Army-Navy Rivalry Comes To Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ) --- The Army-Navy rivalry comes to Baltimore this year. Derek Valcourt explains how representatives from both teams came to Baltimore on Wednesday to preview the excitement for the upcoming game.
It's been seven years since Baltimore last hosted this epic rivalry and all the festivities that go with it.
The eyes of football world will be watching the 115th time the Army and Navy teams square off. It's only the fifth time the game comes to Baltimore.
"We're super excited. Normally I have to drive to Philadelphia and Philadelphia's been great to us, but it's great to come here. It feels like a home game," Navy's head coach, Ken Niumatalolo said.
The game brings thousands of cadets from Annapolis and West Point to M&T Bank Stadium. A huge part of the pomp leading up to the game is when the cadets march through Camden Yards into the stadium and onto the field.
"The crowd, the atmosphere... it's something else," player for Navy, Parrish Gaines said.
Army is hoping they can turn things around this year after the Navy has dominated this rivalry, winning the last 12 years in a row.
"This will be the only college football game on our level on that day so we get a chance to showcase the academies for the entire country," player for Army, Danilo Robinson said.
This is also a chance to showcase Baltimore. There will be pre-game events at Fort McHenry and the Inner Harbor. The events start the Friday before the big game, giving thousands of visiting fans plenty to do while taking in the city.
"It's just going to be a fun time in Baltimore City," Navy player, Noah Copeland said. "The Brigade of Midshipman... they are ready for this game.. so are we, but their excitement just jumps to a whole other level when it comes to Army week and they go crazy."
There will be a big pep rally for the game near the Inner Harbor Amphitheatre on Friday, Dec. 12 at 12 p.m. There will be Army vehicles and Navy ships for people to come down and check out as well. Kickoff for the game is Saturday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m.
Other Sports News:
