Go Navy! Beat Army! The biggest game of the year is just weeks away, and anticipation for this long-standing, inter-service rivalry matchup is mounting.
The first meeting between the Black Knights and the Midshipmen occurred 128 years ago when the Naval Academy challenged West Point to the game. First played on November 29, 1890 on The Plain at West Point, the Midshipmen came out on top and the tradition was born.
The Army-Navy game is often filled with emotion, perhaps none so much as the game held in 1893. Following Navy’s victory, a dispute between a Brigadier General and an Admiral almost resulted in a duel. Subsequent meetings regarding the incident involved President Grover Cleveland himself. They ended with the decision that the service academy teams were to be restricted to playing football games at home. The prohibition against playing games anywhere but at home meant that the two teams could no longer play one another.
Emotions were tamed over the following five years that the Army-Navy game did not take place. But in 1899, the rivals were once again allowed to test their mettle and play one another on neutral territory. Franklin Field in Philadelphia became the new site for the matchup. Though it’s been played outside of Philadelphia on a handful of occasions in its 128-year history, Philadelphia remains the primary neutral location for this notable game. The next game held outside of Philadelphia will be in 2021 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Navy currently retains a lead over Army with 60 wins to Army’s 52, not to mention that the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy is also on the line. It’s sure to be an electrifying and not-to-be-missed game.
Where will you be watching? If you can’t be in Philadelphia to root for the Midshipmen, viewing parties across the nation will all be tuning in to CBS on December 14. Classmates and shipmates will come together to reconnect, reminisce, and cheer on Navy to victory.
As they do every year, Naval Academy Midshipmen will fill the stands at Lincoln Financial Field. Bus transportation from the Naval Academy to Philadelphia is supported by the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD).
Recreational activities at the Naval Academy, such as attending the Army-Navy game, could not take place without the support provided to the Midshipmen Welfare Fund (MWF). The NABSD, through the MWF, supports midshipmen by returning 100% of the profits back to the Brigade. These profits help provide the funding necessary for ongoing midshipmen quality of life, as well as recreational and extracurricular activities.
The sale of official US Naval Academy tours, merchandise, apparel, gifts, and souvenirs, both on-site at the Naval Academy gift shop and at Navyonline.com, is a vital source of financial support to the Brigade. You can show your support and make a difference in the lives and experiences of USNA Midshipmen when you shop at Navyonline. Every cent of the proceeds goes to support the continued existence of these activities.
