On November 29, 1890, what would eventually be dubbed "America's Game" kicked off when the United States Military Academy's Army Black Knights took on the United States Naval Academy's Navy Midshipmen in their inaugural football contest. What started that day evolved into an annual ritual and a lasting national institution.

The First Match-Up

That inaugural Army-Navy football showdown took place at "The Plain," West Point's central ceremonial area. As the ceremonial heart of West Point—the venue for the United States Military Academy's graduations, parades, and most celebrations—"The Plain" provided a distinguished setting. Having the game hosted at such a meaningful site was truly an honor.

For both squads, the contest carried special weight as a competition between servicemen. Navy Midshipmen arrived with a clear advantage in experience, having competed in official football games since 1879. Army's team, by contrast, was brand new—this was not only their inaugural season but their very first organized game. The result reflected that disparity: Navy dominated completely, blanking the inexperienced Army squad 24-0. Despite the lopsided outcome and crushing loss, this initial contest launched what would become an enduring annual rivalry between the two programs.

Long-Standing Traditions

The teams have met annually since that 1890 debut with the exception of 10 years, and they've faced each other consecutively since 1930. While the rivalry maintains a friendly character, the competitions themselves are fierce, with both schools approaching the match-up with utmost seriousness.

Numerous traditions have emerged following that first game, including:

  • A "Sing-Second" Tradition: When the final whistle blows, both teams join the losing team's student section first to sing that school's alma mater. The players then proceed to the winning team's student section and sing their alma mater "second."
  • The Commander-in-Chief's Trophy: The victor of the match-up receives this honor.
  • Presidential Attendance: Beginning in 1901 with Theodore Roosevelt, presidential attendance at the game has become a long-standing tradition.

A Legacy

Substantial viewership has followed the Army-Navy game throughout its history. Both teams spent many years as national championship contenders, which elevated this match-up to major-event status in college football. Yet as the sport has grown more competitive and both universities have adopted strict height and weight requirements for admissions, keeping pace with modern teams has proven difficult. It has been since 1963 that both teams finished their seasons with winning records. Despite these challenges, the rivalry status of the game remains intact, national broadcast coverage has continued since 1930, and it still carries the designation "America's Game."