Where is the Army Navy Game?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and cherished traditions in American college football. The game is an annual matchup between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy) football teams. For over a century, the two service academies have been competing against each other, with the winner being awarded the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
History of the Game
The first Army-Navy Game was played in 1890, with the United States Naval Academy winning 24-0. The game was originally intended to be a one-time event, but it proved to be so popular that it became an annual tradition. Over the years, the game has been played at various locations, but it is currently held at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Current Venue: Lincoln Financial Field
Since 2002, the Army-Navy Game has been played at the Lincoln Financial Field, which is located in South Philadelphia. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 69,000 and is considered one of the premier college football venues in the country. The field is a temporary one, with the grass surface replaced after each game.
Other Venues
Prior to 2002, the Army-Navy Game was played at various locations, including:
- Philadelphia Municipal Stadium (1935-1958)
- Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (1959-1970)
- John F. Kennedy Stadium (1971-1979)
- Giants Stadium (1980-1995)
- Municipal Stadium (1996-2001)
Game Day Traditions
The Army-Navy Game is steeped in tradition, with several iconic elements that make the event unique. Some of the most notable traditions include:
- The March-On: Before the game, the Army and Navy teams march onto the field in a ceremonial procession, accompanied by their respective bands and cadets/ midshipmen.
- The National Anthem: The game begins with the singing of the national anthem, which is performed by a select group of cadets/midshipmen.
- The Coin Toss: The game starts with a coin toss, where the winner gets to choose which team kicks off first.
- The Cadet/Midshipmen Sing-Along: During the game, the Army and Navy bands play, and the cadets/midshipmen sing along, often creating a thunderous atmosphere.
Tickets and Attendance
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most popular college football games in the country, with tickets often selling out quickly. The game is broadcast nationally on CBS, and fans from both academies travel to Philadelphia to attend the game. The attendance record for the game is 101,455, set in 2018.
Game Day Events
In addition to the game itself, there are several events that take place around Lincoln Financial Field on game day. These include:
- The Army-Navy Fan Fest: A pre-game celebration that features food, drinks, and music.
- The Academy Tailgates: Cadets/midshipmen from both academies tailgate in the parking lot, often with elaborate spreads and decorations.
- The March-On and Rally: Before the game, the Army and Navy teams march onto the field and rally their respective fans.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Game is a unique and cherished tradition in American college football. The game is a testament to the enduring rivalry between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy, and it is an event that is steeped in history and tradition. Whether you’re an alumnus, a fan, or simply a history buff, the Army-Navy Game is an experience that is not to be missed.
Army-Navy Game Schedule
Here is the schedule for the Army-Navy Game over the past 10 years:
Year | Date | Time | Result | Attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | December 8 | 3:00 PM | Navy 27, Army 21 | 69,393 |
2013 | December 14 | 3:00 PM | Navy 34, Army 7 | 65,792 |
2014 | December 13 | 3:00 PM | Navy 17, Army 10 | 66,245 |
2015 | December 12 | 3:00 PM | Navy 21, Army 17 | 69,272 |
2016 | December 10 | 3:00 PM | Army 21, Navy 17 | 67,575 |
2017 | December 9 | 3:00 PM | Navy 14, Army 13 | 69,272 |
2018 | December 8 | 3:00 PM | Navy 31, Army 7 | 70,176 |
2019 | December 14 | 3:00 PM | Navy 31, Army 7 | 67,975 |
2020 | December 12 | 3:00 PM | Navy 27, Army 17 | 0 (played without fans due to COVID-19) |
2021 | December 11 | 3:00 PM | Navy 20, Army 17 | 67,815 |
Note: The 2020 game was played without fans due to COVID-19 restrictions.