For the first time in the history of the Army-Navy rivalry, the annual showdown between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen is set to unfold in New England. Traditionally held in Philadelphia, the 2022 edition commenced at the Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field. However, this season’s clash marks the commencement of a four-year rotation among different stadiums, culminating in the return to Philadelphia in 2027.
In 2023, the Army vs Navy Game is scheduled to grace Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, becoming the eighth state to host this prestigious encounter. Out of the 123 previous matchups, a significant 90 have unfolded in Philadelphia, the favored location historically due to its proximity—125 miles from Annapolis, Maryland, and 142 miles from West Point, New York. The geographical diversity in hosting reflects a new chapter in the storied history of this revered military football rivalry.
Yet, the shift to the Massachusetts venue provides a slight edge to the Army. Gillette Stadium stands a mere 209 miles away from West Point, while the distance from Annapolis is a more substantial 414 miles.
Discover all the details about the venue and historical background of the Army vs. Navy game:
Where will the Army-Navy game be in 2023?
Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
The Army-Navy game is set to unfold in Foxborough, Massachusetts in 2023. Although the traditional venue for this rivalry clash is Philadelphia, the game will make a temporary stop this season at Gillette Stadium. This stadium serves as the home to both the NFL’s New England Patriots and Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution.
Details about the Army vs Navy game venue:
Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Capacity: 64,628
The upcoming Army vs Navy game is scheduled to take place at Gillette Stadium, marking the inaugural hosting of the rivalry game at this venue.
Notably, Gillette Stadium offers approximately 5,000 fewer seats compared to Lincoln Financial Field, the previous season’s host, which accommodates up to 69,896 fans. The historical backdrop includes multiple encounters between Army and Navy at Lincoln Financial Field during various periods: 2003-06, 2008-10, 2012-15, and 2017-19.
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The decision to host the 2023 Army-Navy game in Massachusetts aligns with several significant and historical milestones in American history. These include the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the 225th anniversary of the USS Constitution’s maiden voyage, and the 124th edition of the celebrated Army-Navy rivalry.
According to information from the Patriots’ website, additional noteworthy considerations for selecting the 2023 game location include New England’s profound historical ties to the Army and Navy. Massachusetts, in particular, holds significance as the birthplace of the National Guard in 1636. It is also home to the Charlestown Navy Yard, one of the six original Navy shipyards in the country, and the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat.
Moreover, Massachusetts played a pivotal role in the early stages of the American Revolution, notably hosting the battles of Lexington and Concord.
Upcoming Army vs Navy Game Locations
Following the recent game in Philadelphia, the annual Army vs Navy football matchup will not revisit the city until 2027. Leading up to that year, the game is set to rotate among the home stadiums of existing NFL teams, including the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, and New York Giants.
Upcoming Army vs Navy Game Locations:
- Dec. 14, 2024: FedEx Field (Landover, Md.)
- Dec. 13, 2025: M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, Md.)
- Dec. 12, 2026: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.)
- Dec. 11, 2027: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
Army vs Navy Game Location History:
Out of the 123 matchups between these esteemed military programs, a significant 90 have unfolded in Philadelphia. Seven games were hosted on the Army’s campus in West Point, N.Y., and the Navy’s campus in Annapolis.
Here’s a list of every game played outside of Philadelphia since the inception of the Army vs Navy game:
- Princeton, N.J. (1905)
- New York (1913, 1915-16, 1919-21, 1923, 1925, 1927, 1930-31)
- Baltimore (1924, 1944, 2000, 2007, 2014, 2016)
- Chicago (1926)
- Pasadena, Calif. (1983)
- Landover, Md. (2011)
- East Rutherford, N.J. (1989, 1993, 1997, 2002, 2021)
- Foxborough, Mass. (2023)
