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Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium - home of Navy in Annapolis, MD
NCAA FBS

Navy–Marine Corps Memorial StadiumAnnapolis, Maryland

Navy

👥
Capacity
34,000
🏆
Conference
American
📅
Opened
1959
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf Revolution

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📖About Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium has been the home of Navy Midshipmen football in Annapolis, Maryland since opening on September 26, 1959. The open-air stadium seats 34,000 on a FieldTurf Revolution surface and is dedicated as a memorial to those who have served in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The venue hosted soccer during the 1984 Summer Olympics and has been the annual home of the Military Bowl since 2013.

🏛️Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium History

Origins

Built to replace 12,000-seat Thompson Stadium. The $3M facility opened in 1959 with Navy beating William & Mary 29-2. Memorial plaques honor Navy and Marine Corps service members.

Major Renovations

2002$56M renovation lowered field 8 feet, added suites and club seats
2005FieldTurf replaced natural grass
2013HD video boards and renovated locker rooms added

Notable Moments

Sep 26, 1959Stadium opened with Navy defeating William & Mary 29-2
Oct 21, 2023Record attendance of 38,803 for Air Force game
Summer 1984Hosted soccer matches for 1984 Summer Olympics

🎟️Visiting Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

Best Seats

West side offers best sightlines after 2002 renovation. Club seats on east side added in 2015.

Parking Tips

Navy Stadium lots fill quickly. Downtown Annapolis parking with shuttle available. USNA Academy tours available before games.

Game Day

Watch the Brigade of Midshipmen march into the stadium. Battle inscriptions around the stadium honor naval history. Military Bowl held here annually since 2013.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Dock Street Bar & Grill

$$

Downtown pub with a Navy-heavy crowd and plenty of TVs.

📍 2 miles136 Dock St

💡 Great spot to watch earlier games before the Midshipmen kickoff.

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Galway Bay Irish Restaurant & Pub

$$

Cozy Irish pub with Guinness pours and hearty pregame fare.

📍 2 miles63 Maryland Ave

💡 Order the shepherd’s pie if you want a filling pregame meal.

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O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern

$$

Old-school tavern with raw bar classics and a laid-back vibe.

📍 1.9 miles113 Main St

💡 Stop in early to avoid dinner crowds downtown.

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🍽️Restaurants

Chick & Ruth's Delly

$$

Annapolis institution famous for crab cakes and its quirky atmosphere.

📍 2 miles165 Main St

💡 Expect a wait on weekends—get there early for brunch.

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Boatyard Bar & Grill

$$

Waterfront favorite serving seafood and the famous “Alligator Pear” salad.

📍 2.2 miles400 Fourth St

💡 Reservations recommended for early dinners on game weekends.

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Cantler's Riverside Inn

$$

Local legend for Maryland blue crabs served on the water.

📍 5.6 miles458 Forest Beach Rd

💡 Plan a longer meal—picking crabs is a full Annapolis experience.

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Carrol's Creek Café

$$$

Upscale seafood restaurant with harbor views and local oysters.

📍 2.2 miles410 Severn Ave

💡 Great postgame dinner spot if you’re staying overnight.

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🏨Hotels

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis

$$$

Nautical-themed boutique hotel within walking distance of downtown.

📍 1.9 miles126 West St

💡 Book early for Army-Navy week and major AAC matchups.

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Historic Inns of Annapolis

$$$

Collection of historic hotels steps from Main Street and City Dock.

📍 2 miles58 State Cir

💡 Ideal if you want to explore downtown without driving.

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🎭Attractions

United States Naval Academy Yard

$

Historic campus with the chapel, museum, and iconic midshipmen formations.

📍 2.4 miles121 Blake Rd

💡 Take the official tour if you have extra time before kickoff.

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Annapolis City Dock & Harbor

$

Waterfront promenade with sailboats, shops, and classic Maryland scenery.

📍 2 milesCity Dock, Annapolis

💡 Great spot for photos and a pregame walk.

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🅿️Parking Options

🎉

Navy-Marine Corps Stadium Lots

$20-$40
Tailgate📍 0.2 miles

💡 Main tailgating area—arrive early for the best spots.

🚌

Downtown Park & Ride Shuttle

$10-$15
Shuttle📍 2 miles

💡 Park downtown and take the shuttle to avoid stadium traffic.

🅿️

Navy Stadium Blue Lot

$15-$25
Lot📍 0.4 miles

💡 Short walk to the gates with easier postgame exit routes.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium? Share it with us.

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🔥Navy Rivals

→

Falcon Stadium

Air Force

Air Force-Navy Game

USAF Academy, CO

→

Blaik Field at Michie Stadium

Army

Army-Navy Game

West Point, NY

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SECU Stadium

Maryland

Crab Bowl Classic

College Park, MD

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Notre Dame Stadium

Notre Dame

Battle for the Rip Miller Trophy

Notre Dame, IN

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Gerald J. Ford Stadium

SMU

University Park, TX

Closest Stadiums to Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

→

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore, MD22 mi
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Nationals Park

Washington Nationals

Washington, DC28 mi
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Citizens Bank Park

Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia, PA96 mi
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Citi Field

New York Mets

Queens, NY187 mi
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Yankee Stadium

New York Yankees

Bronx, NY187 mi
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PNC Park

Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh, PA212 mi

Frequently Asked Questions About Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

What is the capacity of Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium?
Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium has a seating capacity of 34,000.
Where is Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium located?
Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is located in Annapolis, MD.
What team plays at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium?
Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is the home stadium of Navy in the American.
When was Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium built?
Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium opened in 1959.
Where are the best seats at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium?
West side offers best sightlines after 2002 renovation. Club seats on east side added in 2015.
What are the best parking tips for Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium?
Navy Stadium lots fill quickly. Downtown Annapolis parking with shuttle available. USNA Academy tours available before games.
What type of surface does Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium have?
Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium has a fieldturf revolution playing surface.
What stadiums are near Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium are Oriole Park at Camden Yards (22 mi), Nationals Park (28 mi), Citizens Bank Park (96 mi), Citi Field (187 mi), Yankee Stadium (187 mi), PNC Park (212 mi).
Who are Navy's biggest rivals?
Navy's rivals include Air Force (Air Force-Navy Game), Army (Army-Navy Game), Maryland (Crab Bowl Classic), Notre Dame (Battle for the Rip Miller Trophy), SMU.

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.