Army-Navy Game presented by USAA in Philadelphia

Time and time again, Philadelphia has proven itself as a worthy host for major sporting events, including one of the country’s greatest traditions, the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA. Known as “America’s Game,” the Cadets from West Point and the Midshipmen from Annapolis face off on the football field. Philadelphia is an ideal destination for its proximity to the two academies.

Philadelphia has proudly hosted the event 90 times in the game’s more than 123-year history. The Game will return to Philadelphia in 2027.

Army-Navy Game presented by USAA, 2022. Photo by J. Ryan for the PHLCVB.

The Patriot Games

This event is more than just a football game. It is an entire weekend jam-packed with contests and festivities. The competition between the Army and Navy starts with the Patriot Games, a two-day competition full of physical and mental challenges leading up to the main event. The events are held at landmarks and attractions throughout the city.

In Philadelphia, the Patriot Games begin with the “Rocky Relay.” Competitors race up the 72 famous “Rocky Steps” in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The contest tests participants’ strength and speed. Crowds of fans cheer on the runners as they ascend the stairs, carrying weights, and other team members on stretchers.

Army-Navy Game presented by USAA, 2022. Photo by J. Ryan for the PHLCVB.

Other Patriot Games include a pull-up challenge, an epic tug-of-war, and an obstacle relay. In the past, these events have been held at historic Philadelphia sites, such as Independence Mall and the Battleship New Jersey. More than 50,000 visitors come for the events, generating more than 31,000 hotel room nights. Each year the Game comes to Philadelphia, the event generates an estimated $30 million in economic impact.

Patriot Games Tug-of-War. Photo by A. Sinagoga for PHLCVB.

The Main Event

In years past, the Game has kicked off at Lincoln Financial Field – home to the city’s beloved NFL team the Philadelphia Eagles – in South Philadelphia. Before kickoff, there are several time-honored ceremonies, including a stirring National Anthem, an unforgettable stadium flyover, and “March On,” where the Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets march onto the field. No matter the outcome, both academies honor one another after the game by singing the opposing team’s alma mater to the respective fans. This is done as a sign of mutual respect and an ultimate display of sportsmanship.

With any large-scale event, there are a lot of moving parts. A dedicated team of meeting and event professionals help make the festivities possible by connecting the Game’s organizers with the necessary venues and contacts. PHL Sports is a division of the PHLCVB that supports sporting events like the Army-Navy game presented by USAA.

Army-Navy Game presented by USAA, 2022. Photo by J. Ryan for PHLCVB.

Interested in bringing your sporting event to Philadelphia? Contact PHL Sports to start planning today.