Black Knights Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Jeff Monken

Team Mascot: Army Mules

Year Opened: 1924

Capacity: 38000

City / State: West Point / New York

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Commander-in-Chief's Trophy

Rival Team: Navy Midshipmen, Air Force Falcons

The Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy is awarded to the winner of the three-way rivalry between Army, Navy, and Air Force. While Army and Navy typically play on a neutral site, the Army-Air Force matchup alternates between West Point and Colorado Springs, so if you want to see this matchup be sure to attend the game at Michie Stadium on the first Saturday of November. Army lags in the all-time

Army vs Rutgers

Rival Team: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Army-Rutgers rivalry started in 1891 and is Army’s second-oldest rival after Navy. Rutgers has a 22-18 all-time lead, but the Black Knights lessen Rutgers lead the next time these two rivals meet.

Black Knights Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The Army campus in West Point, New York is absolutely gorgeous and provides a great place to tailgate. The tailgates here are mainly located in the parking lots located throughout West Point. At the tailgates, you’ll find a lot of food and drinks as people here put out a large spread before cheering on the Black Knights.

One noticeable thing about an Army tailgate is that the fact Army is a military service academy, which means there is an even stronger communal feel than at other college football tailgates. It isn’t uncommon to even see people giving away tickets to fellow Army fans for a beer or even for free. Army fans also are very welcoming to opposition fans as they’ll often offer them to join their tailgates. If you’re looking for a fun and friendly tailgate, look no further than an Army tailgate at West Point.

Traditions

Cadet Review

The Cadet Review takes place on “The Plain” three hours before kickoff. During the Cadet, Review cadets march on parade in traditional military uniforms. The spectacle is an excellent way to show off Army’s proud tradition and to honor these brave men and women.

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Black Knight Walk

The Black Knight Walk takes place two hours before kickoff as the team is led by the band and spirit squad through Black Knights Alley. Here you’ll get the chance to see the players up close and give them some last minute inspiration. Be sure to check out the Black Knight Walk if you want a chance to meet your heroes in person.

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Black Knight Alley

Black Knights Alley offers a variety of pregame festivities including food, drinks, autograph sessions, live music, and tailgate games. The alley runs between Michie Stadium and the reservoir along Mills Road. Black Knight Alley opens three hours before kickoff, so get here early to make the most out of it.

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Where to tailgate

Black Knights Stadium Guide

In Game

Michie Stadium has received many plaudits for being one of the most beautiful stadiums in all of college football. The stadium has been ranked among the top ten of many lists ranking the best stadiums in the country including those of Sports Illustrated and ESPN football analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. The stadium’s view overlooking the Hudson River along with the historic Army campus provides one of the best views in college football. The beauty of the stadium and Army’s incredible home record of 326-156-7 make Michie Stadium one of the most historic stadiums in college football.

The 12th Man at Army is made up of cadets whose loud and passionate cheers make Michie Stadium a difficult place for opponents to play. In addition to being supremely loud, the cadets also provide great support for the team by standing throughout the game. The 12th man is so ingrained in the Army game day that the leader of the Army pep band paints his face with the number 12. The cadets provide a great 12th man that rivals that of many larger schools.

Things to check out

Kenna Hall of Army Sports

The Kenna Hall of Army Sports recognizes Army players, coaches, and administrators who have made great contributions to the athletics department over the years. The induction to the Hall coincides with an Army football game, so if you want to be here for the extra special weekend make sure to come during the induction.

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Marshall Plaque

Before every game Army players will touch the Marshall Plaque as they take the field. Engraved on the plaque is General George C. Marshall’s famous quote “I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point Football player!” One unique thing about this tradition is that it takes place not only at home but also on the road.

Parachute Demonstration

The game ball at West Point is delivered by a cadet who jumps out of a helicopter and lands on the field before kickoff. The unique deliver a game of the game ball is a must-see for college football fans everywhere, so arrive early and take it in.

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Divisional Emblems

The Army football uniforms are adorned with the Divisional Patch of one of the ten Army Divisions, which rotates every game. This tradition is a great way to pay tribute to the men and women serving in the US Army around the world. Along with this tradition, the commanding general of the Division being honored writes a letter to the football team before the game.

Touchdown Celebrations

The cadets stand throughout the game only taking a break during halftime or to do celebratory pushups when the team scores. After every Army touchdown, a cannon is fired, and the cheer team and cadets drop down and do pushups, one for every point scored. Mascots at a lot of schools do pushups when their team scores, however, Army is one of the few places where the fans get in on the tradition

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Singing of Alma Maters

Following the game the Black Knights and the opposition get together on the field and sing each other's alma maters. The winning team sings second, which has led to the Army football slogan “sing second.”

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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!

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

    (Whistle chorus) 

    (Repeat chorus)

  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,
    thru’ all the years. Let Duty be well performed,
    Honor be e’er untarn’d,
    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 still 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!

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 - $