Historic Army-navy game coming to Gillette Stadium in 2023 season
BOSTON — It’s official. One of college football’s most storied rivalries is headed to Foxborough in 2023.
The annual Army-navy Game, a showcase event for more than 100 years, will be played at Gillette Stadium next year, it was announced Wednesday.
“In New England, we value history, honor tradition, and celebrate sports rivalries,” New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in the release. “That’s why we are so thrilled for the opportunity to host America’s Game at Gillette Stadium in 2023. There is no greater, more historical sports rivalry than the Army Navy Game.
“It’s a nationally-televised, signature game that we have all grown up watching. It will be our
privilege and honor to welcome the Army and Navy teams, their families and all the patriots who annually attend the game. I want to thank the New England Army Navy Committee and all who partnered with us in Massachusetts and Rhode Island for their dedication and passionate support in their mission to bring America’s Game to New England.”
This will mark the first time in the 124-history of the Army-navy game that it will be played in New England. Navy leads the all-time series 62-53-7.
The Patriots have significant ties to the Naval Academy, as long snapper Joe Cardona is a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve, and head coach Bill Belichick’s father, Steve, was a scout and assistant coach at Navy.
Local dignitaries were pleased that Massachusetts won the bid.
“As a national leader in supporting military institutions, empowering military families and honoring our veterans, we are proud that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been selected as the host of the 2023 Army Navy Game,” Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker said in the statement. “The history of the United States is intertwined with Massachusetts dating back to the founding of the National Guard in 1636 and the founding of the Army in 1775, and we look forward to adding another chapter to that rich history as we welcome servicemen and women and their families to the Commonwealth for America’s Game.”