Army -Navy Game

Because I have not been to an Army-Navy game in close to 20 years, but I have been to a handful overall. My understanding is there is really nothing going on outside the stadium for this game, just normal tailgating, etc. There will be a lot of pregame stuff inside so I would make sure to head in earlier than you would for a Giants game or something.

That's what I've read as well but figured it's worth checking in with BBI. We plan to arrive early enough for the March On, not sure if there was anything else to catch pre-game

Sounds like an awesome weekend. Have fun! I'll be watching both games.

In comment 14204661 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

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Sounds like an awesome weekend. Have fun! I'll be watching both games.

This is what I was going to say ... sounds like an awesome weekend of sports/football.

Who are you rooting for? And, don't say the Giants ... I am talking about the other game. : )

Just sounds so bad-ass!

I was at one or two where he did and the lines getting in were slower because of security. If so, plan some extra time.

But I would definitely get in early to see the march on. You can see the difference between a straight line and a zig zag. Either way, it’s a cool site. Also, the flyovers and delivery of the game ball and American flag should not be missed.

In comment 14204675 Bill L said:

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I was at one or two where he did and the lines getting in were slower because of security. If so, plan some extra time. But I would definitely get in early to see the march on. You can see the difference between a straight line and a zig zag. Either way, it’s a cool site. Also, the flyovers and delivery of the game ball and American flag should not be missed.

Thanks Bill, noted.

In comment 14204667 short lease said:

Quote:

In comment 14204661 SFGFNCGiantsFan said: Quote: Sounds like an awesome weekend. Have fun! I'll be watching both games. This is what I was going to say ... sounds like an awesome weekend of sports/football. Who are you rooting for? And, don't say the Giants ... I am talking about the other game. : )

Army. Go Black Knights! I got about 10 buddies coming over to raid my fridge for this game. It'll be fun.

In comment 14204667 short lease said:

Quote:

In comment 14204661 SFGFNCGiantsFan said: Quote: Sounds like an awesome weekend. Have fun! I'll be watching both games. This is what I was going to say ... sounds like an awesome weekend of sports/football. Who are you rooting for? And, don't say the Giants ... I am talking about the other game. : )

Thanks all. We're absolutely pumped - always wanted to attend the Army Navy game and its just icing on the cake that Giants are nearby on the same weekend.

That said. Go ARMY!

Well I hope you will consider switching teams! You will have a great time and like others have said get in very early to see the pre-game activities. If the President attends that can add significantly to your time getting in depending where your seats are.

I have attended about 10 of them and of all the family friends that have gone they probably enjoy and are touched most after the game when each team pays tribute to each other by respecting each others song. So hopeful you stay for that.

It was a different venue, but at your sons age I attended the Navy-UVA lacrosse game at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium to see my brother who played for UVA. I made a decision that day at 13, that I would attend the Naval Academy knowing nothing about the school or really having any military aspirations. Thought I would share that since I was the same age.

Enjoy and I hope you see a really competitive game. I am hoping Navy gets a win as Army has all the momentum and a much better season. Coach Monken from Army spent quite a few years on the Navy staff when Paul Johnson was coach and has done a great job. It certainly has not helped as the Navy coach has flirted with taking a couple jobs the last few years. They each recruit many of the same kids.

I've been to a number of them, an experience you will never forget IF you can understand all the side action and traditions. My brother-I-law is retired USN Rear Admiral and his son was a Naval Academy graduate (pitched on their baseball team). There is much going on that you will not understand unless you tie yourself to one of the academy people for explanations. The march on is unforgettable. Don't miss it. Little things are going on such as the color guard exchange when two academy members are each on the color guard of the OTHER side. They march to the center flag bearing and cross to their own side in a drill so that they can watch the game with their own school and at the end of the game they go back to the other side for the rest of the school year. A group from each school spends a year at the other to get to know their future comrades in arms and the four cadets are chosen for this honor from this group, though allowed to sit with their own school during the game. You will never be prouder of being an American than when you see these bright, healthy and good looking kids from every part of the USA before you who represent our country and its future. What ever you do, don't miss the alma maters being sung at the end of each team with their respective schools. This was something started by the Naval Academy some years ago no matter WHAT other team they were playing. The Navy Alma Mater is "Navy Blue and Gold" and the last two words (NO MATTER WHAT TEAM THEY ARE PLAYING)is always "BEAT ARMY". Sit near a service member and see if he or she can inform you about the traditions (examples-Navy Billy Goat and Army Mule,pushups by plebes after scores, etc.) YOU WILL NEVER APPRECIATE YOUR COUNTRY MORE!!!!! Nkleppel,USAF Vietnam Vet

and, uniquely, about the discipline of our service cadets, is how the huge, huge raucous of thousands of people talking and (for half of them) wildly celebrating a momentous victory, ceases to silence in a nano-second when the first chord of the Alma Mater (Navy in this year's case :-) is struck.

I mean this is a freaking filled football stadium and it quiets *immediately*. How fast can you get your family dinner table to shut up for an announcement. Unbelievable and frankly inspiring.

So, it's something to take into account in your planning. Leave yourself time to go through the gates.

I did see as well that the President is attending. Good to know and we'll make sure to leave enough time to account for added security.

I really appreciate all the responses. Son and I are both super excited and want to make the most out of the experience. We plan on arriving in time for March On and staying at least until they complete the singing of the alma maters.

I found the article below describing the experience - highlighting a lot of same things mentioned on this thread.

Lines of Scrimmage - I can only hope that my son similarly impressed as you were. That would a great goal for him to strive towards

Thanks to all that responded!
Attending Army-Navy game a truly moving, memorable experience - ( New Window )

and recount your experience.