It is way more than a college rivalry; it is a rivalry between the services in general, and the Cadets and Mids understand that in a big way. It's us vs them, and it applies to everything. And while it is true that there is a very righteous mutual respect for each other, trust me, cadets and Mids will throw down against each other for anything.The game is such a lovely showcase of the Corps' warrior spirits!
From what I've been told by various cadets:
The rivalry exists to cultivate a warrior's spirit--you learn to defeat yourself during the school year (whether you're conquering Beast, Navy's Plebe Summer, or some other challenge) and develop teamwork skills to overcome everyone's individual hardships. Then you learn "Beat Navy," (or "Beat Army,") and all those signs, that tunnel, and the cadets throwing the phrase around really beats it into your head! It prepares you to fight, to yearn for victory, because one day it won't be Navy/Army you're fighting anymore. One day you'll be responsible for winning America's wars. One day your parent's war or your grandparent's war or your aunt or uncle's war or even your friend's war will become yours, because that's the path you chose when you decided to report to West Point or Annapolis.
Aside from being a college football fan in general, this is why I watch the game. You monitor the expressions on the faces of Cadets and Mids and you've just never seen anything like it.
Next year, I have a feeling I won't be watching it on TV
Ahh; the boomerang bus option. My kid and one of his roommates ate pretty good for the weekend. They took a spirit pass, and rented a car with a few other Cadets. I bought their chow for the weekend, and then they ditched my wife and I as soon as they were done eating, but I'm not bitter. LOL.Game day:
0200 finished studying, asleep
0350 up
0430 assemble at football field by company
0600 30 buses leave, 5 police car escort, slept on bus
0900 arrive, 2 hour drive longer due to snow; sit in stands, march around, glad handed, slapped on back by alumni. heavy coat not warm.
1830 embark
0100 arrive barracks. food for day (2) breakfast boxes
I preferred the setup in Baltimore last year. It seemed more conducive to having as many people be able to attend all of the events oh, it has the venues seemed closer together, and more accessible. There were a lot more logistical barriers in Philadelphia. Still a great experience.Well, now that I have seen the AN game in person, I begin to understand why it engenders so much passion. I agree with @brovol that this is a good bucket list item as it really is an experience like none other. I did learn all about dressing for warm weather for this game!! Yozwa, it was cold as it snowed the entire time and also sleeted for the second half of the game. But, oh the memories.
The 84th Army-Navy game in 1983 was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. All others were held in cold weather climates. If the warm weather/cold weather location pattern continues, you can watch the 168th Army-Navy game in balmy weather in the year 2067.I preferred the setup in Baltimore last year. It seemed more conducive to having as many people be able to attend all of the events oh, it has the venues seemed closer together, and more accessible. There were a lot more logistical barriers in Philadelphia. Still a great experience.Well, now that I have seen the AN game in person, I begin to understand why it engenders so much passion. I agree with @brovol that this is a good bucket list item as it really is an experience like none other. I did learn all about dressing for warm weather for this game!! Yozwa, it was cold as it snowed the entire time and also sleeted for the second half of the game. But, oh the memories.
Although the snow made it perhaps more charming, it also made it downright cold and sloppy. Even as a traditionalist, i would not complain at all if this game were played in an indoor Stadium, or a warm weather town. I know it won't happen, as they need to get all the cadets and midshipmen to and from the game, but it would have made for a more comfortable experience on game day.