Secretaries’ Cup coming to Washington

The 46th annual Secretaries’ Cup is headed to Washington, continuing a rivalry that dates back to 1981 as the teams leave it all on the field in a battle for national fame.The college football game between the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy will take place at 1 p.m. Nov. 14 at Audi Field, according to the post. The game also represents a 23-year rivalry between the Transportation Department and the Department of Homeland Security. 🔥 YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS 🔥The 46th Secretaries' Cup is coming to Washington, DC 🇺🇸Watch the finest patriots from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy take on @SecMullinDHS’s U.S. Coast Guard Academy in the ultimate Maritime SHOWDOWN @UsmmaO @DHSgov🗓️ Sat, Nov 14, 2026 |… pic.twitter.com/3djVRbsU0Z— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) September 4, 2026 In 2003, the previously named Secretary’s Cup became the Secretaries’ Cup when the Coast Guard moved to the Department of Homeland Security, according to the cup’s website.This began a competition between the secretaries, with this year’s game being a showdown between Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.“Watch the finest patriots from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy take on @SecMullinDHS’s U.S. Coast Guard Academy in the ultimate Maritime SHOWDOWN,” Duffy said on X.Last year marked a historic moment for the game, as it was the first time a matchup was held at a venue other than the Coast Guard’s Cadet Memorial Field in New London, Connecticut, or the Merchant Marines’ Captain Tomb Field in Kings Point, New York, just east of New York City.The 2025 game was played at Fenway Park in Boston. The Merchant Marines won in a nail-biting 39-38 victory over the Coast Guard.“This year the Coast Guard Academy proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary alongside our nation’s 250th,” Rear Adm. Greg Rothrock, the USCGA superintendent, said, according to a press release from the Coast Guard. “Bringing this storied service academy rivalry to Audi Field in our Nation’s Capital provides an unparalleled stage to highlight the drive and determination of our cadet and midshipmen athletes—future leaders who stand ready to safeguard our homeland and defend our maritime interests around the globe.”“Audi Field is proud to host the 2026 Secretaries’ Cup and we are thrilled to continue to showcase the venue as a hub for major sporting events throughout the DMV,” Danita Johnson, D.C. United’s president of business operations, said in the release.“As part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Secretaries’ Cup offers a meaningful way to honor those who serve while creating a memorable experience for all attendees,” Johnson said.Attendees also have the opportunity to attend the event’s fan fest as a pregame celebration.NFL ENDS THE PRO BOWL GAME, BUT PLAYERS WILL STILL BE HONORED AS PRO BOWLERSIt runs from 10 a.m. to noon, during which fans can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, lawn games, family-friendly activities, giveaways, and more right outside Gate A at Audi Field.Tickets for November’s game are available through Ticketmaster.