Army-Navy Game in 1983 at the Rose Bowl and would it ever be held away from the Northeast again?

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FlyBoy1993

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Despite my handle, my DS is USMA '17.
On a sports board on which I participate, we were discussing the announcement of the future sites of the next 5 installments of America's Game; it came up that it would be cool to move the game around to Chicago/ Dallas/ Seattle/ ETC. I disagreed because of the logistics of moving and boarding the entire student bodies from each academy. Their attendance is a huge part of the pageantry that makes the game special.
In looking at the game's history, one notices that it's been held in Chicago before, but that was 1926. We also noticed that it was played in the Rose Bowl in 1983. Can anyone on here share how they did it for that year? Did the students attend? Why haven't they done it again with improved stadiums and transit in many locations since then?

Personally, I like it the way it is and how it works for the Cadets/ Midshipmen from both schools. I live in Texas and if they announced it was coming the JerryWorld or NRG in Houston, yeah, I'd do everything i could to attend; but I feel like it should be played in the northeast.

Really seeking info on how it went in 1983. Thank you!
 
I would think '23 game in Mass should provide a lot of information. I believe I've read where the Mids will bus to RI where they will sleep in the convention center. That bus ride is similar to Charlotte or Cleveland, give or take. Army to CLT would be considerably further, but going to Pitt or Cleveland wouldnt.
 
FlyBoy1993 said:
n looking at the game's history, one notices that it's been held in Chicago before, but that was 1926. We also noticed that it was played in the Rose Bowl in 1983. Can anyone on here share how they did it for that year? Did the students attend?
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Yes, entire Brigade and Corp of Cadets ( with some exceptions) were airlifted to LAX by a fleet of 747's running around the clock.. Everybody got about 72 hours in LA -- those that got there first went home immediately after the game, and those that got there last got back to USNA late Sunday. Cadets and Midshipman stayed in either private homes or in hotels.. It was a massive logistical effort, put together by a local community group. IMO, execution was very well done by all.

(I was there .. USNA 1985, so I was a Second class -- great time ! The best part was the game was essentially over in the first 2-3 minutes-Navy scored 3 times, and it was over !). I stayed in brand new Hilton Hotel near LAX --it was built for the 1984 Olympics in LA, and I don't think it was fully opened. The after game party was EPIC !

I was wondering how Boston was going to work.. Bussing to New York is a long day, bussing to Boston would be absolutely brutal !)
 
.Play the 2030 anniversary where it all began at West Point.

Or since that first one was a home game for Army play this one at Navy.

Either way would be historic and epic
 
I was also at the '83 game -- stayed in a private home with one other mid. We were not given a choice of private home vs. hotel. Our hosts were very gracious and it was nice having T-giving with a family. On Friday night, they opened Disneyland from 1600 to midnight for only mids / cadets and their guests. No lines! And the march over was more like a parade, complete with floats. I'll never forget that the cadets MARCHED and the mids kind of strolled, ran out of line to pose for photos with kids, etc.

I would be amazed if they try it again. At the time, the A/N game was held on the Saturday of T-giving WE, which allowed time to get everyone out and back with some time in CA. With the game now being in mid-December right before or during exams, there's no way they will fly everyone cross-country. In addition, I think the group that sponsored the CA game lost a fair amount of money and it was a logistical challenge that they probably don't want to repeat.

I will say that game was something that everyone who participated will remember forever. Winning was the proverbial cherry on top.
 
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