The Army-Navy football game always is steeped in pageantry and excitement, but this year's 100th-anniversary matchup will outdo them all.
To commemorate the date, many special features and activities are scheduled, including a special anniversary logo, the game's own Web site, a limited-edition lithograph, throwback game jerseys, a coffee-table book, a historical video and a lavish halftime show.
Army will wear jerseys similar to those from its national championship years from 1944 through 1946, and Navy will bear those worn by its nationally prominent teams of the 1960s.
The lithograph, by sports artist Bill Williams, is available at both academies' gift shops and through the Web site (www.Army-Navy100.com). In addition, a poster by illustrator Michael Taylor will be distributed to the first 10,000 fans attending the game and will feature the academies' five Heisman Trophy winners: Roger Staubach and Joe Bellino from Navy and Doc Blanchard, Glenn Davis and Peter Dawkins from Army.
The book by Signature Publications will chronicle the series and a video by CBS Sports will feature highlights of pre-game and in-game action. A silent auction that commenced on the Internet will conclude at the pre-game gala tomorrow night.
Both academies also are recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which will provide a color guard and a VFW flag to be carried on to the field by parachute teams. A VFW commemorative coin will be used for the toss.
"These special promotions allow our alumni and fans all over the world to participate in the great American classic," said Jack Lengyel, Navy athletic director.
