Where is the Army vs Navy Game Played?
The Army vs Navy game, also known as the Army-Navy Game, is an annual American college football rivalry game between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy). The game has been played since 1890 and is considered one of the most iconic and prestigious college football games in the United States.
The Early Years
The first Army-Navy Game was played on November 29, 1890, at West Point, New York, with the Army team winning 24-0. The game was initially played on alternating campuses, with Army hosting the game in odd-numbered years and Navy hosting in even-numbered years. This tradition continued until 1927.
Current Location
Starting from 1927, the Army-Navy Game was played at a neutral location. The game was first played at the Polo Grounds in New York City, then at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., and later at other venues in the region.
Recent Locations
The Army-Navy Game is currently played at the following locations:
- M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland (1996-2018, 2020)
- Located in the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore
- Has a seating capacity of over 71,000
- Provides an electric atmosphere for the game, with both Army and Navy fans packing the stadium
- Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2019)
- Home stadium of the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
- Has a seating capacity of over 69,000
- Provided an intimate setting for the 2019 game, with a more compact and passionate crowd
Notable Venues
Over the years, the Army-Navy Game has been played at several notable venues:
- Philadelphia’s Municipal Stadium (1941-1948, 1950-1969)
- Former home of the Philadelphia Athletics (MLB) and the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
- Had a seating capacity of over 61,000
- Was the site of 24 Army-Navy Games
- Annapolis’s Thompson Stadium (1970-1986)
- Former home of the Navy Midshipmen football team
- Had a seating capacity of over 23,000
- Hosted 17 Army-Navy Games
Historical Significance
The Army-Navy Game is more than just a sporting event – it’s an American tradition that dates back over 130 years. The game has played an important role in fostering friendly competition and camaraderie between the two military academies.
Ticket Information
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most highly anticipated and most expensive tickets in college football. Here are some tips for scoring tickets:
- Lottery System: Tickets are typically allocated through a lottery system, where fans can enter for a chance to purchase tickets
- Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary widely depending on the location and type of seat, but can range from $100 to over $1,000 per ticket
- Travel Packages: Fans can also purchase travel packages, which include tickets, accommodations, and other perks
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Game is an iconic American sporting event that brings together two of the nation’s most esteemed military academies. While the game has been played at several different locations over the years, it is now firmly established at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Army or Navy, the game is an experience like no other, filled with excitement, tradition, and a sense of pride.
Army-Navy Game Facts
- The first Army-Navy Game was played in 1890
- The game is played annually on the third Saturday in December
- The winner of the game receives the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy
- The game is broadcast nationally on NBC
- The Army-Navy Game is one of the most highly attended college football games, with an average attendance of over 65,000
