What is entertainment like at the US Naval Academy?

I'm curious about life as a student at the US Naval Academy, specifically in terms of entertainment. What kinds of activities or events do midshipmen participate in outside of classes and training?

At the United States Naval Academy (USNA), midshipmen are engaged in a range of activities outside their academic and military responsibilities, with the academy making a point to cultivate a well-rounded experience.

In terms of sports, all midshipmen participate in either intramural or intercollegiate athletics, so there's never a shortage of sport events to watch or participate in, from football and basketball to less conventional sports like sailing or rowing.

Midshipmen hold high positions in numerous clubs and organizations in fields such as performing arts, academics, languages, religious fellowship, and more. Specifically, the Masqueraders put on a fall drama and a musical in the spring, and the Naval Academy's Glee Club and Drum and Bugle Corps frequently perform both on and off-campus.

Additionally, the Naval Academy Programming Committee hosts a variety of entertainment events throughout the year like comedians, musicians, and speakers, designed to enrich the work-life balance within the Academy.

USNA also hosts events like the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference, which is one of the leading undergraduate international relations conferences in the country. It allows the midshipmen to engage with key issues beyond their typical training.

Keep in mind, midshipmen also undergo professional training during the summer months, which includes attending Navy and Marine Corps schools and getting hands-on experience onboard ships and submarines or at aviation squadrons. While this isn't traditional "entertainment," many midshipmen view these experiences as exciting opportunities to apply their education and training.

While studying at the USNA can be demanding—midshipmen live in Bancroft Hall, and time and movement are highly structured during the week—there's also a strong sense of camaraderie and tradition. From climbing Herndon Monument to singing the alma mater after football games, these rituals are a memorable part of the Naval Academy experience.