Army-Navy Game Leaving Baltimore; Won't Be Back In Near Future

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's often called the greatest rivalry in sports, and it generates one of the biggest weekends in Baltimore.

But the Army-Navy game will not return to Charm City in the years ahead.

Baltimore hosted the game two of the last three years, and though officials say negotiations were close, Baltimore will not host the game until next decade.

Tradition that's unmatched, a game like no other, and energy that takes over the entire area.

That atmosphere has captivated Baltimore in recent years during the Army-Navy game, but that game is now on its way out of Charm City.

It was announced on Tuesday that Philadelphia will host four of the next five matchups, with New Jersey getting in as well.

After a promising cycle last time around, Baltimore is left on the outside looking in.

"Philadelphia does such a wonderful job around with the games," said

Officials with the Maryland Stadium Authority say they're confident the game will return to Baltimore, especially with the recent renovations to M&T Bank Stadium.

"The city of Baltimore, in all fairness, sets up perfectly for the game. Our logistics are phenomenal," said Terry Hasseltine, with the Maryland Stadium Authority. "[Reporter: How disappointing is this for city of Baltimore?] It's never easy to be on what seems like the losing side of an opportunity, but at the same time, we got to put our best foot forward to show off Baltimore."

Hasseltine says Baltimore was commended for the job it has done hosting the game, but this time around, they got caught in a unique cycle.

"Over the course of the history of the game, it always makes it way back to Baltimore. The next time it will be our time," he said.

The next contractual cycle will begin with the 2023 game.

The game in New Jersey will be played at MetLife Stadium, just outside of New York, which will coincide with the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Philadelphia has hosted 86 of the 117 Army-Navy games. Baltimore has hosted four times since 2000.

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