The annual Army-Navy football game has been moved out of Philadelphia over pandemic concerns, and will be played at West Point’s Michie Stadium, site of the first meeting between the academy rivals in 1890.
Stars and Stripes is making stories on the coronavirus pandemic available free of charge. See other free reports here. Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter here. Please support our journalism with a subscription. WEST POINT, N.Y. (Tribune News Service) — As if the year 2020 wasn’t crazy enough. The annual Army-Navy football game has been moved out of Philadelphia over pandemic concerns, and moved to West Point’s Michie Stadium, site of the first meeting between academy rivals in 1890. The Dec.12 game will still be televised by CBS at 3 p.m., and it is likely no paid spectators will be allowed, as per season-long protocols at Michie. « 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 director of athletics Mike Buddie said in a statement. « We are excited about this historic opportunity to host Navy and the Brigade inside the gates of West Point for the first time since 1943. » Officials from the City of Philadelphia, which has hosted the affair 89 times, said limits on gatherings at outdoor events during the COVID-19 pandemic would not allow the entire Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen to attend the game — the pre-game traditionally features a march on of the students. That will not be an issue on the post at West Point, which has instituted a bubble for entrance to the West Point grounds. « The health and welfare of the Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen is the number one priority, » said Lieutenant General Darryl A.
