The Army Navy football game is one of the most anticipated matchups in college football every year. Nicknamed “America’s Game,” the Army Navy game pits the football teams of the United States Military Academy at West Point against the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. The rivalry between Army and Navy dates back to 1890, and the game is steeped in tradition, pageantry, and military pride.
Getting tickets to the Army Navy game can be very difficult due to the small seating capacity at the stadium and incredibly high demand. However, there are ways to secure tickets to see Army battle Navy in person. Here is a guide on how to get tickets for the Army Navy football game.
When and Where is the Army Navy Game Played?
The Army Navy game is traditionally the last game of the regular season for both Army and Navy. It is usually played on the second Saturday in December and is the culmination of the college football regular season.
Since 1945, the majority of Army Navy games have been held in Philadelphia at Franklin Field (1945-1979) or Lincoln Financial Field (2003-present). Between 1980-2001, some Army Navy games were held at Veterans Stadium, also in Philadelphia, and some were held at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Occasionally, Army Navy has been held at other sites, but Philadelphia has been its most frequent home.
For 2023, the Army Navy game is scheduled for Saturday, December 9 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
How to Get Tickets Directly from Army and Navy
Both Army and Navy receive an allotted number of tickets for the game. If you have a direct connection to West Point or Annapolis, your best chance for tickets is to go through their ticket offices.
Active duty military, cadets and midshipmen at the academies, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors may request tickets through Army and Navy. Both academies hold loyalty lotteries to distribute tickets to season ticket holders and eligible constituents.
Contact the Army ticket office directly to inquire about the allocation process if you are affiliated with West Point. The Navy ticket office handles ticket requests for those affiliated with Annapolis.
Army Ticket Office Contact:
Phone: 845-938-2526
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://goarmywestpoint.com/sports/2015/8/3/tickets.aspx
Navy Ticket Office Contact:
Phone: 1-800-US4-NAVY
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://navysports.com/sports/2017/6/16/Tickets.aspx
Getting Tickets Through a Secondary Market
If you don’t have a direct affiliation with Army or Navy, your next option is to go through a secondary ticket provider. Several secondary markets sell tickets to the Army Navy game every year. Prices are generally high due to massive demand.
Here are some reputable secondary ticket sites to search for Army Navy tickets:
- StubHub
- Vivid Seats
- SeatGeek
- Ticketmaster
- TickPick
On these sites, you can browse available listings from season ticket holders and other fans selling their tickets. Be prepared to pay a premium price as demand drives up costs. Buy early for the best deal and beware of scams.
Average Ticket Prices on Secondary Market*
| Section | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Upper Level Endzone | $250 – $500 |
| Upper Level Corner | $400 – $750 |
| Upper Level Sideline | $500 – $1000 |
| Lower Level Endzone | $750 – $1500 |
| Lower Level Corner | $1000 – $2000 |
| Lower Level Sideline | $1500 – $3000+ |
*Based on 2022 prices on secondary market. 2023 prices likely similar.
Getting Tickets from a Broker
Ticket brokers provide another avenue to get Army Navy tickets, often at inflated prices. Reputable brokers can securely source tickets and handle the entire transaction on your behalf, for a large fee.
The benefit of using a broker over a secondary site is they provide a more personalized service to find you tickets. You’ll pay more in convenience fees for their efforts. But some prefer this white glove treatment when demand is high.
Some brokers known for Army Navy game tickets include:
- VIP Tickets
- Preferred Seating
- Executive Tickets
- Ticket King
Contact brokers well in advance and be clear about your budget and seating preferences. Get all terms in writing before finalizing any Army Navy ticket purchases from a broker.
Joining the Army Navy Ticket Exchange Facebook Group
One more option is joining the Army Navy Ticket Exchange group on Facebook. This is an active fan community for buying and selling Army Navy tickets.
Fans post when they have extra tickets to sell or need to buy tickets. You can browse posts and message members directly to arrange ticket transactions for the game.
Buying through Facebook does involve some risks. Always use PayPal Goods and Services when sending money to sellers you don’t know. And beware of potential scams.
