The U.S. Naval Academy will prepare for this year’s Army-Navy Game with a pep rally on 8 December at 6 p.m. and the running of the game ball on 12 December at 11:30 a.m. The ball run departure and pep rally are not open to the general public.
Pep Rally – Monday, 8 December at 6 p.m. to approx. 8 p.m.
The “Beat Army” pep rally will be held on Farragut Field with remarks from the Naval Academy’s superintendent and commandant.
Navy football players and cheerleaders will pump-up the crowd of midshipmen and the Naval Academy Drum and Bugle Corps will perform “Anchors Aweigh” at the event.
The pep rally will conclude with the Brigade of Midshipmen singing the Naval Academy’s alma mater, “Navy Blue and Gold.”
Ball Run Ceremony – Friday, 12 December starting at 11:30 a.m.
Midshipmen from the 13th Company will gather for a motivational kick-off to begin the trek from Bancroft Hall to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. The team will run a 36-mile route for the annual running of the Army-Navy game ball.
The run will be split into four mile legs and will be divided up over 12 and 13 December.
The Army marathon team will also run a game ball from West Point. Both teams will run onto the field prior to the start of the game and present each game ball.
Originating in 1982 as a desire to get the “unlucky” 13th Company off the Naval Academy grounds, the ball run has evolved into a highly spirited event that demonstrates the pride and enthusiasm of the entire Brigade of Midshipmen, their physical mission, and their excitement and support for the Army-Navy football tradition.
Patriot Games in Baltimore – Friday, 12 December from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The annual Patriot Games is a spirited and friendly competition between midshipmen and cadets involving multiple events around Baltimore.
The team with the most points will win this year’s bragging rights and be presented with the Patriot Games trophy on the field during the game.
The following events (subject to change) are open to the public and as follows:
9:30 a.m. Tug of War – Federal Hill Park
10:45 a.m. Mogadishu Mile – Federal Hill Park
1:00 p.m. Pull Ups – Inner Harbor
1:45 p.m. Zodiac Race – Inner Harbor
The Game
The Army-Navy Game will take place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., Saturday, 13 December at 3 p.m. Navy is the home team this year.
This year’s game marks the 126th time the Naval Academy’s Midshipmen will compete against West Point’s Black Knights on the football field. The football rivalry began in 1890 with Navy beating Army 24-0.
Navy’s record against Army currently stands at 63 wins, 55 losses, and seven ties. For info about the game, please go to Navy Sports and Army Navy Game websites.