Over the years, Michie Stadium has been more than just a field—it’s been a home for epic battles, timeless rivalries, and a whole lot of football spirit. For Army Black Knights fans, it’s not just a place—it’s a proud tradition! Michie Stadium (pronounced Mikey, for the uninitiated) is a historic gem nestled right on the campus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. Home to the Army Black Knights, this iconic venue first opened its gates 100 years ago, back in 1924, and has been a bastion of college football tradition ever since. For the 2024 and 2025 seasons, it boasts a seating capacity of 30,000, offering fans an intimate yet electrifying game-day atmosphere.

The stadium gets its name from Dennis Michie, the man who kick-started the Army Black Knights football program all the way back in 1890. This hallowed ground owes its name to the visionary who, as a young cadet, turned a dream into reality. Michie wasn’t just an organizer; he was Army football’s first coach, captain, and undeniable heartbeat. With the stunning Lusk Reservoir providing a picturesque backdrop, it’s arguably one of the most beautiful settings in CFB. His passion for sport not only gave birth to a program, but cemented its future in the fabric of West Point.

Born on April 10, 1870, in the very shadows of the academy he would revolutionize, Michie was destined to be a trailblazer. A graduate of the Lawrenceville School in 1888, he arrived at West Point with a knack for leadership and a love for football. As a cadet, Michie organized Army’s first football team, donning multiple hats as manager, coach, and player. By 1891, he had risen to captain, leading Army to early victories that hinted at the powerhouse they would one day become. Though his coaching tenure in 1892 was brief, Michie left behind a legacy of resilience, finishing with a respectable 3-2-1 record.

Michie’s story, however, is bittersweet. Just six years after graduating, he met a heroic end during the Spanish–American War. On July 1, 1898, at the Battle of San Juan Hill, he was killed while directing soldiers across the Bloody Bend of the San Juan River. His bravery and selflessness mirrored the values he instilled in the Army football program: grit, teamwork, and unyielding commitment. Naming the stadium in his honor in 1924 was more than fitting—it was necessary. Army’s 17–0 win over Saint Louis in Michie Stadium’s first game seemed like a divine nod to the legacy he had sparked.

The father of the Black Knights would be proud today, seeing his baby-team fighting in the AAC Championship game from heaven against rivals Tulane for the very first time. Ranked 24 on the CFP poll are on the cusp of making it to the playoffs too. And guess who is hosting this marquee event?

The proud Michie Stadium hosts its maiden championship game

History is set to unfold at the iconic Michie Stadium as it gears up to host its first-ever championship game—a moment 100 years in the making. The No. 24 Army Black Knights (10-1) welcome the Tulane Green Wave (9-3) for the 2024 AAC Championship on Friday night, adding another chapter to this storied venue’s legacy. And boy, what a showdown it promises to be!

Army’s inaugural season in the AAC has been nothing short of spectacular. With an unblemished 8-0 conference record, the Black Knights clinched the top spot after a nail-biting 29-24 victory over UTSA last week. Their only stumble this year? A tough loss to Notre Dame under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium. But at home on Blaik Field, with the cadets cheering and the Hudson River as a backdrop, Army is a force to be reckoned with.

On the other sideline, Tulane comes in bruised but not beaten. A late-season loss to Memphis ended their playoff dreams and snapped an impressive eight-game win streak. But don’t count the Green Wave out—this team knows how to bounce back.

With kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET, Friday night at Michie Stadium.