Army Navy Game

Navy616

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Does anyone have any knowledge/experience about the Tailgate events at the Army Navy game. We plan to be there this year and I know there are so many different ones and just wanted to know if anyone can recommend a good one.

Thanks.
 
One more question

We already have reservations not too far from Lincoln Financial, but after reading some older posts, it looks like some families actually stay in Annapolis and take the bus into Philly. Any thoughts - pros or cons - on doing this? What time do the mids actually get into Philly and when do they have to be back in Annapolis?
 
This is the first time of us going to the Army Navy game, but here are some information that I gathered.

Mids leave very early like 6:00 am on a game day
They tailgate until the gates open at 10:30 or maybe later (you get to hang out with your mid and his company mates)
March on at 11:30 ( don't want to miss this)
Game starts at 15:00

I heard there are many buses (alumni association bus, parent's club bus, etc) for parents to ride from DTA to PHL.

Mids may get an over night liberty depending on the results (GO NAVY). In this case you can take your Mid with you to spend the night. Mids do not need to take the same bus back to USNA. BUT, thier final exam starts on Mon,Dec. 10 so don't expect to spend long hours with your Mid!

I am still debating if we should stay in DTA or Philly on the 7th and 8th.
If anybody could let us know which option (1. rent a car and stay in Philly on the 7th or 2. stay in DTA and take a fun group bus, and come back with the bus) is better, I would appreciate it.
 
Recommend a rental car in Philly. Guessing your DS/DD is a plebe? If that is the case they will not know if they have a weekend until after the game (unless they are granted one for something else in the semester, which is very rare). If they in fact do get an overnight they will want to go out in Philly for dinner (and plan on some other friends too) and stay in a hotel and relax. If the game is really cold or wet, they will want to warm up also. Remember as a plebe, they have rode the bus up and generally don't have anything for an overnight except what they wear to the game, so might want to pack a few extra things for them like a toothbrush and shorts just in case. After the game if they do not get an overnight, they get liberty until a certain time and then must ride the bust back to USNA. Busses start to leave right after the game and then up until liberty expires. If they get the overnight and a Plebe chooses to stay in Philly transpo back to USNA is up to them. The Alumni Association Tailgater is always a nice spread. Also happens to frequently to be inside, which is key! Remember once you go into the stadium to watch march on, you cannot leave. You will spend hours in the stadium waiting for the game, its not bad because you can visit with DS/DD until the rest of the pre-game starts.
 
Navy 616,

The other post offer great ideas. Also, try www.phillylovesarmynavy.com., too. There is information on pep rallies, gallas and a tailgate. Info on hotels and transportation. We have been at that last three games and Philly does it up right. We will be staying at a hotel in center city and taking the subway to and from the game.

RGK
 
It can be very, very, very cold. Plan accordingly. If the President will be there go early as security at entrance is a nightmare. Missed march on one year.
 
Thank You

Thank you to everyone for all the great suggestions and information. DS is a youngster this year and this is our first time going to an Army/Navy game. We are coming from California and 72 degrees is already "cold" for me! We know that there might be chance to see our DS, but if not, we are just glad to be there.
 
Thank you to everyone for all the great suggestions and information. DS is a youngster this year and this is our first time going to an Army/Navy game. We are coming from California and 72 degrees is already "cold" for me! We know that there might be chance to see our DS, but if not, we are just glad to be there.

btw, the "cold" can be ESPECIALLY COLD with seats in peanut heaven. And especially on the N side of the field with shadows in afternoon, early evening. Could have blizzard conditions up there and people in short sleeves on the field!:eek:

Barring unusually warm conditions 2 weeks into Philly Dec, it will be nearly impossible to "over-dress."

P.S. NavyHoops ... you've avoided responding to my questions of you. Can you address, pls?
 
Mids are usually issued hand and feet warmers. Check Dick's or other outdoor suppliers for the equivalent.:thumb: It will make it more enjoyable especially as WP said you are in the shade. California cold isn't east coast cold. Prepare and hope for at least 50 degrees. Bring a stadium blanket. They can sneak out during the game to see you and even sit with you. After the game it is easy to meet with them. See averages for temperature:

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USPA1276

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12174813
 
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???? I do not see any questions that you've asked of NavyHoops in this thread.

Stealth_81

Its from another thread the other day... was some good and thoughtful debate on prayer. But, will leave that to the other thread. Don't want to hijack this thread as there are alot of parents curious about Army Navy planning.

As suggested here... hot hands and feet are wonderful for the game. I have been to games where we didn't need coats and others where it was 35 and rained (and ordered to wear O-Coats... do you know how bad Mother B smells with 4,000 wet wool O-Coats drying in the hall?). In the shade towards the end of the game, especially if there is wind, it can get downright frigid. Ship your DS/DD a set of thermals and warm socks before the game. Those uniforms and shoes do not keep you very warm. The O-Coats do a good job, but it is still generally freezing.
 
GREAT experience that Navy/Army game. I am the parent of a proud Merchant Marine Academy grad who is now stationed in San Diego serving as a NAVY DOC after a tour as a flight surgeon in Iraq. No USNA nor USMA grads in the family, but this is one game that everyone...and I mean everyone should attend. Got our tickets by joining the Navy Blue/Gold Club and sat with some Navy and Army fans...really great time...NAVY won which made it even better. We stayed in Philly and really enjoyed the town. Lots to see and do in Philly.

Have a great time and BEAT ARMY!
 
Told DD to buy a wool O-Coat from a graduate as they were fazing them out. She didn't. The new issue is garbage for warmth. Since she is now Marine it would have been a waste of money. Old wool dress coats for all services were heavy but warm.
 
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Tailgates

Just saw on the Alumni Association website that they have opened up registration for the tailgate. The tailgate is being held at the Wells Fargo Center and says that you will not be able to view the march-on from the Wells Fargo Center and Lincoln Financial has a "no re-entry" policy. Does anyone know of any tailgates that are held inside of the stadium?

Also, we purchased our tickets through our DS but have not received them. This is our first time so we were wondering when we will receive them and are they mailed to DS or to our home?

Thank you.
 
To my knowledge there are no tailgaters in the stadium. If you go in for march on, it is a long wait, but also a chance to catch up with DS or DD before it gets crazy if you wanted. But, it is just that, a long wait. Army Navy tickets are shipped a few weeks before the game. Even as a season ticket holder we get those shipped separately from the rest of the season ticket package. To be honest I think last year we got them about 3 weeks before the game or so. They will be shipped wherever your DS told them to be shipped to.
 
Tailgating AFTER the game. Makes for a very long day, though. Lots and lots of great camaraderie!:beer1::band::Benny_monkeysmilies And some friendly give and take with the "enemy!" :hammer:
 
There are no tailgates inside the stadium. If you want to see the March On it is a long wait after you enter through security. Like I said, if the President will be there go really early. Security can be a nightmare. Once the game starts your Mid may be able to sneak up to your seats.:shake: Before March On it may be impossible to make contact as they usually form up in a secure area. Bring a warm Stadium Blanket.:thumb: Home games have some great tailgates after games as everyone feads the Mids as they make their way through the parking lots. Army/Navy, I think if they don't get overnights they have to make the Bus but they do have some down time?
 
Just read that the tailgate starts at 11:30am and the Navy march on is at 12:14pm and then Army at 12:44pm. Unfortunately, there's not much time to hang out at the tailgate since we need to be early to go into the stadium and go through security.

Any thoughts on march on....is it highly recommended?
 
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