy’s flight squadron, the Blue Angels.
• The Game Ball Toss: The President of the United States traditionally participates in the game by tossing the coin to determine the starting team.
• Post-Game Celebrations: The winning team gets to sing their alma mater, while the losing team gets to sing their national anthem.

In Conclusion

The Army-Navy football game is an integral part of American football heritage, with a rich history and tradition that continues to captivate fans from both sides of the gridiron. While the venue has changed over the years, the essence of the game remains the same: two military academies battling for pride, honor, and the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Lincoln Financial Field, with its state-of-the-art facilities and electric atmosphere, provides the perfect stage for this annual showdown.

Table: Army-Navy Game Venues by Decade

Sources

• "Army-Navy Game History" (National Football Foundation)
• "Army-Navy Game Trivia" (West Point Athletics)
• "Navy Football: The Brigade of Midshipmen" (Navy Athletics)

Note: The information and statistics provided in this article are accurate to the best of our knowledge, but may be subject to changes or updates.