Sports Journalism Luminaria (and our Sports Editor) Robert Tuchman explores 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live, in his book of the same title.  His monthly column for Wandering Educators highlights the best of sports travel around the world!

Army vs. Navy football game

Where?

Lincoln Financial Field
1020 Pattison Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa 19148

Note: While 75 percent of the games have been played in Philadelphia, the game location is decided by Army and Navy. Other games have been played in Maryland and New Jersey. 

When?

First weekend of December, usually the last weekend of the college football season.  This year, December 11, 2010.

Significance:

While some sports feuds see two teams with seething hatred for each other, the rivalry between Army and Navy football is considered friendly. Practical jokes replace the potential for brawling. However, that camaraderie does not belie the intensity when the two military mights battle on the football field.

Sure, the navy weight room has weight plates stamped with “Beat Army.”  Of course, every Army student has the phrase “Beat Navy” on the tip of their tongues. They play hard over the coveted commander in chief’s Trophy. Even after that hard-fought victory, mutual respect closes out the event. Both teams stand together as both of their songs are played, the losing team first and then the winning one. The finale and the game preceding it takes on a particularly emotional element during wartimes when seniors are facing deployment.

CBS and other major networks have provided complete coverage of the game, but this is not a showcase for future NFL talent. The rigorous standards to enter the United States Military Academy or the United States Naval Academy have lessened the competitiveness of the teams among their peers in college football. Hall of Fame NFL players have competed at both schools, but the team accomplishments are minimal. However, this is a game steeped in too much tradition to let a perceived lack of talent diminish the event.

Who attends?

Army and Navy students, former service members, alumni, and college football enthusiasts.

How to get there?

Lincoln Financial Field is off of I-95 on exits 17, 19, and 13. If you are taking I-76, take the 349 or 350 exit (Packer Avenue).

Public Transportation:

From New Jersey, you can take SEPTA’s Broad street line (orange line) or PATCO’s High-speed line. For more information, log on to septa.org or ridepatco.org.   Amtrak’s historic 30th street station in Philadelphia provides service as well. For information, visit amtrak.com or call 1-800-872-7245.

Tickets:

For primary ticket access information, consider:

Army Athletics
1-877-TIX-aRMY

or

Navy Athletics
1-800-Us4-naVY

For secondary ticket access, consider:

GoTickets, Inc.
2345 Waukegan Road, suite 140
Bannockburn, Il 60015-1552
Toll-Free: 1-800-775-1617
Fax: (919) 481-9101
e-mail: sales[at]gotickets.com
 

Accommodations:

Sofitel Philadelphia
120 South 17th street
Philadelphia, Pa 19103
Phone: (215) 569-8300
Fax: (215) 564-7452
Toll-Free: 1-800-763-4835

Note: In the heart of the business district with many retail locations. A thirteen-minute trip to Lincoln Field.

Alexander Inn
301 South 12th street
Philadelphia, Pa 19107
Phone: (215) 923-3535
Toll-Free: 1-877-aleX-Inn

Note: Restored seven-story hotel in a historic building. Fifteen minutes from Lincoln Field.

Sheraton University City Hotel
36th and Chestnut streets
Philadelphia, Pa 19104
Phone: (215) 387- 8000
Fax: (215) 387-7920
Toll-Free: 1-877-459-1146

Note: The official hotel of Navy, located twelve minutes from Lincoln Field.

The Inn at Penn - A Hilton Hotel
3600 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19104
Phone: (215) 222-0200
Fax: (215) 222-4600
Toll-Free: 1-800-231-4587

Note: AAA four-diamond-rated hotel in the heart of UPenn’s campus with a thirteen-minute drive to Lincoln Field.

On-site Hospitality:

For stadium fare, there is no mystery as to the signature menu item—the Philly cheesesteak. In addition, sample chickie’s & Pete’s crab fries, a char-grilled Italian sausage, or a Johnny Brenda’s roast pork Italian sandwich.

