The last time that West Point hosted the Army-Navy football game, Franklin Roosevelt was near the end of his third term as president.
The year was 1943.
The service academies announced Friday that their annual rivalry game in December is moving from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to West Point this year so the Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets can attend. The state of Pennsylvania has imposed limits on outdoor crowds because of the coronavirus, prompting the move.
“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 news release. “However, medical conditions and protocols dictate the environment in which we live.’’
Army and Navy are scheduled to meet for the 121st time at 3 p.m. Eastern time on Dec. 12. Beyond the cadets and midshipmen, fans likely won’t be permitted to attend the game at Michie Stadium.
“We want to thank the City of Philadelphia, the Eagles and all involved in the planning for their efforts to navigate this historic game in the current COVID-19 climate,’’ Army AD Mike Buddie said. “Of utmost importance to us throughout this entire process was the health, safety and welfare of the Corps of Cadets and the Brigade of Midshipmen.’’
West Point will host one of college football’s biggest traditional games for the fourth time. Army was the site of the inaugural matchup in 1890, which Navy won, and 1892 as well.
The game was played in Annapolis, Maryland — site of the Naval Academy — in 1891, 1893 and 1942.
Navy prevailed 31-7 in 2019, snapping Army’s three-game winning streak in the series. The Midshipmen hold a 61-52-7 lead in the all-time series.
Army (6-1) became the first school to accept a bowl bid Saturday after a 49-3 victory against Mercer. The Black Knights will play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana, on an undetermined date.
Navy is 3-3 overall, 3-1 in the American Athletic Conference, after a 37-21 loss to visiting Houston on Saturday.
