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.
Navy Midshipmen Stadium Guide
In Game
If you want to learn more about Navy history and take in some Patriots League action, then a trip to Annapolis is just the thing for you. All around Alumni Hall you’ll find tributes to those who have served in the Navy. The arena contains rooms full of plaques honoring former members of the Navy, and each of the seats is dedicated to someone who served in the Navy as well. Alumni Hall also features several Navy-themed murals and miniature ships as well, so come prepared to see lots of Navy history when attending a Midshipmen basketball game.
Navy history isn’t the only thing on display when attending a Midshipmen basketball game. You’ll find the same type of college basketball pageantry as elsewhere in the Patriot League when attending a Navy basketball game. The cheerleaders, drum and bugle corp, and mascot all put on excellent performances, and the atmosphere inside Alumni Hall is among the best in the Patriot League as fans from Annapolis come out in strong numbers to support their team.
Additionally, there is plenty to see and do before and after the game as he Navy campus features several must-sees including the US Naval Academy Museum, The Naval Academy Chapel, and the Herndon Monument. If you get a bit hungry during your trip, then make sure to head to downtown Annapolis where you’ll find lots of great restaurants including Chick & Ruth’s Delly among other options.
A trip to Annapolis to see a Navy basketball game is a fantastic experience for any college hoops fan, so start planning your trip today.
Before entering Alumni Hall stop by the two memorial plazas outside the arena. The plazas were donated by the classes of 1942, ‘52, and ‘58, and are a must-see for anyone attending a Navy basketball game.
Inside Alumni Hall are three murals donated by the class of 1961. The murals are marine artists Tom Freeman’s work and are titled “The Marines at the Hue Citadel," "Dawn on Yankee Station," and "Rescue by USS Barb." Stop by and see all of the murals during your trip to Annapolis.
David Robinson is the greatest player in Navy basketball history, so make sure to see the banner honoring him inside Alumni Hall. The Admiral made his mark not only at Navy but also in the NBA winning two NBA championships and the 1995 MVP Award.
Alumni Hall is home to tons of plaques honoring those who have served in the Navy, and the arena’s seats are dedicated to them as well. There are tons of tributes to former Navy officials, so take them all in during your visit.
Make sure to check out the miniature ships displayed around Alumni Hall. The ships are a can’t miss for anyone visiting as well as an excellent way to learn more about Naval history.
Bill the Goat is Navy’s official mascot and can be found at every Midshipmen game. Bill entertains the crowd with his antics, and you never know where he’ll show up next, so keep an eye out for him when attending a Navy basketball game.
The cheerleaders are a big part of the game day experience at Navy as they do an excellent job pumping up the crowd. The cheer squad performs a variety of routines during games, although the most popular by far is the t-shirt toss. Get loud when the Navy cheerleaders take the court for your chance to take home a free t-shirt.
Instead of a traditional pep band, Navy has a drum and bugle corp. These talented musicians put on quite the performances during the game and provide an excellent in-game atmosphere, so enjoy the show during your trip to Annapolis.
[Verse 1]
Stand Navy out to sea,
Fight our battle cry;
We’ll never change our course,
So vicious foe steer shy-y-y-y.
Roll out the TNT,
Anchors Aweigh.
Sail on to victory
And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray!
[Verse 2]
Anchors Aweigh, my boys,
Anchors Aweigh.
Farewell to foreign shores,
We sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay.
Through our last night ashore,
Drink to the foam,
Until we meet once more.
Here’s wishing you a happy voyage home.
[Verse 3]
Blue of the mighty deep:
Gold of God’s great sun.
Let these our colors be
Till all of time be done, done, done, done.
On seven seas we learn
Navy’s stern call:
Faith, courage, service true,
With honor, over honor, over all.
Navy Blue & Gold
Navy’s alma mater sung after games
Now colleges from sea to sea
May sing of colors true,
But who has better right than we
To hoist a symbol hue:
For sailors brave in battle fair
Since fighting days of old,
Have proved the sailor’s right to wear
The Navy Blue & Gold.
So hoist our colors, hoist them high,
And vow allegiance true,
So long as sunset gilds the sky
Above the ocean blue,
Unlowered shall those colors be
Whatever fate they meet,
So glorious in victory,
Triumphant in defeat.
Four years together by the Bay,
Where Severn joins the tide,
Then by the Service called away,
We’re scattered far and wide;
But still when two or three shall meet,
And old tales be retold,
From low to highest in the Fleet,
We’ll pledge the Blue and Gold.
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word,
Who walked on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
The Goat is Old and Gnarly
The Goat is old & gnarly & he’s never been to school,
But He can take the bacon from the worn out Army mule;
He’s got no education, but he’s brimmin full O’fight,
& Bill will feed on Army mule tonight!
Army, Army, call the doctor
Army, Army, call the doctor
Army, Army, call the doctor
You’re all in down and . . .
Whoa Ensign had a break today, no??
Take one!!
Army, Army call the doctor,
You’re all in, down & out!
Navy Victory March
I Believe That We Will Win
The famous chant that can be heard throughout the country originated at the Naval Academy. The chant credited to Jay Rodriguez came to notoriety in 1999 during Navy’s 19-9 win over Army as Rodriguez’s friend and cheerleader Corey Strong led the crowd in a stirring rendition of the cheer. Today the cheer is a staple at Navy games and is heard late in games when a Midshipmen victory is imminent. Join in on the cheer as the Midshipmen march to victory.
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