Editorial

A First-Hand Look At What It’s Like To Be On The Sidelines During The Army-Navy Football Game

Daily Caller

Stephanie Hamill Video Columnist
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The Daily Caller’s Richie McGinniss and Stephanie Hamill packed up their video gear and drove from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia to get the real Army-Navy football game experience, and let’s just say there wasn’t a dull moment.

Lincoln Financial Field was packed with patriotic Americans supporting their favorite teams and players who would sacrifice everything for everyone watching.

Army Navy Football Crowd

Army Navy Football Crowd (The Daily Caller)

Before the game started we hung out with tailgaters. The rivalry between the two military academies is intense, but clearly all in good fun.

One group of enthusiastic tailgaters offered special mix lemon shots they brought from home, and we couldn’t say no.

It was quite delicious.

Tailgaters taking shots (The Daily Caller)

Now one perk of working in the news business is something known as a press pass. We were on the field and had a full view of the stadium. It was truly breathtaking.

Lincoln Financial Field (The Daily Caller)

Lincoln Financial Field (The Daily Caller)

The opening ceremony was exhilarating. You could feel the vibration from the military aircraft flying over and the energy from the crowd — there’s really nothing like it.

Flyover at Lincoln Financial Field (The Daily Caller)

The Navy and Army skydivers had me on my toes wondering where they would land as they got closer to ground. They all landed safely in the middle of the field.

Skydiver at Lincoln Financial Field (The Daily Caller)

I think it’s also important to note that I didn’t see any “kneelers” during the national anthem. Everyone in my line of sight stood tall and proud with their hands over their hearts, and when it ended the stadium roared with applause. (RELATED: Army-Navy Game’s Stunning National Anthem Rendition Puts Every Kneeling NFL Player To Shame.)


President Donald Trump officiated the coin toss. He’s the 10th sitting president to attend the game.


Did I mention this was a high energy event?

Lincoln Financial Field (The Daily Caller)

Cheeleaders on the sidelines at Lincoln Financial Field (The Daily Caller)

An Army cadet and the Black Knight on the sidelines at Lincoln Financial Field (The Daily Caller)

Army’s mascot cheering on his side at Lincoln Financial Field (The Daily Caller)

Stephanie Hamill behind the bench (The Daily Caller)

The Army was victorious over Navy 17-10, but in the end does it really matter? Aren’t we all just Team America?

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