Fort Benning to host Army football spring scrimmage

By Fort Benning Public AffairsFebruary 14, 2012

U.S. Miltary Academy Black Knights
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BENNING, Ga. (Feb. 13, 2012) -- Fort Benning will host the U.S. Military Academy at West Point football team for its annual Black and Gold Game at 2 p.m., at Doughboy Memorial Stadium on March 9.

This is a historic first. The academy had to get a waiver from the NCAA to make playing the spring scrimmage at a different location a reality. Army head coach Rich Ellerson said in an interview with Military Times, "It's something we're anxious to do. It makes too much sense."

This will be the first time Army has played the Black and Gold Game away from West Point. Fort Benning is a special place to hold the annual game. It is the home of the Maneuver Center of Excellence -- home of the Army Armor and Infantry Schools, which are responsible for all Armor and Infantry training.

In true Army spirit, the players will be divided into two teams representing the Armor and Infantry branches. Thanks to a donation from Nike, their football uniforms will be unique, either bearing the Armor crest and patch or the Infantry crest and patch.

Fort Benning's Doughboy Memorial Stadium was built in 1924 to honor the Infantry Soldiers, or "doughboys," who gave their lives during World War I. One of the Fort Benning team's original assistant coaches was West Point graduate and future president, then Captain Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The event is the latest in Fort Benning's renewed commitment to reviving football and the Spirit of Fort Benning, a legacy of excellence and leadership with the installation attracting the best and the brightest to serve or train here. Some other great Army leaders who served at Fort Benning include Gen. George Marshall, Gen. George Patton and Lt. Gen. Hal Moore.

All activities surrounding the West Point Spring Scrimmage will focus on the Army Value of "Duty." Thousands of trainees are expected to attend this historic game and gain valuable insight from senior Army leaders and war heroes, including Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the chief of staff of the army, who are invited to attend and speak on the importance of Duty.

The cadets from the U.S. Military Academy will get the opportunity to see what Fort Benning is about as they also attend a Basic Training graduation and tour the National Infantry Museum.

The West Point Spring Scrimmage is open to the public and there is no ticket admission for the game.

Related Links:

STAND TO!: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Fort Benning, Ga.

West Point News: Army to Play Black-Gold Game at Fort Benning