Army-Navy game will feature something it hasn’t had since World War II: Home-field advantage
The teams will play at 3 p.m. Eastern time Dec. 12.
This will be the first time the game will not be played at a neutral site since 1943, when Army hosted. The game was last played at Navy in 1942.
“Every effort was made to create a safe and acceptable environment for the Brigade, the Corps and our public while meeting city and state requirements,” Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk said in a statement. “However, medical conditions and protocols dictate the environment in which we live. Therefore, on to the safe haven of West Point on Dec. 12 and let it ring true that even in the most challenging of times, the spirit and intent of the Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets still prevails.”
The academies said it is unlikely that the game will be open to fans other than the cadets and midshipmen.
“The health and welfare of the Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen is the number one priority,” Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, said in a statement. “Hosting the Army-Navy game on West Point will be the safest way for the cadets and midshipmen to cheer their teams to victory.”
Navy played its first home game of the season without fans, but the Brigade of Midshipmen was permitted to attend the second home game. Army has played its four home games before the Corps of Cadets, but no one from outside the academy has been allowed to attend.
