Gillette Stadium Will Host Its First Army-Navy Football Game

FOXBORO, MA — A rivalry for the books will take place in New England next year as Gillette Stadium will host the 2023 Army-Navy Game for the first time.

Chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group Robert Kraft and Gov. Charlie Baker broke word on the major development Wednesday afternoon. The game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.

Dating back to the 1890s, the Army-Navy game has had college football fans up in arms for 132 years, with the Navy taking the lead for the all-time series of 62-53-7.

"In New England, we value history, honor tradition, and celebrate sports rivalries," said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group. "That's why we are so thrilled for the opportunity to host America’s Game at Gillette Stadium in 2023. There is no greater, more historical sports rivalry than the Army Navy Game."

The closest the game has ever come to New England before was in Philadelphia - about 89 times - but never hit Massachusetts.

This was the third time the Kraft Sports and Entertainment Group put in a bid for the game, NBC10 reported. Fenway Park put a bid in for the game back in 2018 but was unsuccessful.

Boston (landing in Foxboro) was one of seven finalists, which included Charlotte, North Carolina; Orlando, Florida; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New Jersey.

"The Army-Navy Game celebrates our city and region, and I'm excited to welcome this historic event for the first time," said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. "We are honored to have the opportunity to welcome everyone involved with this historic tradition to Boston and I'm grateful to all of our partners for working to showcase our vibrant communities and culture."

This year's game of the Navy Midshipmen versus the Army Black Knights is scheduled to be played in Philadelphia on Dec 10 at 3 p.m.