Army-Navy Football Game Won't Be Played In Philadelphia Due To Coronavirus Attendance Limits
PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) -- The Army-Navy football game in December has been moved from Philadelphia to West Point because of attendance limits placed on outdoor events in Pennsylvania. By playing the game on Army's home field in New York, the entire Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets will be able to attend.
The game is scheduled for Dec. 12. This will be the first time the Army-Navy game will be played at a home site since Army hosted the event in 1943 during World War II.
Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk called West Point a "safe haven" for the Brigade and the Corps of Cadets at a time when "medical conditions and protocols dictate the environment in which we live."
"As has been decided, we will not be able to visit the home of Army-Navy this December," said Gladchuk in a statement. "History will repeat itself as we stage this cherished tradition on Academy grounds as was the case dating back to World War II. Every effort was made to create a safe and acceptable environment for the Brigade, the Corps and our public while meeting city and state requirements. However, medical conditions and protocols dictate the environment in which we live. Therefore, on to the safe haven of West Point on Dec. 12 and let it ring true that even in the most challenging of times, the spirit and intent of the Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets still prevails."
Philadelphia has long been home for the event, with few exceptions.
Army Athletic Director Mike Buddie thanked the city of Philadelphia, the Eagles and all those involved in the planning.
"Of utmost importance to us throughout this entire process was the health, safety and welfare of the Corps of Cadets and the Brigade of Midshipmen," he said. "We are excited about this historic opportunity."
It is unlikely fans will be allowed at Michie Stadium beyond the Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen.
The Army-Navy game will air on CBS3 at 3 p.m. on Dec. 12.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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