Where is the Army-Navy Game Usually Played?
The Army-Navy Game is an annual college football game played between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy). The game is one of the most historic and intense rivalries in college football, with a rich history dating back to 1890. In this article, we will explore the most common venue where the Army-Navy Game is played.
History of the Army-Navy Game
Before we dive into the question of where the Army-Navy Game is usually played, let’s take a brief look at the history of the game. The first Army-Navy Game was played in 1890, with the Army winning 24-0. The game was initially played at West Point, New York, but over the years, it has been played at various venues, including Philadelphia’s Franklin Field, Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium, and Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Most Common Venues
The Army-Navy Game is typically played on the last Saturday of December, and it is usually held at a venue with a seating capacity of over 60,000. Here are some of the most common venues where the game is played:
| Venue | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA | 69,176 |
| M&T Bank Stadium | Baltimore, MD | 71,008 |
| Philadelphia’s Franklin Field | Philadelphia, PA | 52,000 |
Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field, also known as "The Linc," is one of the most common venues for the Army-Navy Game. The stadium is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has a seating capacity of over 69,000. The stadium is owned by the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) and has been the home of the team since 2003. The Army-Navy Game has been played at Lincoln Financial Field since 2011.
M&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium is a stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland, and has a seating capacity of over 71,000. The stadium is home to the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL and has been the site of the Army-Navy Game several times. The game has been played at M&T Bank Stadium since 2002.
Franklin Field
Franklin Field is a stadium located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has a seating capacity of over 52,000. The stadium is located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania and is one of the oldest stadiums in the United States. The Army-Navy Game was played at Franklin Field several times in the early years of the rivalry, but it has not been a regular venue for the game since the 1990s.
Why Lincoln Financial Field is the Preferred Venue
Lincoln Financial Field has become the preferred venue for the Army-Navy Game due to its proximity to the Philadelphia Naval Yard, where many naval officers and sailors are stationed. The stadium is also located near the Philadelphia Army Post, which is home to many Army personnel. The venue is easily accessible by car and public transportation, making it a convenient location for fans from both academies.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most historic and intense rivalries in college football, and the venue where it is played is an important part of the game’s tradition and pageantry. Lincoln Financial Field is the most common venue for the game, followed by M&T Bank Stadium. Franklin Field is also a historic venue for the game, but it has not been a regular site for the game in recent years. The Army-Navy Game is a celebration of the enduring spirit of competition and camaraderie between the two service academies, and its venue is an integral part of the game’s magic and tradition.
