East Rutherford – Saturday’s army-naval battle marks 122 mennd A meeting between the Army’s Black Knights and Navy cadets – and the real winner was the more than 80,000 fans who attended to witness this historic rivalry.
New Jersey was proud to host this year’s Army and Navy games. This September was especially meaningful as he celebrated his 20th anniversary on September 11th. The game was played at MetLife Stadium in the shadow of where the World Trade Center’s North and South Towers once stood.
The game broke a college football attendance record at MetLife Stadium with 82,282 fans in attendance. The Murphy Administration, NJ TRANSIT, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) and MetLife also worked closely in the months leading up to the game to secure all selected fans. Public transportation to get to the games provided the best possible customer experience. NJ TRANSIT brought his 6,000 fans into the game and 10,500 out of the game.
“Our state is proud to host the 2021 Army and Navy Games and provide a seamless experience for the thousands of fans who attend.” said Governor Murphy. “New Jersey is more prepared than ever to handle large-scale sporting events with our partners at NJ TRANSIT and MetLife Stadium. World-class restaurants and hotels, proximity to New York City and two international airports, New Jersey has a lot to offer, including reliable transportation, for those traveling for the many high-profile events held at sporting and entertainment venues.”
“A reliable public transit system is a key component of statewide mobility, including the ability to support transportation for major events like the Army-Navy game at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.” Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, NJDOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Chairman, said: “NJ TRANSIT provided an exceptional experience for attendees from all over the country, reinforcing why New Jersey is the ideal destination for an event of national importance.”
“NJ TRANSIT was delighted to contribute to the success of yesterday’s Army-Navy game at MetLife Stadium.” Kevin S. Corbett, President and CEO of NJ TRANSIT, said: “Putting aside my personal prejudice against the Navy, they have once again demonstrated their ability to provide seamless transportation to a packed MetLife Stadium massive event.”
“The New Jersey Sports and Exhibition Authority is honored to bring college sports’ greatest rivalry to MetLife Stadium and showcase a young man who will serve his country.” NJSEA President and CEO Vincent Prieto said: “The teamwork between the agencies that planned the event is proof of New Jersey’s ability to bring the biggest sporting event to the biggest stage in the country.”
“We are honored to bring to New Jersey an America’s Game that is more than just a football game.” MetLife Stadium President and CEO Ron VandeVeen said: “Governor Murphy’s commitment to improving the rail system was perfectly evident yesterday. We would like to thank the staff, NJSEA, NJ TRANSIT and the Murphy Administration for all their efforts in making this event a huge success. “
New Jersey is home to the 2021 Army and Navy Games and is honored to have the opportunity to showcase the state’s ability to deliver a world-class experience for large-scale events of national importance. New Jersey/New York are finalists for potential host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup…we’re ready!