Army Black Knights Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Kevin Kuwik

Team Mascot: Mule

Year Opened: 1985

Capacity: 5043

City / State: West Point / New York

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Army vs Navy

Rival Team: Navy Midshipmen

It’s always a big game when Army and Navy square off no matter what the sport. The two service academies have one of the oldest rivalries in college sports making it a can’t miss whenever these two get together. Don’t miss it when the Black Knights and Midshipmen face off on the court as you’ll be in for a good one.

Army vs Air Force

Rival Team: Air Force Falcons

The Army-Air Force matchup is a fun game to attend each year. There are lots of bragging rights on the line when these two service academies get together, so make sure to be in attendance when the Black Knights square off against the Falcons.

Army Black Knights Stadium Guide

In Game

Army may have never made it to the NCAA tournament, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find lots of basketball history on display at Christl Arena. Christl Arena is packed to the brim with Army sports history as it not only features several trophy cases dedicated to the history of Army athletics, but it also is home to plaques honoring every captain in Black Knights history. Army also is where two of the greatest coaches in college hoops got their start, so make sure to take some time to see all of the Bob Knight and Coach K memorabilia hanging around the arena.

In addition to lots of memorabilia and historical displays, you’ll also find plenty of knowledgeable fans when attending a Black Knights game. The fans here love their team, and when it comes to the big games, like when Navy is in town, you’ll always find a packed house.

Before or after the game, take some time to explore West Point, which is one of the most beautiful places in America. Michie Stadium is famous for how gorgeous its beauty, and it’s no different when it comes to the area around Christl Arena.

If you’re looking to take in some Patriots League action, then you can’t beat an Army basketball game where the history inside the arena and beauty outside make a Black Knights game an unforgettable experience.

Things to check out

Trophy Cases

Make sure to check out the trophy cases when entering Christl Arena. The cases are filled with a variety of trophies and memorabilia celebrating the best athletes and soldiers in school history making them a must-see.

Team Captain Plaques

The second floor contains plaques dedicated to all of the captains in Army athletics history, so stop by and check them out. The plaques honor Heisman Trophy winners such as Glen W. Davis and Peter Dawkins as well as legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Bob Knight Plaque and Photos

Bob Knight is one of the greatest coaches in basketball history and began his head coaching career at Army. Make sure to see all of the Bob Knight memorabilia around Christl Arena during your trip.

Banners

Despite the fact Army has never gone to the NCAA Tournament, you’ll find plenty of banners hanging above the court. The banners celebrate the Black Knights eight NIT appearances as well as some of the best players in Army basketball history, so take them all in during your visit to West Point.

Pep Band

The Army pep band will keep you entertained with their tunes throughout the game, so enjoy their performance during your trip to West Point.

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Cheerleaders

Join the Army cheerleaders in rooting on the Black Knights. The cheer squad keeps everyone engaged in the action on the court and is a big part of any Army basketball game making them a must-see at any game.

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Army Mule

Don’t miss the Army mule mascot when attending an Army sporting event. The mule has been a symbol of the Army since 1899, and while you won’t find a live mule inside Christl Arena, the costumed version will provide plenty of entertainment.

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Fight Songs

  1. On, Brave Old Army Team

    The Army team’s the pride and dream
    Of every heart in gray.
    The Army line you’ll ever find
    A terror in the fray.
    And when the team is fighting
    For the Black and Gray and Gold,
    We’re always near with song and cheer
    And this is the tale we’re told:
    The Army team

    Rah! Rah! Rah! Boom!

    On, brave old Army team!
    On to the fray.
    Fight on to victory
    For that’s the fearless Army way.

  2. The Alma Mater

    Sung after every game along with the opposing team’s alma mater

    Hail, Alma Mater dear,
    To us be ever near.
    Help us thy motto bear
    Through all the years.
    Let Duty be well performed.
    Honor be e’er untarned
    Country be ever armed.
    West Point, by thee.

    Guide us, thine own, aright
    Teach us by day, by night,
    To keep thine honor bright,
    For thee to fight.

    When we depart from thee,
    Serving on land or sea,
    May we stand loyal be,
    West Point, to thee

    And when our work is done,
    Our course on earth is run,
    May it be said, “Well done”
    Be thou at peace.”
    E’er may that line of gray
    Increase from day to day
    Live, serve, and die, we pray,
    West Point, for thee.

    P.S. Reinecke, 1911

  3. Army Rocket Cheer

    (Whistle) – BOOM! – Ahhh
    U.S.M.A. Rah! Rah!
    U.S.M.A. Rah! Rah!
    Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah!
    AR-MAY! Rah!
    Team! Team! Team!

  4. USMA Cheer

    U – S – M – A
    U – S – M – A
    USMA
    Go! Fight! Win!

  5. Black, Gold, and Gray

    Black, Gold, Gray, as sons we salute you.
    Ready to battle and your honor defend,
    We love you

    At your call the Corps true responds
    And we will fight to defend your name,
    Our dear Old Alma Mater to the end.

Army Black Knights Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Park Restaurant

    The Park Restaurant

    Circa-1956 restaurant & bar in a 19th-century building serving steaks, seafood & simple pastas.

    451 Main St, Highland Falls, NY 10928, USA

    845-446-8709

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. South Gate Tavern

    South Gate Tavern

    Brick-walled tavern with a wisteria-covered heated patio serving pub fare & regional seafood dishes.

    509 Main St, Highland Falls, NY 10928, USA

    845-446-8747

    Bar website

    european - $$

  3. Benny Havens Pub & Restaurant

    Benny Havens Pub Restaurant

    The place to be to create fun, wonderful memories with the greatest people.

    293 Main St, Highland Falls, NY 10928, USA

    845-446-3290

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. First Class Club

    beer

    The First Class Club is the place solely for the enjoyment of Firsties and their guest’s at the United States Military Academy.

    1000 Thayer Rd, West Point, NY 10996, USA

    845-938-7657

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Macarthur’s Restaurant

    Macarthurs Restaurant

    This renowned restaurant on the Hudson River, with its Gothic windows and old world charm, sets the stage for a truly unique dining experience.

    674 Thayer Rd, West Point, NY 10996, USA

    845-446-4731 Ext 7929

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Andy’s Restaurant

    burger

    Sometimes you're just in the mood for the simple pleasures that only a Andy's Restaurant can provide

    281 Main St, Highland Falls, NY 10928, USA

    845-446-8736

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. West Point Pizza & Restaurant

    West Point Pizza and Restaurant

    Simple restaurant offering familiar Italian fare including pasta, pizzas & salads.

    282 Main St, Highland Falls, NY 10928, USA

    845-446-5544

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $