The Army-Navy football game is one of the most storied rivalries in college football. Playing each other since 1890, the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen have met over 120 times. The game is traditionally played on the second Saturday in December and alternates between Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
When do Army-Navy game tickets go on sale?
Tickets for the Army-Navy game typically go on sale in the late summer or early fall before the game. The majority of tickets are sold through each academy’s ticket office. Season ticket holders and donors often get early access to purchase tickets. Any remaining tickets are then made available to the general public. Demand for tickets is extremely high, so they often sell out very quickly once sales open to the public.
How can I get Army-Navy game tickets?
Here are some of the main ways to get tickets to the Army-Navy game:
- Become a season ticket holder at Army or Navy – Season ticket holders get access to buy Army-Navy tickets before the general public
- Donate to the Army or Navy athletic fund – Donors at certain giving levels may get presale ticket opportunities
- Join Army or Navy fan clubs – Fan clubs like The 12th Man (Army) and The Blue & Gold Club (Navy) provide presale ticket access
- Purchase directly when tickets go on sale – Tickets are sold through the Army and Navy athletic ticket offices
- Use the secondary ticket market – Sites like StubHub and VividSeats sell tickets, but prices are very high
How much do Army-Navy game tickets cost?
Army-Navy game ticket prices can vary greatly depending on the source. Here are some average price ranges:
Ticket Source | Price Range |
---|---|
Army or Navy Ticket Office | $85 – $130 |
Secondary Market | $300 – $1,200+ |
Tickets directly from Army or Navy are face value and the most affordable option. However, they can be extremely hard to get as demand greatly exceeds supply. On the secondary market, resellers can charge over 10 times the face value due to the popularity of the game.
When and where is the 2022 Army-Navy game?
The 2022 Army-Navy game will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00pm EST.
What is the history of the Army-Navy game?
The first Army-Navy game was played in 1890 at West Point. Navy won the inaugural meeting 24-0. For the first several decades of the rivalry, the game alternated between the Army and Navy campuses. During World War II, the game was played at neutral sites to accommodate the large crowds. This led to keeping the game at neutral sites starting in 1945.
Since 1945, the Army-Navy game has been played in Philadelphia or the Mid-Atlantic area. Philadelphia has hosted 87 times, including every year since 1945 except 1983. The rivalry will continue to alternate between Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore for the foreseeable future.
Navy dominated the series early, but Army leads the all-time series 62-53-7. The programs have combined for 9 national championships and over 20 Heisman trophy winners.
Notable Army-Navy Games
- 1926 – Game tied 21-21, considered one of the greatest of the early games
- 1944 – Army won 23-7 behind Heisman winner Doc Blanchard during World War II
- 1963 – Game ended in a 21-21 tie, President John F. Kennedy attended
- 1996 – Army won 28-24 to snap a 15-year losing streak in the series
- 2016 – Navy quarterback Will Worth set record with 304 rushing yards in Navy win
What makes the Army-Navy game special?
There are many elements that make the Army vs Navy football rivalry so unique:
- Long history – dating back to 1890, it is the longest running rivalry in college football
- Representation of service academies – game is a showcase of future military leaders
- Intensity and pride – the cadets and midshipmen have immense pride in playing for their academies
- Neutral site – game played at NFL stadiums allows for huge crowds and pageantry
- National tradition – the game is televised every year and has become an American sports tradition
- Close proximity – West Point and Annapolis are only about 120 miles apart, fueling the rivalry
- Implications – as a service academy game, the winner’s alma mater song is sung last at the annual Army-Navy choir concert
How do I get to the Army-Navy game?
The Army-Navy game is played at huge NFL stadiums, so getting there requires planning. Here are some tips for getting to the Army-Navy game:
Getting to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia
- Drive and park – Stadium parking lots open 4 hours before kickoff
- Take public transportation – SEPTA provides subway and shuttle service on game days
- Rideshare – Uber or taxi can take you directly to the stadium but expect surge pricing
- Use game day shuttles – Shuttles are available from hotels, pubs, and other locations in the city
Getting to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore
- Drive and park – Stadium lots open 5 hours before kickoff
- Light rail – MTA light rail goes right to the stadium
- Rideshare – As in Philly, expect high demand and surge pricing
- Use shuttles – Check for game day shuttles from hotels, bars, etc
No matter how you get there, make sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to arrive. The large crowds can cause delays entering the stadium.
What are some tips for attending the Army-Navy game?
Attending the legendary Army-Navy game is a bucket list item for many football fans. Here are some helpful tips for having the best experience:
- Arrive early – Give yourself time to enjoy the pregame atmosphere and pageantry
- Dress warmly – December games can be very cold, dress in layers
- Check prohibited items – Be aware of stadium bag policies and prohibited items
- Bring cash – Concessions and vendors may not accept credit cards
- Stay hydrated – The packed crowds and excitement can wear you out
- Be prepared to stand – Expect to be standing a lot if you are in the lower bowl or on the field
- Charge your phone – You’ll want to take lots of photos and videos to remember the experience
- Soak in the traditions – Stay after to watch the cadets/midshipmen sing their alma maters
Attending the Army-Navy game is like no other football experience. Enjoy the tradition, pride, and energy that makes it America’s Game.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy football game is one of the most iconic rivalries in all of sports. Played annually since 1890, generations of Cadets and Midshipmen have battled on the gridiron for service academy supremacy. Tickets are in huge demand but can be obtained through official school outlets, fan clubs, or secondary markets. Prices range from face value up to over $1000 on the secondary market. The 2022 edition will take place on December 10 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Attending the Army-Navy game is a must for any football fan. The pageantry, passion, and pride on display is unmatched. Whether you can make it to the game or watch on TV, experiencing the tradition and excitement of this storied rivalry should be on every sports fan’s bucket list.