NEW LONDON, Conn. and BOSTON, Mass. — The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) and New Balance unveiled this year’s Secretaries’ Cup uniform on Oct. 15, 2025. The special edition uniform will be worn at the 54th annual Secretaries’ Cup game vs the United States Merchant Marine Academy on Nov. 15 at the historic Fenway Park in Boston. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 pm EST, and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+. This year’s matchup marks the first time in the rivalry’s history that the game will be played off campus and in a professional sports stadium.
Originally designated the Secretary’s Cup in 1981 when both Academies were under the Department of Transportation, the contest’s name was pluralized in 2003 when the U.S. Coast Guard moved to the Department of Homeland Security. The cup is now shared between the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Transportation. Often referred to as the "small college" version of the Army-Navy game, the matchup marks the final game of the regular season for NCAA Division III football.
“Our cadet-athletes are honored to represent the proud legacy of the U.S. Coast Guard as we face Kings Point on November 15,” said USCGA Athletic Director Dr. Dan Rose. “Boston has played a pivotal role in the founding of our service, and this uniform pays tribute to the enduring contributions of the Coast Guard Northeast District and the heroic efforts of our 46,000 service members. The creative team at New Balance has done an outstanding job capturing the spirit and tradition of America’s oldest continuous seagoing service. Semper Paratus — and Go Coast Guard!”
The “First District” uniform pays tribute to the Revenue-Cutter Service founded by Alexander Hamilton, and features Parade Black, Insignia Gold and Cutter White. The Invictus 2.0 jerseys are constructed with NB Dry materials and a streamlined football-specific fit for lightweight durability.
“New Balance is honored to welcome the U.S. Coast Guard Academy to Boston for the historic Secretaries’ Cup,” said Vice President of Sport at New Balance Ray Hilvert. “By weaving in elements of the Academy’s historic parade uniform and maritime legacy, this jersey pays tribute to the generations of Coast Guard service members who have safeguarded our nation.”
The helmet insignia features an interlocking C and G, replicating the design worn by the 1965 USCGA football teams coached by Hall of Fame quarterback Otto Graham. The chest of the uniform features the initials “USCG” in tribute to the more than 46,000 active-duty men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard.
The back name plate is emblazoned with the branch’s motto, “Semper Paratus,” Latin for “Always Ready.” Above the nameplate is a map of the Coast Guard Northeast District, with Boston at its heart. This district encompasses the six New England states plus New York and New Jersey, and is also represented on the helmet via the Coast Guard Northeast District patch.
The uniform’s shoulders feature the golden shield found on past and present U.S. Coast Guard uniforms, an iconic symbol of the service’s mission to safeguard the American people, defeat our adversaries, and protect the Homeland.
The U.S. Coast Guard Ensign is presented front and center on the chest and represents the unique maritime law enforcement authorities of the service. The uniform’s number font is inspired by the retired player numbers of Fenway Park, while the lining and shoulder trim detail is reminiscent of historic U.S. Coast Guard dress uniforms.
Tickets for the 2025 Secretaries’ Cup at Fenway Park are on sale now. For more information, visit https://redsox.com/secretariescup.
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