With the summer coming to an end and children heading back to school, the calendar will soon start filling up with plans, obligations, and more. Carving out time to spend with the family in a fun environment can become harder to find. Fortunately for Annapolitans, the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) boasts several NCAA D1 sports programs. Attending a Navy Athletics game is an easy, affordable, and entertaining family experience that feels more like a treat and not just another sporting event.
Navy Football at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Coming off the back of a strong 2024 season, the Midshipmen football team finished 10-3, capped by a 21-20 win over Oklahoma in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. Senior quarterback Blake Horvath is on the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List and Alex Tecza is on the Doak Walker Award Watch List, setting the stage for another exciting season.
Before kickoff, Navy supporters tailgate in the parking lots outside Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium with food, beverages, and celebration. It’s the ideal chance to take part in the pre-game activities, spend time with other Navy fans and families, and experience the excitement of game day. The Midshipmen will host six home games this season. On October 25, Florida Atlantic University heads to Annapolis for the USNA Homecoming day which will be full of tailgating events, memories, get-togethers and more!
Supporting the Midshipmen will work up an appetite! Luckily, there are plenty of food and beverage options at the stadium. From local businesses like Always Ice Cream and Picante Cocina Mexicana to staples like Chick-fil-A, there’s something for even the pickiest of eaters.
Young fans can get in on the action too! Navy’s mascot and fan favorite, Bill the Goat, is always down for a meet and greet. The Kidshipmen Club, for kids ages 12 and under, is a two-tiered club for super fans. The premium level of the club allows kids to score gifts, giveaways, free tickets to select games, and more. The free level receives a monthly newsletter and a specialized birthday card from Bill the Goat (also included in the premium membership).
Soccer & Rugby on the Yard
Still have the Annapolis Blues itch? Head out to a Navy men’s or women’s soccer game on the Yard. The men will host 12 home games at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility, while the women will host 10, with both programs looking to clinch a spot in the Patriot League Tournament. In a similar fashion to football, the USNA also has a men’s and women’s rugby team who play out of the Prusmack Rugby Center, combining for a total of nine home games. Bring the kids, grab some snacks, and make it a family day of cheering on the Mids. It’s free to attend any of the soccer or rugby games!
Unique Sports: Sailing, Water Polo, Rifle
The Naval Academy also has some more niche, unique sports for when you’re looking to experience something new with the family. Rifle (co-ed) has seven meets from September to December and competes at Bancroft Hall Rifle Ridge. Water Polo, competing at Lejeune Hall, will host 16 home games from September to November, while Navy’s Sailing team will have competitions nearly every weekend this fall. Entrance to all of these events are also free.
Plan Your Visit
- Tickets: Buy online at navysports.com.
- Parking: For football, use Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium paid parking or downtown shuttles. For Yard events, review Navy’s Visiting the Yard webpage.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself time to get checked in, grab a snack, and get the kids set-up.
- Policies: The stadium enforces a clear bag policy; check the fan guide before you go.
With a wide variety of sports, the U.S. Naval Academy offers Annapolis families an easy and affordable way to stay connected, entertained, and engaged throughout the busy fall season. Whether it’s the electric energy of a Saturday football game, the fast-paced action of soccer, or the unique skill of water polo or sailing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Best of all, they’re opportunities to build memories, support student-athletes, and celebrate the community spirit that defines Navy pride.
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