Fiesta Bowl 2024 | NCAA Football

About Armed Forces Bowl

The Armed Forces Bowl is an annual college football postseason game known for its celebration of military service. It gathers top collegiate teams, including those from the Sun Belt and Mountain West Conferences, in a thrilling showdown. Held at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, this prestigious bowl game honors active-duty service members and veterans while showcasing exceptional athleticism and competitive football. Its rich history and tradition stand as a symbol of sportsmanship and gratitude towards the armed forces.

Armed Forces Bowl History

The Armed Forces Bowl, previously known as the Fort Worth Bowl, has a rich history in college football. It’s an annual postseason game held at the Amon G. Carter Stadium or sometimes the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The stadium, boasting 45,000 seats, hosts this thrilling showdown, drawing teams from various collegiate conferences. The United States Military Academy (Army) is also eligible to join in on the action.

ESPN has been showcasing this game since its inception, making it a part of the network's lineup of 14 bowls. The official Insurance Partner, Armed Forces Insurance, even sponsors an award during halftime known as the Great American Patriot Award.

In its debut in December 2003, the bowl saw two ranked teams, Boise State and TCU, battle it out. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that another ranked team, Army, graced the field, bringing back the thrill of a ranked showdown.

The game has a special tie-in with the service academies—Army, Navy, and Air Force—ensuring that one of these teams gets a shot at glory every year, given they're bowl-eligible and not committed elsewhere. This has made for some intense matchups, showcasing the dedication and skill of these teams.

Notably, the 2018 game between Army and Houston marked a significant milestone, being the first sellout in the bowl’s 16-year history.

The Armed Forces Bowl is a celebration of athleticism, and spirit and a nod to the commitment of the military academies. It’s a platform where teams battle for glory, each game adding a new chapter to its evolving history. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, with its captivating matchups and storied past, continues to be a highlight in the college football postseason.

Armed Forces Bowl Game Schedule 2023

The Armed Forces BowlScheduled for December 23, 2023, the 21st edition is set to ignite the college football scene. Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, will host this thrilling showdown. The American Athletic Conference and Conference USA teams will take the field, showcasing their talent in this anticipated game.

As part of the 2023–24 bowl games marking the end of the FBS football season, this event holds a special place. Lockheed Martin, a prominent aerospace and defense company, proudly sponsors the bowl, adding to the excitement of the game officially known as the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.

Fans eagerly anticipate this clash of college football prowess. Armed Forces Bowl tickets are bound to be in high demand as enthusiasts gear up to witness this thrilling matchup at the esteemed Amon G. Carter Stadium.

Armed Forces Bowl Game Time

The highly awaited 2023 Armed Forces Bowl is scheduled for action on December 23, 2023, at the iconic Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Set your clocks for a 2:30 p.m. CST kickoff. It's a prime time for football fans to witness the thrilling clash between top-notch teams in this celebrated college football event. Grab your Armed Forces Bowl tickets and be ready for an unforgettable game-day experience!

Armed Forces Bowl Teams Qualified for 2023

The 2023 Armed Forces Bowl is set to witness a thrilling clash between the James Madison Dukes from the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) and the Air Force Falcons from the Mountain West Conference (MW). It marks the first-ever encounter between these two teams, adding to the anticipation of the game day.

James Madison Dukes

The James Madison Dukes secured their spot with an impressive 11–1 record (7–1 in the SBC), emerging as champions in the SBC East Division. Despite initial ineligibility due to transition, insufficient bowl-eligible teams paved the way for their historic entry. This marks James Madison's inaugural bowl appearance and their debut at the Armed Forces Bowl.

Air Force Falcons

On the other side, the Air Force Falcons enter their seventh Armed Forces Bowl with an 8–4 record (5–3 in the MW). Their extensive history in the game includes two victories, notably triumphing over Houston in 2009 (47–20) and Baylor in 2022 (30–15), solidifying their status as seasoned contenders.

Armed Forces Bowl Game Tickets

Secure your spot at the electrifying Armed Forces Bowl, celebrating NCAA college football while honoring our service members. Tickets for this spirited event vary in price based on multiple factors. The game date, competing teams, seat location, and team rankings all influence ticket costs.

For general admission, expect prices starting at $30, averaging around $75. Those seeking budget-friendly options can opt for end zone or upper-level seats. The priciest choice, the Champions Club, starts at $140, offering premier 200-level sideline seating.

Ticket prices for the upcoming game range from $9 to $900, with an average cost of $123. The showdown between the James Madison Dukes and Air Force Falcons on December 23rd, 2023, at 2:30 pm, unfolds at Fort Worth's Amon Carter Stadium. Online, approximately 389 tickets are available, ranging from $9 to $900, offering various vantage points to catch this thrilling match.

Armed Forces Bowl Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium

The Armed Forces Bowl finds its home at the illustrious Amon G. Carter Stadium, nestled on Fort Worth, Texas's Texas Christian University campus. This open-air stadium proudly serves as the stomping ground for the TCU Horned Frogs football team. Named in honor of Amon G. Carter, a revered figure in Fort Worth's history, the stadium boasts several affectionate monikers, including "The Carter" and "Hell's Half Acre," a nod to the city's vibrant Wild West past.

Operated by Texas Christian University, the stadium currently accommodates 47,000 spectators, offering an electric atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Notably, its record attendance peaked at 53,294 during the TCU vs. Colorado match in 2023, exemplifying the fervor and support the venue garners for thrilling football showdowns. As the battleground for the Armed Forces Bowl, Amon G. Carter Stadium stands as a beacon of sportsmanship and spirited competition in the heart of Fort Worth.

Armed Forces Bowl Records

The Armed Forces Bowl has witnessed remarkable records etched in its history, showcasing moments of exceptional athleticism and skill. In 2018, Army set the bar high with the most points scored in a single game, notching an impressive 70 against Houston. Conversely, the Navy tallied 45 points in 2016 against Louisiana Tech, marking the highest number of points scored by a losing team. That same year, Louisiana Tech and Navy collectively scored the most points in a game, hitting a staggering total of 93.

The defensive prowess of the Navy in 2013 resulted in the fewest points allowed at a mere 6 against Middle Tennessee. Additionally, Army secured the largest margin of victory with a commanding 56-point lead against Houston in 2018. Memorable individual performances include Kelvin Hopkins Jr.'s five all-purpose touchdowns in 2018 and Rashaad Penny's remarkable 221 rushing yards in 2017 for San Diego State.

These records stand as testaments to the thrilling and historic moments that have graced the Armed Forces Bowl, showcasing the extraordinary talents of players and the intense competition that defines this prestigious event.

Armed Forces Bowl Winner List

The Armed Forces Bowl has seen some stellar teams clinch victory over the years. Utah claimed the title in 2006, showcasing their prowess on the field. California triumphed in 2007, while Houston secured a win in 2008. The following year, the Air Force emerged victorious, continuing the streak of remarkable performances.

Army marked their victory in 2010, with BYU securing the win in 2011. Rice added their name to the winner's list in 2012, followed by the Navy's triumph in 2013. California secured another win in 2015, and Louisiana Tech joined the ranks of champions in 2016.

The intense battles continued with the Army's victory in 2017 and a commanding win by the Army again in 2018. Tulane claimed victory in 2020, while Army added another win to their record in 2021. Air Force sealed the latest victory in 2022, cementing their place among the Armed Forces Bowl celebrated champions.

Here's the list of winning teams, along with their respective years in the Armed Forces Bowl: