Army-Navy Game presented by USAA in Philadelphia

The 123rd Army-Navy Game presented by USAA takes place on Saturday, December 10, 2022, marking the 90th time “America’s Game” will be played in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is the perfect destination for the face-off between the Cadets from West Point and the Midshipmen from Annapolis – not only for its proximity to the two academies, but the storied history of them in the city.

2018 Army-Navy Game. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.

Commodore Barry Statue

Commodore John Barry statue outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.

After the creation of the United States Navy in 1794 under President George Washington, Commodore John Barry (1745-1803) was appointed first commissioned officer and Secretary. He oversaw construction of the nation’s first fleet and won numerous naval victories during the American Revolution. Born in Ireland, Barry came to Philadelphia as a young boy and remained there until he died. His statue stands outside of Independence Hall.

Neighborhood: Old City

Address: Independence National Historical Park, 111 S Independence Mall W

Museum of the American Revolution

Museum of the American Revolution. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.

The Museum of the American Revolution – dedicated to telling the story of the American Revolution – is set in Philadelphia’s historic district, steps away from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and numerous other iconic and pivotal locations in American history. A collection of thousands of objects and immersive exhibits follow the path of the revolution from the early roots of the conflict to the Declaration of Independence to the final years of the war. Not to be missed is George Washington’s war tent.

Neighborhood: Old City

Address: 101 S 3rd St.

Octavius V. Catto

Octavius V. Catto sculpture. Photo by B. Dale for PHLCVB.

Octavius V. Catto (1839-1871) lived in Philadelphia and attended the Institute for Colored Youth, which eventually became Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the first historically black institute. Catto was an educator, Union army major, and political organizer and attempted to break down racial barriers. He worked to get Pennsylvania to ratify the 15th Amendment and in 1871, while urging Blacks to vote, he was assassinated by rioters. A statue dedicated to him sits on the south side of Philadelphia’s City Hall.

Neighborhood: Center City

Address: City Hall, 1400 JFK Blvd. (south side of City Hall)

Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna

Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna. Photo courtesy of Independence Seaport Museum.

Independence Seaport Museum’s Historic Ship Zone features the Cruiser Olympia, the oldest steel warship afloat in the world. Launched in 1892, the vessel served during the Spanish-American War of 1898, was in Russia for the Bolshevik revolution and brought the body of the Unknown Soldier home from France in 1921. Olympia, along with the Battleship Texas, is one of only two American warships that served in World War I that are still afloat. Next to Olympia is Submarine Becuna, launched in 1944. The BALAO-class submarine completed five wartime patrols in the Pacific Ocean and was decommissioned in 1969 and is now a National Historic Landmark. Guests can reserve tickets to tour the two ships respectively. Tours of the vessels are not included with general admission to the museum, which maintains a large collection of historical artifacts and records for both ships.

Neighborhood: Old City / Society Hill

Address: Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.

Franklin Field

Penn Relays at Franklin Field. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.

One of the most traditional and enduring rivalries in college football, the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA first met in 1890 – at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, when the city was 114 years old. Franklin Field – on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania – is the oldest college stadium in the United States and home of the historic Penn Relays. The arena is the location of many “firsts,” and besides being the first double-decker stadium, it has the nation’s first scoreboard and was the site of college football’s first televised game.

Neighborhood: University City

Address: University of Pennsylvania, 235 S 33rd St.

Battleship New Jersey

Battleship New Jersey. Photo by R. Bloom for PHLCVB.

The New Jersey (BB-62) was launched in 1942 by the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and is the nation’s most decorated and largest battleship. The Battleship New Jersey served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Visitors have the opportunity to sit in the commander’s chair and visit the Combat Engagement Center, where all weapons were launched and tracked aboard the ship. The Battleship New Jersey is docked on the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey.

TIP: The deck of the ship provides perfect spots to snap a picture of the Philadelphia skyline.

The Battleship New Jersey is one of the locations of the Patriot Games, held Friday, December 9, 2022 as part of Army-Navy Weekend activities.

Neighborhood: Camden, NJ

Address: 100 Clinton St.

The PHLCVB’s PHL Sports division works with events like the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA to make each experience exceptional and unique to Philadelphia. Learn more about bringing your sporting event to Philadelphia.