2020 Army/Navy Game top be played at West Point

Awesome video, @Dr. Strange Love. An important and poignant reminder that the cadets and mids are playing for more than the Corps and Brigade. They’re also representing their “brothers and sisters” at arms (in the words of that cadet) — those downrange and in harm’s way, as well as those who served before, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

There will always be more commercially appealing games between higher-ranked teams. There will always be better-skilled players exhibiting higher-quality football. Those teams represent their universities and alumni, maybe even whole regions. But there is no game more meaningful than Army-Navy — a tribute to, and a celebration of, a great nation and those who are willing to give everything to protect our freedom.

Each year, I tear up and get the chills while watching the Corps and Brigade march in. This year, given all we’ve been through, I think my emotions will literally spill over. I don’t know if the political rancor and partisanship and bitterness will have subsided by December 12 — not to mention the scourge of covid — but I’m hoping for one afternoon we can all remember the gifts we’ve been given: The gift of being Americans, and the gift of those young people both on the field and in the stands. GO ARMY-NAVY!
 
Dad_2024 said:
So Army gets home field advantage against both Air Force and Navy this year, although without fans, the big advantage is they don't have to travel. Navy has to travel to both rival academies (and we see how that airplane ride worked out). Sure seems like Army traveling to Annapolis in December would keep it even.
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Sheesh...first the navy coach with excuses, now the fans...

I am just glad they are playing. ARMY is using their 4th and 5th string QBs right now.
 
MidCakePa said:
Awesome video, @Dr. Strange Love. An important and poignant reminder that the cadets and mids are playing for more than the Corps and Brigade. They’re also representing their “brothers and sisters” at arms (in the words of that cadet) — those downrange and in harm’s way, as well as those who served before, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

There will always be more commercially appealing games between higher-ranked teams. There will always be better-skilled players exhibiting higher-quality football. Those teams represent their universities and alumni, maybe even whole regions. But there is no game more meaningful than Army-Navy — a tribute to, and a celebration of, a great nation and those who are willing to give everything to protect our freedom.

Each year, I tear up and get the chills while watching the Corps and Brigade march in. This year, given all we’ve been through, I think my emotions will literally spill over. I don’t know if the political rancor and partisanship and bitterness will have subsided by December 12 — not to mention the scourge of covid — but I’m hoping for one afternoon we can all remember the gifts we’ve been given: The gift of being Americans, and the gift of those young people both on the field and in the stands. GO ARMY-NAVY!
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I cry every year when the brigades march on. Knowing my plebe will be among them will likely leave me in a puddle. The patriotism is undeniable and the representation of those willing to serve and the pageantry are undeniable. Less than 1% of our citizenry serve. The game is a classy way to showcase all of those who take up arms in our name. I am and will be humbled.
 
They played in Baltimore when I was a cadet. The travel difference wasn’t brought up as a factor for Navy beating us despite that being in their backyard. My sympathy for the Brigade for travel is relatively low in this matter. Whoever the better team is will figure it out and play, regardless of location.
 
I met a West Pointer this weekend and he was telling me about early 80's game that was played at the Rose Bowl. 9,000 cadets and mids were flown to CA for the game. That was a road trip!
 
lovetheheat said:
I met a West Pointer this weekend and he was telling me about early 80's game that was played at the Rose Bowl. 9,000 cadets and mids were flown to CA for the game. That was a road trip!
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Indeed it was ! 1983 A-N game. They flew all 4000+ of us from each Academy (except a few watchstanders) to Pasadena; my recollection is it took a handful of 747's flying around the clock .. each Midshipman /Cadet had about 72 hours +/- in Pasadena --if you left on Wednesday, you flew back right after the game. If you left Friday, you flew back Monday. etc. Midshipman and Cadets stayed at private homes and /or hotels. (I stayed at a brand new Hilton near LAX--it had been built for the upcoming LA Olympics , and we were among the first guests. We even got a night to ourselves at Disneyland (but it rained !). All of this was organized and paid for by a local community that organized to get the AN game to Southern Cal .

Best part was the game was over in the first few minutes-- Opening Kickoff for TD ; Fumble Recovery and quick TD first Army Possession; and anotjher quick score. The rest of the game was anticlimatic -- anyone who tells you they want a "good game" for the A-N game is crazy; I'll take a Mule-whooping over the normal nail biter any time ! There was good tailgater after the game., and the after party at the Hilton was truly epic !
 
The west coast A/N game was epic. We had a long "march on" through much of downtown LA. It was more of a parade (with floats and such) than a marcher. USNA walked and had a good time with the fans. USMA marched -- they were apparently warned to take it very seriously.

I remember Disneyland but don't remember the rain -- am sure Old Navy is correct but I think I'm just editing the memories. It was great not having to wait in line for any rides!

I was with a sponsor family. Stayed in touch with them for many years after the game. It was really fun for us and, I hope, for the local folks. I doubt they'll ever do it again, but never say never.
 
