Where is the Army Navy Game Being Played?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and storied traditions in American college football, with a history dating back to 1890. The game pits the United States Military Academy (USMA) Black Knights from West Point, New York against the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Midshipmen from Annapolis, Maryland. As the two service academies prepare to face off once again, fans and sports enthusiasts alike are wondering where is the Army-Navy Game being played?
History of the Game
The Army-Navy Game has been a staple of American sports since its inception in 1890. The first game was played at West Point, with the Navy winning 24-0. The game has been played annually since then, except for a few years during World War I and II when the game was not held due to the conflicts. Over the years, the game has been played at various locations, including the original West Point location, Philadelphia’s Franklin Field, and even the Army’s home stadium, Michie Stadium.
Recent Years
In recent years, the game has been played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This decision was made in 2002, and the stadium has hosted the game since then. Lincoln Financial Field, also known as the "Linc," has a seating capacity of over 69,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in the National Football League (NFL). The stadium’s location and size have made it an ideal venue for the game, with fans from both sides able to easily access the stadium and enjoy the event.
Why Lincoln Financial Field?
So, why was Lincoln Financial Field chosen as the primary venue for the Army-Navy Game? There are several reasons:
- Central Location: Philadelphia is roughly equidistant from West Point and Annapolis, making it a convenient location for fans from both sides to attend.
- Large Capacity: The Linc’s capacity of over 69,000 allows for a larger crowd than either West Point or Annapolis’ stadiums, making it a better fit for the game.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The stadium features modern amenities and facilities, including a 360-degree concourse and a variety of concession stands.
- History and Tradition: The game has been played at various locations over the years, and the Linc has become a part of that history and tradition.
Past Venues
While the Army-Navy Game is currently played at Lincoln Financial Field, it has not always been the case. Here are some of the past venues that have hosted the game:
| Venue | Location | Years |
|---|---|---|
| West Point | West Point, NY | 1890-1912, 1920-1922 |
| Franklin Field | Philadelphia, PA | 1899-1913 |
| Michie Stadium | West Point, NY | 1923-1960 |
| JFK Stadium | Philadelphia, PA | 1961-1980 |
| Giants Stadium | East Rutherford, NJ | 1981-1995 |
| Municipal Stadium | Annapolis, MD | 1996-1997 |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA | 2002-present |
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Game is an iconic event in American college football, with a history dating back to 1890. While the game has been played at various locations over the years, the current venue is Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This decision was made in 2002, and the stadium has hosted the game since then. With its central location, large capacity, state-of-the-art facilities, and history and tradition, the Linc has become the perfect venue for the Army-Navy Game.
