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NCAA FBS

Navy–Marine Corps Memorial StadiumAnnapolis, Maryland

Navy

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

📖About Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium has been home to the Midshipmen since 1959. The 34,000-seat venue in Annapolis is dedicated to those who have served in the Navy and Marine Corps, with thousands of memorial plaques throughout.

🏛️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

🎟️Visitor Guide

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

Pusser's Caribbean Grille

$$

Iconic Annapolis waterfront bar known for its Painkiller cocktails.

📍 1.8 miles80 Compromise St

💡 Grab a window seat for harbor views before heading to the stadium.

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.

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.

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.

🍽️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.

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.

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.

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.

🏨Hotels

Graduate 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.

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.

🎭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.

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.

🅿️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.

🔥Rivals

Stadiums Near Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

References

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