One of the most storied rivalries in college football is taking place on Saturday. For the 125th time in the prestigious history of their rivalry, the Army and Navy will square off in front of thousands of people, taking part in a game that is deep in tradition.
The two teams first played against each other in 1890, with Navy beating Army, according to CNN. Then, in 1930, the matchup between the two rivals officially became an annual event.
Army vs. Navy game traditions
Throughout the years, the rivalry has seen traditions that include the 300-mile Army marathon run from campus to Northwest Stadium, where the game ball is delivered. In the final stretch of the run, the Army marathon team joins members of the Navy’s 13th company.
The traditions also include the Patriot Games, a competition between Midshipmen and cadets. The teams take part in four competitions on Friday to determine that will earn the most points and receive honors at halftime of Saturday’s football game.
Game day begins with the Corps of Cadets and the Brigade of Midshipmen making the first entrance. The group includes students from both schools who march in formation on the field before sitting down in the stands.
What is the ‘prisoner exchange’?
The festivities continue with the “prisoner exchange,” which involves students from West Point and the Naval Academy. These students, who take classes at their rival institution as part of their training for joint command operations, come together on the field and join their home institution peers. The comrades can then enjoy the rest of the game with their fellow students.
What time is this year’s Army vs. Navy game and what channel will it be on?
This year’s edition of the rivalry will take place at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, the matchup will be televised on CBS.
Colin Ramos, a linebacker for Navy, said it’s an honor to continue the tradition.
“This game represents more than just us, the players,” Ramos told CNN. “It’s all the people that have come before us who have served this country. They’ve sacrificed their lives for this country.”
