For the first time since the Second World War, this year’s famed matchup between the Army and Navy college football teams will take place on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York.
Capacity restrictions placed on Lincoln Financial Field by the city of Philadelphia pushed the decision to move the 121st iteration of the competition to Michie Stadium, home of the Army Black Knights. Under the restrictions, both the corps of cadets and brigade of midshipmen would not have been able to attend at Lincoln Financial Field.
“We want to thank the City of Philadelphia, the Eagles and all involved in the planning for their efforts to navigate this historic game in the current COVID-19 climate,” Army director of athletics Mike Buddie said in a statement. “We are excited about this historic opportunity to host Navy and the Brigade inside the gates of West Point for the first time since 1943.”
The two teams met at Michie Stadium only once in 1943 when Navy won the game 13-0.
Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, 60th superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, said fans won’t be permitted to attend the game this year due to concerns about the health and wellness of the corps of cadets amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“We had to move forward with the best course of action, and that is what led to this decision,” Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk wrote in a statement released Friday. “This important game can be managed and successfully executed up at West Point. I am confident the administration at Army West Point will do a good job.”
The historic game between the Army and Navy has been at several different neutral sites with both teams rotating the job of acting as the ceremonial “host.” Last year’s game was played at Lincoln Financial Field, with Navy taking home the Secretary’s Trophy following a 31–7 victory over the Black Knights.