I saw where Orlando is looking to bid on a future game, knowing transportation and hotels would cost them lots...
 
usna1985 said:
The west coast A/N game was epic. We had a long "march on" through much of downtown LA. It was more of a parade (with floats and such) than a marcher. USNA walked and had a good time with the fans. USMA marched -- they were apparently warned to take it very seriously.

I remember Disneyland but don't remember the rain -- am sure Old Navy is correct but I think I'm just editing the memories. It was great not having to wait in line for any rides!

I was with a sponsor family. Stayed in touch with them for many years after the game. It was really fun for us and, I hope, for the local folks. I doubt they'll ever do it again, but never say never.
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Everyone knows ARMY marches and NAVY walks!
We even march with the sprinklers on!

photo taken at West Point with the Supe and command staff setting the standard for military bearing!
 

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justme said:
I saw where Orlando is looking to bid on a future game, knowing transportation and hotels would cost them lots...
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Last time cities competed for the game, they announced 5 yrs worth of future game sites and this is what is left.


Future Army-Navy Game Dates
  • Dec. 12, 2020 – at Philadelphia, PA
  • Dec. 11, 2021 – at East Rutherford, NJ
  • Dec. 10, 2022 – at Philadelphia, PA

    Obviously, 2020 has changed but I expect 2021 to happen at Metlife Stadium (Giants Stadium).

    Baltimore and DC will probably also be in the mix going forward. Expect Philly to be the most common site though.
 
Two things - I heard that the East Rutherford site was chosen as a nod to NY because it will be the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Not sure how true that is....

The other point goes to the tickets - as a plebe parent I was able to buy the tickets with a special "plebe" code. I am not sure how fast these tickets sell without a special invitation, so I was thinking I would take the credit to ensure I would be able to secure tickets for 2021. Is that pie in the sky thinking?
 
DSANN said:
@NavyHoops You bring up an excellent point about state and local policies. I wonder how this got approved in NYS, Cuomo has us on a tight leash here - not complaining - its working, but almost 9000 people in one area is not the New York way these days.
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I don’t think they did. NY didn’t say yes... but they didn’t say no. Typical political non decision. If things go poorly you can always say “We never said you could.” If things go well, you look good.
 
UHBlackhawk said:
I don’t think they did. NY didn’t say yes... but they didn’t say no. Typical political non decision. If things go poorly you can always say “We never said you could.” If things go well, you look good.
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West Point is federal property. Not sure they need permission.
 
DSANN said:
Two things - I heard that the East Rutherford site was chosen as a nod to NY because it will be the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Not sure how true that is....

The other point goes to the tickets - as a plebe parent I was able to buy the tickets with a special "plebe" code. I am not sure how fast these tickets sell without a special invitation, so I was thinking I would take the credit to ensure I would be able to secure tickets for 2021. Is that pie in the sky thinking?
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I don’t know if you have a Mid or Cadet, but I’m sure USNA is similar to USMA with offerings.
Here is my USMA advice.

We never had a problem getting tickets through ARMY A Club. Any profits go back to the Corps Athletics. I preferred to donate at one of the Sponsor “levels “ and purchase through them. May not have been “cheaper” just my choice.
If you plan to attend next year, choose that option to roll the credit into next year.
I chose to donate part of my credit this year into virtual ARMY/AF football game tickets as a donation back to A Club and took the rest on refund. This is because I have a Firstie and don’t plan on attending next year.
You will also always be able to purchase tickets through your Cadet, A Club just gives you better seats with higher sponsorship donation.
 
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shock-n-awe said:
I don’t know if you have a Mid or Cadet, but I’m sure USNA is similar to USMA with offerings.
Here is my USMA advice.

We never had a problem getting tickets through ARMY A Club. Any profits go back to the Corps Athletics. I preferred to donate at one of the Sponsor “levels “ and purchase through them. May not have been “cheaper” just my choice.
If you plan to attend next year, choose that option to roll the credit into next year.
I chose to donate part of my credit this year into virtual ARMY/AF football game tickets as a donation back to A Club and took the rest on refund. This is because I have a Firstie and don’t plan on attending next year.
You will also always be able to purchase tickets through your Cadet, A Club just gives you better seats with higher sponsorship donation.
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Gotcha! I have a Mid (plebe) but it sounds like they run similar operations. I'll roll it over.
 
I just rolled mine, usna, option #2. When I did that, the prompt stated that seats would be assigned according to normal priorities. And to join xxx for better seats.

I assume if you don’t join, you are in the nosebleeds. Not sure if that’s the same as it woukd Have been this year as a plebe parent? But...it’s a bucket list for us no matter where we sit.

Also, it’s at MetLife Stadium in ‘21 instead of PHL. Wonder why? Isn’t it always in PHL??
 
Usually every 4th year it goes somewhere else. Jersey has been a popular one the last few decades. Baltimore a few times. Location wise Philly is a great spot for both schools and they host a great game. If I remember the game is bid out to cities. Orlando hosted a great Navy vs. Notre Dame game a few years ago. Weather wise, be hard to beat for a Dec game. Comes down to the bids and what the city offers in terms of subsidizing transpo, hotels, etc. for the schools. It's a whole weekend of events in the end centered around the game and the rivalry.
 
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