Army Navy Game Uniforms Through The Years

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The annual Army-Navy game is one of the most iconic and enduring rivalries in American sports. The two service academies have been facing off on the gridiron since 1890, with the matchup typically taking place on the second Saturday of December. Over the years, the uniforms worn by the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen have undergone significant changes, reflecting the evolution of athletic wear and the unique traditions of each institution.

Early Years (1890-1940)

In the early years of the Army-Navy game, the uniforms were relatively simple and functional. Army wore a plain white jersey with black pants, while Navy wore a navy blue jersey with white pants. The only distinctive feature of the early uniforms was the use of stripes on the sleeves and socks. The uniforms were designed primarily for practicality, with little attention paid to aesthetics or branding.

Post-War Era (1940-1960)

Following World War II, the Army-Navy game underwent a significant transformation. The uniforms became more colorful and elaborate, reflecting the growing importance of the matchup as a national spectacle. Army introduced its iconic gold helmets, while Navy began wearing white helmets with a navy blue anchor logo. The jerseys and pants also became more decorative, with Army incorporating gold stripes and Navy adding white stripes.

Modern Era (1960-1990)

The modern era of the Army-Navy game saw significant advancements in uniform design and technology. Army introduced its current black and gold color scheme, while Navy adopted its distinctive white and navy blue uniforms with gold accents. The helmets also became more elaborate, with Army introducing its iconic gold dome and Navy incorporating a gold anchor logo.

Contemporary Era (1990-Present)

In recent years, the Army-Navy game has seen a proliferation of alternate uniforms and specialty designs. Army has worn a variety of uniforms, including a "Duty, Honor, Country" design in 2013 and a "World War II" tribute uniform in 2016. Navy has also worn several alternate uniforms, including a "Navy Yard" design in 2013 and a "Bill the Goat" tribute uniform in 2017.

Specialty Uniforms

One of the unique aspects of the Army-Navy game is the use of specialty uniforms. These uniforms are designed to commemorate specific events or honor particular themes. In recent years, the teams have worn uniforms to honor the following:

• The 10th Mountain Division (Army, 2018)
• The USS Arizona (Navy, 2019)
• The 1st Cavalry Division (Army, 2020)

Uniform Traditions

Both Army and Navy have several uniform traditions that are unique to the rivalry. For example:

• Army's gold helmets are a distinctive feature of the team's uniforms.
• Navy's anchor logo is a iconic symbol of the team's identity.
• The two teams often exchange uniform patches or helmet stickers as a sign of respect and sportsmanship.

Impact on College Football

The Army-Navy game has had a significant impact on college football, both in terms of its influence on uniform design and its role in promoting the sport. The game is one of the most-watched and most-anticipated matchups of the season, and its uniforms are often cited as among the best in the country.

Conclusion

The Army-Navy game is a unique and enduring rivalry that is steeped in tradition and pageantry. The uniforms worn by the two teams are an integral part of the matchup, reflecting the history and identity of each institution. From the early years to the present day, the Army-Navy game has been a showcase for innovative and iconic uniform designs.