Travel Packages:

If you are going to travel to this event, I would recommend using a reliable company to work with you on making the necessary arrangements. The suppliers listed in this book have solid references and are by far the most trusted in the business. Below are some of the organizations to try for this Top 100 Must see sporting event.

Premiere Corporate Events
14 Penn Plaza, suite 925
New York, NY 10122
Phone: (212) 695-9480
Fax: (212) 564-8098
Toll-Free: 1-877-621-5243
e-mail: requests[at]tseworld.com

Premiere Sports Travel
201 Shannon Oaks Circle, suite 205
Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 481-9511
Fax: (919) 481-1337
Toll-Free: 1-800-924-9993
e-mail: sales[at]sportstravel.com

Premiere College Sports (Powered by Dodd’s Athletic Tours)
308 South Neil
Champaign, Il 61820
Phone: (217) 373-5067
Fax: (217) 398-1313
Toll-Free: 1-800-553-5527
 

Dining:

Alma de Cuba
1623 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19103
Phone: (215) 988-1799
Fax: (215) 988-0807

Note: Well-known for its modern Cuban cuisine.

Little Fish
600 Catharine Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19147
Phone: (215) 413-3464

Note: Promising sophisticated seafood in a casual atmosphere. BYOB.

The Victor Café
1303 Dickinson Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19147
Phone: (215) 468-3040

Note: Enjoy great music while you dine.

Jim’s Steaks
400 South Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19147
Phone: (215) 928-1911

Note: Serving some of the best hoagies and sandwiches in Philly since 1939

Chickie’s & Pete’s
1526 Packer Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa 19145
Phone: (215) 218-0500

Note: Sports bar close to the stadium, offering a “Taxi Crab,” a drop-off and pickup service.  Crab Fries are a must.

Airport:

Philadelphia International Airport

8000 Essington Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa 19153
Phone: (215) 937-6937
 

Sports Travel insider’s edge:

Best way to watch the action:

First and foremost, make sure you sit on the correct side, depending on your allegiance. The club seats at Lincoln Financial are a great option because of the late-season, December chill.  Seat holders are invited to visit both of the exclusive club lounges during the game. At 40,000 square feet each, there is plenty of room for the full-service bars, concession stands, and merchandise shops. Plus, you can stay warm.

Best place to get up close:

The Army Navy Gala is a formal sit-down dinner that attracts 1,500 attendees.  Entertainment is provided by both schools and season highlights are on display via a video montage. Players, alums, administration, and major donors are in attendance.

Best Travel Tip:

Is it possible to visit Philadelphia without seeing one of the most famous statues in the city? You have seen it in several movies, so why not see it in person? The fictional Rocky Balboa, immortalized in bronze in 1980, can be found at the Art Museum steps.

Notable Quotes:

“When I got to Army, I just thought it was another rivalry like Michigan-Ohio State, teams that didn’t really like each other. But around campus, everywhere you look there’s a sign that says ‘Beat Navy.’ Everything we do during the season, the off-season, even in class, in the back of our mind it’s all about beating navy.”—Jeremy Trimble, Army senior receiver

“This is akin to almost like the super Bowl or some huge Major league event here in our city.”—Martin O’Malley, Maryland governor on Baltimore hosting the Army-Navy game

“It’s explained as a nationwide game because there’s people all over the country who have relatives, family members, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, grandparents that have been in the army or navy, and it draws a lot of support.”—anonymous fan at the Army/Navy Pep Rally

“This is a historical event. It is a great atmosphere. We’re concerned about the actual outcome of the game, but it’s a celebration.”—Steve Boykin, Army Major

“It’s just great to be here with so many great young men and women. Today I’m sitting on the army side for the first half and then on the navy side for the second. It’s been kind of a fun week. I’ve got a lot of army officers and a lot of navy officers. In the end, we all serve together and there are a lot of special people on both sides.”— Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

All photos courtesy and copyright the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Robert Tuchman is the Sports Editor for Wandering Educators.  He is the author of the  book, 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live.