The Annapolis Cup presented by PNC Bank returns for the 42nd anniversary croquet match between St. John’s College and the U.S. Naval Academy, Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The tradition is a community highlight that began in 1983 with the Johnnies facing off against the Midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy in a friendly-but-fierce rivalry for the Annapolis Cup and bragging rights as the best croquet team in town. According to legend, the rivalry began in 1982 when the commandant of the U.S. Naval Academy was speaking with a St. John’s freshman and remarked that the Midshipmen could beat the Johnnies in any sport. “What about croquet?” the Johnnie retorted. He later proposed the match to a group of Midshipmen in the interest of fostering better relations between the schools.

Ever since, Johnnies have faced off against the midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy in a friendly-but-fierce rivalry for the Annapolis Cup and bragging rights as the best croquet team in town. The record as of 2026 is 32 wins for St. John’s and 9 for the USNA.

This is the third year that the Annapolis Cup will be exclusively presented by PNC Bank. Information on additional event sponsors and sponsorship opportunities is available on the croquet website.

The event will be attended by approximately 4,000 members of the St. John’s, USNA, and Annapolis communities. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, March 6. Visit sjc.edu/croquet for more information.