PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Navy football team arrived in Providence Friday ahead of Saturday’s Army-Navy Game at Gillette Stadium.

The Midshipmen got to the Rhode Island Convention Center just before 2:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, where they will be spending the night ahead of Saturday’s game. City and state officials spent the afternoon greeting the players as they walked into the convention center.

This is the first time New England is playing host to one of the most famous rivalries in college football. Fans said regardless of the location, it’s always a special game.

“I’ve been going to the game since 2006,” said Navy fan Ted Hall. “My son’s been going with me, he’s going to be here tonight. I’m waiting to see Gillette Stadium too, but to see the game itself and support the men and women who are going to be fighting for our country – we might be enemies on the football field, but we’re comrades in arms on the battlefield.”

The Midshipmen players said they feel pretty good heading into the game. They’ll be looking to avenge last year’s loss, a 20-17 defeat in double overtime.