PHILADELPHIA – On Saturday, December 10, the Army-Navy Game will return to Philadelphia for the 90th time in the rivalry’s 123-year history. The game kicks off at Lincoln Financial Field as the United States Military Academy (USMA) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) face-off in America’s Game.
The city anticipates a large influx of more than 50,000 visitors, who will consume more than 31,000 hotel room nights. The weekend also serves as a platform for promoting Philadelphia to millions on national television and the sellout crowd of nearly 70,000 fans that attend the game.
“Army-Navy weekend is all about celebrating America’s armed forces and their service to our country,” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are honored to welcome military families to Philadelphia for the game weekend and to recognize the sacrifices they have made for our nation.”
“The entire city will be electric all weekend as we welcome fans from around the country,” said Larry Needle, executive director of PHL Sports. “This is the 90th year we have had the privilege to host the Academies, and we’re incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve created together.”
In addition to the Academies, the weekend is produced by a number of local partners, including PHL Sports, a business development division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the Army-Navy Game is the weekend’s focal point, there are events and activities throughout the city leading up to kickoff:
Friday, December 9
Patriot Games: A two-day, five-event competition between teams of Cadets and Midshipmen – with a series of events at various Philadelphia-area landmarks. The Patriot Games The Rocky Relay (December 9, 8:30 a.m., Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art)
Leadership Reaction Course (December 9, 10:00 a.m., Independence Visitor Center)
Pull-Up Challenge (December 9, 12:00 p.m., The Shops at Liberty Place)
Tug of War (December 9, 1:30 p.m., USS New Jersey Battleship)
Army-Navy Pep Rally: Serving as the official kickoff, The Shops at Liberty Place will play host to the Army-Navy Pep Rally at 12 p.m. on Friday, December 9, where spectators will get fired up with performances by the Academies’ cheerleader squads and pep bands.
Assembly Day with Operation Gratitude: At the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday, December 9 from 1:30 pm – 3:30 p.m., volunteers will assemble 2,000 care packages to be sent to U.S. troops. The public can sign up to volunteer in Assembly Day here.
Gala: At the Pennsylvania Convention Center Grand Hall from 6:30 – 10 p.m., Philadelphia welcomes the Academies and all of the game partners to celebrate ahead of game day with a sit-down dinner and gala. Mayor Jim Kenney and the Academy Superintendents will offer remarks. This event is closed to the public.
Saturday, December 10
*Denotes game day ticket required
Red, White & You: The PHLCVB Foundation’s Red, White & You Community Outreach Program supports legacy projects surrounding the Army-Navy Game, impacting young people and the men and women of our military. The program will welcome 350 JROTC are comprised of:
members from the Philadelphia and Camden School Districts to the Army-Navy Game, as well as partner with the Travis Manion Foundation in hosting Wounded Warriors and Gold Star families.
Exclusive Fan Tailgate: On game day, Saturday, December 10, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., fans can beat the cold by getting fired up at the Army-Navy Tailgate, located inside Citizens Bank Park’s Hall of Fame Club, across the street from Lincoln Financial Field. Fans can purchase tickets to the tailgate, available through December 5, online at
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02005D55D1885E12
Army-Navy Fan Fest*: Ahead of kickoff on Saturday, November 10, Fan Fest will take place inside of the stadium at Lincoln Financial Field’s HeadHouse Plaza (gates open at 11 a.m.), with live music, games, face painting and giveaways.
March-On*: Time-honored tradition in which the entire Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen “march-on” to the field ahead of kickoff to honor their respective teams, starting at 12:15 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field.
Stadium Obstacle Relay*: The final leg of the Patriot Games takes place at 1:15 p.m. on the field.
123rd Army-Navy Game*: America’s Game kicks off at 3:10 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field.
For more information on all Army-Navy Weekend activities, visit DiscoverPHL.com.
About PHL Sports:
PHL Sports, a business development division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, seeks to attract major sporting events and conventions to the Philadelphia area. PHL Sports, working in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia, the city’s professional teams and universities, has attracted many events to the city and is currently working on bids for future sporting events.
To learn more, visit www.DiscoverPHL.com/Sports.