But many fans have success finding or offloading Army Navy tickets in the Ticket Exchange group. It’s a source worth monitoring up until game time as sellers drop prices to liquidate extra tickets.
Request to join the Army Navy Ticket Exchange group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2634627083298699
Getting Tickets from a Travel Package
Some sports travel companies and tour groups put together travel packages for the Army Navy game. These can bundle tickets with hotel rooms, transportation to the game, fan events, and other benefits.
Travel packages provide guaranteed tickets and an all-inclusive Army Navy experience. But the packages can be expensive given all the bundled components. This is a premium option for die-hard fans.
A few reputable companies offering Army Navy travel packages include:
- Anthony Travel
- On Location Experiences
- PrimeSport
- Roadtrips
Research a few providers and compare package offerings in detail. Read customer reviews from past Army Navy travelers. Make sure to secure your package early, as they sell out each year.
Joining the Army Navy Legion or Navy Legion
The Army Navy Legion and Navy Legion are organized fan clubs for Army and Navy alumni and supporters. Members receive guaranteed ticket access each year to the Army Navy game.
Joining does require paying a membership fee, making annual dues payments, and attending some club events. This is best for serious Army or Navy fans committed long term.
But for dedicated followers, Legion membership provides a sure way to get Army Navy tickets annually. Tickets are distributed to members each summer in the lead up to the game.
Here is contact information for the Legions:
Army Navy Legion
Phone: 215-348-5737
Website: https://armynavylegion.com/
Navy Legion
Phone: 856-359-7960
Website: https://navylegion.com/
Attending the Army Navy Gala or Ball
Each year before the game, Army and Navy each host a gala or ball in Philadelphia. These formal events are huge parties for cadets, midshipmen, alumni, and fans.
Tickets to the Army Navy Gala and Army Navy Ball include admission to the game itself. These events are expensive, but provide a guaranteed way to secure tickets as part of attending the gala/ball.
Visit these sites for gala/ball ticket information:
Army Navy Gala – https://www.anacphilly.org/
Army Navy Ball – https://navysports.com/sports/2017/6/16/Tickets.aspx
Trying a March-On Package
March-on packages allow fans to march onto the field alongside the Army and Navy teams before the game. You can feel like part of the team and soak in the game day atmosphere.
Most march-on packages include your game ticket, pregame hospitality, and other benefits. They are expensive but offer an exclusive Army Navy experience.
Check with Anthony Travel or PrimeSport to inquire about march-on package availability for the upcoming Army Navy game.
Buying Directly from Lincoln Financial Field
Since Army Navy is held at a large NFL stadium, a small number of tickets do go directly on sale to the public through Ticketmaster and the stadium box office.
These are in limited numbers and sell out instantly. But it can be worth checking Lincoln Financial Field’s website ahead of the on-sale date to try your luck grabbing tickets directly.
Any tickets released would likely be upper level endzone or corner seats. But it’s possible to get lucky if you’re vigilant and persistent.
Scouring Game Day Ticket Listings
Your last ditch option is to search for game day ticket listings on secondary sites, exchanges, and in person around the stadium. With an event as popular as Army Navy, some extra tickets will shake loose at the last minute.
Be flexible on seating and be prepared to pay inflated last minute prices. Bring cash and have sites like StubHub pulled up on your phone.
Also check Craigslist Philadelphia and Facebook Marketplace. You may find fans offloading extras outside the gates. But beware of scams with online and in-person purchases.
Game day ticket hunting requires diligence, patience, and luck. But determined fans are sometimes rewarded with tickets at the last second.
Conclusion
The Army Navy game is one of the toughest tickets in sports. With total seating capacity around 70,000 and sky high demand, tickets are scarce and expensive.
Your best chances come through Army and Navy’s allotments, secondary markets, travel packages, brokers, and fan exchanges. Be prepared to pay a premium and have backup options in your budget.
Start the process early, do your research, and be persistent. With preparation and effort, it’s possible for dedicated fans to experience Army Navy in person.
