"It's a big deal if we're able to beat Navy and in our case we haven't beat them in four years so if we're able to win it will mean a lot to the core," Lt. Col. Steven Michael of the U.S. Army said.
Friday night's gala was just part of the celebrations that are being held over the next few days.
It was a little warmer and a little more relaxed than the Rocky run that took place on the Art Museum steps.
The party wasn't just about dinner, dancing, and watching old game films; there was a little competition, a basketball blitz and, of course, the face off between the Army and Navy cheerleaders.
The Burnett family has been enjoying the Army-Navy weekends for years. Their son is playing in tomorrow's game and he's a part of a long legacy attending the Naval Academy starting three generations ago.
"This game is not just a college football game, it stands for all the best things about our country," Ron Naples of the Host Committee said.
With most of the 108 past competitions taking place here, the Army-Navy game has become a national tradition synonymous with Philadelphia.
Everyone will have to bundle up tomorrow because it is going to be a chilly one when the heated Army-Navy game kicks off at noon.
Read about the weekend festivities here.
