The DC Traveler

In a traditional inter-service rivalry since 1890, the Army-Navy football game is one of the nations oldest football games. Usually played in Philadelphia; but this year, the classic will be played in nearby Baltimore.

And you may still be able to find tickets for the game. 

The hometown favorites are the Navy Midshipmen based in suburban Annapolis, MD.

And they hold the bragging rights, with 51 Navy wins, yet Army is only a couple historical wins behind with 49. The two teams have also tied 7 times. In recent match-ups, the Midshipmen have a strong lead, winning 8 of the last 10 games and all of the last 5 match-ups.

Add in Navy’s stunning upset of Notre Dame in a 46-44 triple-overtime stunning victory last week, something Navy hasn’t accomplished in 43 years, the edge this year must go to the hometown Midshipmen.

Some game facts:

• In 1963, the Army-Navy game showed the first instant reply on television.
• The weight plates in the Navy weight room are stamped with the phrase “Beat Army”.
• 70 of the 106 games have been played in Philadelphia, considered a “neutral” stadium, equidistant between both schools.  
• The 2008 and 2009 games will again be played in Philly.
• Historically, the match up was played on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but now, the game is on the first Saturday in December.
• The Army-Navy game is traditionally the last game of the season for both teams, unless either team has bowl appearances.

Navy vs. Army  
M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, MD (map it)

Date and Time - Saturday, Dec. 1st, Noon

Tickets - Tickets for the game are sold out, but are available through tickets brokers and sources such as Craigslist (check Baltimore and Philly).  

Images - courtesy of Army and Navy websites, and Flickr
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