Naptown Scoop's Guide to Navy Football Gameday

Navy Football games are an iconic event with Midshipmen, alumni, and Navy supporters coming together at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401). How could it not be at Annapolis’ largest stadium that seats 34,000? Whether you’re a season ticket holder or you’ve never seen the Mids play IRL, here’s a gameplan for all ages. From tickets to tailgates, concessions to post-game recs, and beyond.

There’s a lot to unpack in this Navy Football guide. But, getting a ticket should be a top priority. The Game Day Ticket Office is open 2.5 hours before kickoff through the end of the game. It’s located on the north side of the stadium (Farragut Road side). Even easier is buying tickets online.

Standing room only tickets are awesome at Navy games because there’s a big grassy hill behind the north end zone.

Frugal fun fact: Kids two and under don’t need a ticket for admission as long as they sit on your lap.

Another fun fact: You can leave the stadium at half-time and re-enter. Your ticket will be scanned on the way out and back in.

Here’s what’s allowed as far as bags (which are inspected prior to entry): clear bags no larger than 12”x12”x6”, small clutch purses no larger than 4.5”x6.5”, or diaper bags. You can also bring in blankets, seat cushions, umbrellas, strollers, and video cameras.

Backpacks, computer bags, purses, fanny packs, briefcases, binocular cases, camera cases, tote bags, firearms, bottles (glass or plastic), cans, thermoses, coolers, alcoholic beverages, outside food or drink, large bags, folding chairs, umbrellas, professional cameras and tripods, noise makers, hanging banners/signs/sticks, chains, illegal substances, laser pointers, clothing containing vulgar language, large strollers, fireworks, aerosol cans, pets, pepper spray, and any item deemed by management to be dangerous or inappropriate.

And anything that says Army on it. Just kidding. . .

The “greatest rivalry in college football,” also known as America’s Game when Navy plays Army on December 13 is at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. As of August 25, 2025, the cheapest resale tickets we could find were $544 on Vivid Seats.

The stadium has 30 luxury suites available for multi-year leases or single-game rentals. Each suite has 30+ seats, a catered buffet lunch, a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. In the words of Ferris Buehler, if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.

Another VIP way to watch a Navy game is the Clubs at Akerson Tower. Access is available to Navy Athletics donors who give at or above a certain level. Ticket holders enjoy a climate-controlled watching environment with a terrific view, a buffet with full meal and dessert options, as well as an open bar.

The Kidshipmen Club offers free and premium levels for kids ages 12 and under. The premium membership includes gifts, giveaways, free admission to certain games, and more. All memberships include a monthly newsletter and a birthday card from Bill the Goat. Memberships last June 2025 to May 2026.

There’s lots of pageantry and tradition that comes with a home Navy Football game. 

For starters, don’t miss the Navy Football team’s arrival at the stadium as they head through NavyFest and into the locker room. Join the Navy cheerleaders and fellow fans at the Mid Walk, 2.5 hours before game time near the Blue Angel outside of the stadium (on the Blue, press box side parking lot). On that note, stadium gates open two hours prior to kickoff.

“You will want to be in your seat 30 minutes before kickoff to watch the entire 4,000 member Brigade of Midshipmen march into the Stadium,” advises Eric Ruden, Navy deputy director of athletics. “And, hold on to your seat for the jet flyovers and parachute jump teams right before the teams take the field.”

Midshipmen march-on: The entire Brigade of Midshipmen marches from the Naval Academy to midfield of Navy Stadium to salute its school, team, and country. During the march, Taylor Ave is closed from Rowe Blvd to Gate 5.

After the National Anthem, often sung by the Naval Academy glee club, military aircraft fly overhead.

Next, the cannon’s boom symbolizes the official start of the game and sounds again when Navy scores. When the Mids put points on the board, plebes race to the North end zone to do push-ups that match their team’s point total. It's an impressive sight to behold! Especially when Navy’s winning big.

Ruden added, “no Navy football game is complete without seeing the team join the Brigade in singing the alma mater ‘Navy Blue & Gold’ after the victory!"

Once upon a time, I worked in The Goat Locker selling all the Navy merchandise you could EVER imagine. Merchandise (and plenty of Under Armour) is available in the following places:

Navy Sports has an online store too. You can also find Navy apparel at several physical Annapolis locations, including the USNA Visitors Center, Dick's Sporting Goods, and several shops on Main Street. That way you can wear your new merch on game day!

In my heyday of working at The Goat Locker, I thought I’d hit it big with some nachos. The food has upgraded since those days. You’ll find businesses like Annapolis Ice Cream Company/Always Ice Cream (our go-to ice cream), Ledo Pizza, Chick-fil-A, Fisher’s Popcorn, Nothing bundt cakes, Picante, and more. Yum!

Stadium parking isn’t sold on gameday. Season parking passes are available to season ticket holders who are members of the Blue-N*-Gold. Admiral’s Row parking is available with a $1,500 donation to Blue-N*-Gold. Cars may enter and park in the stadium lot for which they hold a pass any time after 7:00 AM for all 12:00 PM kickoffs and after 9:30 AM for all 3:30 PM kick-offs. Lots close 1 1/2 hours after the singing of “The Blue & Gold”.

Satellite parking is available at the Harry S. Truman Park and Ride, just off Riva Road. Shuttle service begins five hours before kickoff and runs approximately every 20 minutes. Shuttles drop off and pick up at the Navy Ticket Office and continue until two hours after the end of the game. Accessible shuttles are available.

Germantown Elementary (200 Windell Road) is a convenient off-site option just a few blocks from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Game day parking is $35 for single-space vehicles and $105 for oversized vehicles. Tailgaters who want an extra space must pay for that space. Payment is cash only at the lot.

Additional off-site garages include:

Not to be a square, but here are some of the key tailgating rules: 

On a lighter, more celebratory note, you can bring alcohol to parking lots and tailgating areas. It's also available for purchase inside the stadium — for those of legal drinking age, of course. Oh, and feel free to use small gas grills.

Concessions aren’t available outside the stadium’s gates, so BYO booze and food. Local tip: the Rite Aid off Taylor Ave sells alcohol. The Graul’s Market nearby is amazing too but they don’t sell alcohol. It’s Maryland law. I highly recommend their chicken salad on croissants! And, everything from their bakery. 

Housekeeping: There are portable restrooms all over the stadium parking lots 🚽

There are about 70 spots around the perimeter of the parking lots which are highly desirable for tailgating due to their space (about 1,350 square feet). These are sold out for 2025 and will sell out for 2026 as well but you can always indicate your interest.