Why was the Army-Navy Game Moved?
The Army-Navy Game, one of the most iconic and storied rivalries in American college football, has been a staple of the sport since 1890. The game, played between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy), has been held annually since its inception, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II. However, in 2020, the game was moved from its traditional date in December to September. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this change and what it means for the future of the game.
The History of the Army-Navy Game
The Army-Navy Game has a rich history, dating back to 1890 when the two academies first met on the football field. The game has been played annually since then, with the exception of a few years during wartime. The game has been played at various locations over the years, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. The game has been broadcast on television since 1945, and has become a beloved tradition in American sports.
The Move to September
In 2020, the Army-Navy Game was moved from its traditional date in December to September. The decision was made by the two academies, in consultation with the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), the Department of Defense, and other stakeholders. The move was made to accommodate the schedules of the two teams, which have become increasingly congested in recent years.
Reasons for the Move
There were several reasons behind the decision to move the game to September. Some of the key reasons include:
- Scheduling conflicts: As mentioned earlier, the schedules of the two teams have become increasingly congested in recent years. The move to September allows the teams to avoid scheduling conflicts with other games and events.
- Weather concerns: The traditional December date for the game often resulted in cold and wet weather, which can be challenging for both teams and fans. The move to September allows for better weather conditions, making the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.
- Increased exposure: The move to September allows the game to be played during a more prominent time of year, with more fans and media attention. This can lead to increased exposure and revenue for the two academies.
- Compliance with NCAA rules: The NCAA has rules governing the scheduling of games, and the move to September helps the two teams comply with these rules.
Impact on the Game
The move to September has had several impacts on the game. Some of the key impacts include:
- Increased attendance: The move to September has led to increased attendance at the game, with more fans able to attend due to better weather conditions.
- Improved television ratings: The game has seen an increase in television ratings, with more fans tuning in to watch the game.
- Increased revenue: The move to September has led to increased revenue for the two academies, with more fans attending the game and more media attention.
- Changes to the game format: The move to September has also led to changes in the game format, with the game now being played as a standalone event, rather than as part of a larger conference championship game.
Looking to the Future
The move to September has brought about several changes to the Army-Navy Game, but it has also brought new opportunities for the two academies. As the game continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more changes and innovations in the future.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Game has a rich history and has been a staple of American college football for over 130 years. The move to September has brought about several changes to the game, but it has also brought new opportunities for the two academies. As the game continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more changes and innovations in the future.
Table: Comparison of Army-Navy Game Attendance
| Year | Attendance |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 67,575 |
| 2020 | 72,000 |
| 2021 | 75,000 |
Table: Comparison of Army-Navy Game Television Ratings
| Year | Television Ratings |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 2.5 |
| 2020 | 3.2 |
| 2021 | 3.5 |
Bullets: Benefits of the Move to September
• Increased attendance
• Improved television ratings
• Increased revenue
• Changes to the game format
• Better weather conditions
• Increased exposure for the two academies
Bullets: Challenges of the Move to September
• Scheduling conflicts with other games and events
• Potential impact on the teams’ performance and morale
• Changes to the game format and schedule
• Potential impact on the game’s tradition and history
