Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska, along with 55 Congressional colleagues and two senators-elect, has sent a letter to the College Football Playoff and Bowl Season executive directors. The group is urging them to maintain the Army-Navy football game as a unique event by keeping it on the second Saturday in December without other college games scheduled on that day.

The upcoming Army-Navy game marks the first instance since 2009, excluding the COVID-19 affected 2020 season, where other games are set for the same day. In their letter, Senator Sullivan and his colleagues emphasized: "The Army vs. Navy Football Game – affectionately known as 'America’s Game' – has long been recognized as one of the greatest events in all of college sports."

They highlighted how this event continued during World War II and draws significant interest from Americans, including military personnel. The letter stressed that traditionally, this game has been played at sold-out NFL venues and brings "patriotism and pageantry" to both fans present at stadiums and those watching from home.

Concerns were raised about how additional games might shift focus away from honoring Armed Forces through this televised event. The letter noted: "Young Americans often cite the pregame events as igniting their interest in serving in uniform." It further stated there is no comparable time block on television that fosters national unity and appreciation for military service like this game's production.

The signatories hope for future cooperation to ensure the preservation of what they term America's Game.