Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71
Lincoln Financial Field
1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956
America's Game
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules.
Navy leads the series. There have been seven ties. The 2022 game had the first overtime game of the long series.
Philadelphia is usually thought of as the main home to the game, although starting in 2008 a bidding process has now made the game likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, followed by New York City and Baltimore. The game has been held as far west as Chicago (1926) and at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (1983).
Food & Beverage 5
There are many concessions stands throughout all areas of the stadium offering the usual options. Beer is not sure cheap and the price is depending on the size and whether you purchase a draught or can. There are also some craft beer locations, but beer will be closer to $12 and up. Make sure to check out the self-pour vending machines in the north part of the concourse.
Hot dogs are a decent price, although a few kiosks sell a better, grilled version for a little more. You will also find a decent Italian sausage at those same kiosks. A gluten-free kiosk is also available.
Regular sodas are a good option with a souvenir size available for a little more. You will also see some options to get bottled soda, but they will only give it to you with the bottle cap taken off. I guess it does make it harder to throw a full bottle of soda if the cap is off.
Cheesesteaks are found at the general food stands for a decent $9. Tony Luke’s cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches are great choices but will cost a buck or two more depending on the options.
Chickie’s and Pete’s sell their famous Crab Fries for $10.50. The cheese sauce is extra. They also have a very good chicken cutlet sandwich.
There are Dunkin’ coffee stands and Rita’s Italian Ice locations scattered throughout the stadium.
Atmosphere 5
The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. Even in the game back in 2018, which was played in a driving snowstorm, the atmosphere never suffered.
The game benefits from being held at such a fine facility. The Eagles have excellent facilities and offerings for the team and fans.
There will be many options for Army-Navy game merchandise, but the usual Eagles merchandise will be unavailable.
Neighborhood 4
The main problem with the entire sports complex is its distance from the actual city of Philadelphia. To really experience the city you would need to take a subway ride into center city.
There are places close to the stadium still. The Xfinity Live entertainment center is across the street, roughly where the old Spectrum was located. It is overpriced and is not really an entertainment center, but a mess of bars thrown together. It can still be a good pre-game meeting spot even with the outrageous prices.
The Famous sports bar Chickie’s and Pete’s is pretty close on Packard Avenue. There are hundreds of screens and video game options inside here. The food is pretty good too. The Crab Fries are famous here. You can park at Chickie’s and Pete’s for some games and they offer a shuttle bus to the games (“The Taxi Crab”). Just make sure you follow parking rules, as they will be quick to tow you if you don’t.
Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Tony & Nicks Steaks (Formerly the original Tony Luke’s) on Oregon Avenue underneath I-95. Don’t fall for the more touristy Pat’s and Geno’s. Tony and Nick’s offers more options with much better flavor. The place can get crowded before games and still gets it share of tourists.
There will be many people that view even this spot as a bit too touristic, so for a more neighborly experience go to Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue. They are located in a safe neighborhood and offer free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition.
The rest of Philadelphia is available to you on a short ride away on the Broad Street subway line.
Fans 5
This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone has a side. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game.
Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation.
Access 5
The sports complex is located right off of I-95, with massive parking lots in the area. Even with big crowds, there should be no problem with access. Parking will not be cheap, but it will be convenient, as there are over 6,000 spaces available throughout eight lots at a shockingly high price of $40 apiece.
If using public transportation, you will likely find yourself using the only corporate-sponsored subway station that I know of, the NRG station of the Broad Street Line.
Return on Investment 4
The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest game around. It is a much desired ticket for many fans, so expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable.
Extras 5
It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably extra enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend.
Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations on the field. It is well worth attending just for this.
The game will always have a good flyover pregame, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also always have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony.
Both the Navy and Army have ships and other large equipment around town displaying their awesome firepower.
The entrance plaza is such a fun hub of entertainment that it serves to get the crowd entertained as well as pumped up for the game. The carnival atmosphere is pretty spectacular.
The Eagles had installed 14 micro-turbines in the stadium in recent years. They used to add a unique look to the stadium, as well as provide sustainable energy for the complex. As of late 2019, the turbines have been removed for repair and have never reappeared.
Final Thoughts
The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest makes it a must-see for any real sports fan.
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