USNA-Net Parents' Handbook

Halftime...

The activities vary each year but you can count on a very entertaining half hour or so during Halftime.  One thing for sure, the Navy Drum and Bugle Corps always performs to the delight of everyone.

While it's tempting to visit the concession stands at Halftime and skip the entertainment, as always, these are the most crowded at this time.   You might be better off watching the Halftime show and going to the concessions during the beginning of the 3rd Quarter.  There will be shorter lines at the restrooms and the concessions and even if you miss a few key plays, there is still plenty of game left.

Blue and Gold...

At the conclusion of the game, following the final gun, each team's players gather on the field in front of the student body to sing their alma mater.  The winning team goes last.  See the photos to the right.

While it may be a common practice at other football games (NFL, etc.) to leave early to miss the traffic, virtually all of the fans at Army Navy remain for the singing of both alma maters.  Parents should rise and face the Mids or Cadets during the singing.  Win or lose, regardless of whether or not you sing along, as a Navy fan you are obligated to join the Mids and Alumni at the end of the last note of Blue and Gold in immediately screaming "Beat Army!"  And thus begins another year of the great rivalry.

Post Game...

In recent years, the conclusion of the game also marked a fireworks display.  You can stay in your seats for a few minutes and enjoy the display as others file out of the stadium.

Many of those in attendance will be heading for their cars and a continuation of the earlier Tailgates.  Others will be walking back to the Subway Station to get back to their Hotels.  One thing for certain, not a single Taxi is in sight anywhere.

This brings up the point of where and how to meet up with your Mid.  The Brigade usually gets to have the evening off following the game.  If Navy wins or the Mids have cheered with the appropriate enthusiasm, they may get an overnight.  This sometimes extends to the Plebe Class, other years it hasn't.  Either way, you will have a few hours in the city with your Mid and will probably want to go to dinner.  Make arrangements in advance for your Mid to meet you somewhere inside the stadium.  Since they are on the ground level, it is easier for them to come to you rather than the other way around.  Pick a major Named gate, like the Pepsi Gate or the gate nearest section such-and-such and make sure that you specify whether you will meet Inside or Outside the stadium at that gate.  Each of the gates is very large and precious time can be lost looking for your Mid Inside Gate 1 when they are looking for you Outside Gate 1.

Once you have met your Mid, you'll probably be on your way to a local restaurant for dinner.  Make sure that you have reservations.  Trying to walk in to any establishment on Saturday without a reservation is a guarantee that your party will wait a long time for a table.  Sure there are places you can eat where you can walk in and be served but most of us prefer eating at a spot without golden arches in front.  Philadelphia is a city with just about every style and price range of restaurant.  Here are just a few.  And of course, what is a trip to Philly without a CheeseSteak?  Here's a link to the best in town.

Mids may be required to ride back to Annapolis on the buses which brought them to the game.  Your Mid will know.  They have the option of signing up for various departure times from the area.  Some fo the buses leave directly from the Stadium while others leave from the City Center area throughout the evening, all the way up to Midnight.  Just make sure that your Mid gets to the bus in plenty of time if he/she is riding back on one of the Naval Academy Buses.

What a Game!

We hope that this guide gives you some insight into what to expect from a weekend attending the Army Navy Game.  There is no right or wrong.  Do what you feel is right for you and your group.  The key to having a great weekend is to not sweat the small stuff.  Learn to go with the flow and enjoy every aspect of the entire weekend.  Whether you arrive a few days early and play tourist for a few days before the game or you drive in on Saturday morning, you will never forget your first Army Navy Game.  It's something we encourage every parent to experience at least once.