The tradition known as “America’s Game” began on November 29, 1890, when the Army Black Knights of the United States Military Academy faced off against the Navy Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy in their first football matchup. This game became an annual tradition and a national legacy. 

The First Match-Up

The first Army-Navy football game was played at “The Plain,” a central ceremonial area at West Point. The Plain is known as the ceremonial heart of West Point, where most celebrations, graduations, and parades for the United States Military Academy take place. It was a great honor for the game to be held in such a significant location. 

The game held significant importance for both teams, as it featured a matchup between servicemen. The Navy Midshipmen had more experience, having played official football games since 1879. In contrast, the Army team had just been formed and was participating in its first season, playing in its very first organized game. The inexperienced Army team was completely shut out by Navy, losing 24-0. Although it was a painful defeat, the game established the long-standing tradition of an annual showdown between the two teams. 

Long-Standing Traditions

Since their first matchup in 1890, Army and Navy have played annually except for 10 years,  and have competed consecutively since 1930. Although the rivalry is friendly, the games tend to be intense, and both schools take the match-up very seriously. 

Many traditions have developed since the first game, including:

• A “Sing-Second” Tradition: After the game concludes, both teams stand with the losing team’s student section and sing the school’s alma mater first. Then the players move to the winning team’s student section and sing their alma mater “second.”
• The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy: This honor is awarded to the winner of the match-up.
• Presidential Attendance: Since 1901, with Theodore Roosevelt, the game has been a long-standing tradition for the president. 

A Legacy

The Army-Navy game attracts a significant viewership. For many years, both teams were national championship contenders, making this matchup an important event in college football. However, as the sport has become more competitive and both universities have implemented strict height and weight requirements for admissions, it has become challenging for them to compete with modern teams. It has been since 1963 that both teams finished their seasons with winning records. Nonetheless, the game has preserved its rivalry status, has been broadcast nationally since 1930, and continues to be known as “America’s Game.”