Formally termed the Annapolis Cup, now popular as the St. John’s Croquet Match is one of Annapolis, Maryland’s most loved spring traditions. It is a fierce yearly croquet match between St. John’s College (the Johnnies) and the U.S. Naval Academy (the Midshipmen). Thousands of people meet every year on the historic lawn of St. John’s College to watch this one-of-a-kind college competition that combines sports, community celebration, and social pageantry.
The match will happen again on April 18, 2026, which is the 42nd year of the Annapolis Cup hosted by PNC Bank. Fans from both campuses, alumni, and locals look forward to the event for more than just the croquet. They enjoy the picnic setting, school colors, and traditions that make it more than just a game.
The series record favors St. John’s, with 32 wins to the Naval Academy’s 9. The 2026 game will be another exciting story in this long-running competition. Let’s explore fun and must-try things to do in Annapolis’s St. John’s Croquet Match 2026, with Zavros Place!
At a Glance: St. John’s Croquet Match 2026 Dates & Location
Event Date & Time
The 42nd Annapolis Cup sponsored by PNC Bank, which is also known as the St. John’s Croquet Match 2026, will take place on April 18, 2026. Every year in the spring, this event lasts all afternoon, with activities starting before the main croquet game. Fans and players alike should put this event on their calendars early in the season.
Location
The match takes place on the front field of St. John’s College in downtown Annapolis, Maryland. This is a historic spot just a few steps from the US Naval Academy and the state capital’s beautiful streets. Due to its central position, the lawn is easy to walk to from nearby parking lots, downtown hotels, and interesting places to visit.
Expected Crowd
A lot of people come to watch this long-running competition. There will be a lawn party scene with croquet, food, and friends for about 4,000 people from the St. John’s community, the U.S. Naval Academy, alumni networks, and locals.
The Big Day: St. John’s Croquet Match 2026 Schedule & Times
Also known as the Annapolis Cup, the St. John’s Croquet Match is more than just a game. It is a social tradition. It takes place every spring between St. John’s College and the U.S. Naval Academy and brings people from all over Annapolis to the famous college quad for food, competition, and fun on the lawn. This practice will continue at the 2026 match, which has a structured but flexible schedule that keeps people busy all day.
10:30 AM — Gates Open & Festivities Begin
The main day of the event starts at 10:30 a.m., when the gates open and food vendors start serving. You should get there at this time if you want plenty of room to set up blankets or chairs, check out the snacks, and find a great spot on the lawn to watch the show before it starts.
11:15 AM — Beverage Sales Start
As soon as the gates open, people with the right wristbands and ID can start buying alcoholic rinks. There are vendors selling drinks and food all over the match area, and most of the time, you can pay with your wristband instead of cash.
12:00 PM — Opening Ceremony
A small opening ceremony begins the event. Before the game starts, people often enjoy music, pre-match announcements, and introductions of players or customs.
12:45 PM — Croquet Match Begins
Around 12:45 p.m., the main game begins: a croquet match between St. John’s and the Naval Academy. People with blankets and chairs spread out on the lawn to watch this fierce competition between the teams.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM — Match Continues & Gates Close
Official gates close at 4:00 p.m., although matches may continue into the early evening based on pace. Food stands usually stay open until around 5 p.m., and everyone is asked to leave the match area by 7 p.m.
How to Get In? St. John’s Croquet Match 2026 Tickets & Price
The annual Annapolis Cup between St. John’s College and the U.S. Naval Academy is the St. John’s Croquet Match. To attend, you need to plan ahead and get tickets in advance, as this famous spring event attracts around 4,000 people each year.
Ticket Release & Sale Dates
- On Friday, March 6, at noon, anyone can buy tickets for the 2026 game. You can get these through the official St. John’s College croquet event page. People who want to attend should buy their tickets online ahead of time, since they will not be sold at the gate on the day of the match.
- For St. John’s College students, presales start earlier, usually around the middle of February. They get emails with special information and access.
Admission Requirements
- Everyone who wants to enter the match area, even kids, needs a legal ticket with a QR code. The entrance gates close before the game starts, and you can not buy tickets on the day of the event, so you need to plan ahead.
- Guests are given a wristband that they must wear throughout the event. These are checked at the entrances and are used to make sure people are of legal age for alcoholic drinks.
Ticket Pricing & Options
Prices for 2026 will be made public closer to the event, but in the past, general admission tickets have cost around $80 each, with prices changing based on seating and extras like entry to the sponsor tent. Sponsorship deals often come with free tickets and other cool stuff.
Ticket Policies
Tickets cannot be given to someone else, and they cannot be resold or “scalped.” Unauthorized tickets may be discarded, and people who break the rules could be banned from future events.
5. The Rivalry: St. John’s Croquet Match 2026 Results & History
In Annapolis, Maryland, the St. John’s College Johnnies and the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen compete in the St. John’s Croquet Match, also known as the Annapolis Cup, a springtime tradition.
Origins of the Rivalry
According to reports, the rivalry began in 1983 when a Midshipmen commandant said that the Navy could beat St. John’s College in any event. The Annapolis Cup was founded when a St. John’s student joked about playing croquet. Since that first game, the event has become a beloved yearly tradition that shows how friendly the competition is between the two historic organizations.
Historical Results
For the past forty years, the Johnnies have been the most popular characters on the show. Before 2026, the most recent records show that St. John’s College has won 32 games and the U.S. Naval Academy has won the Cup 9 times. This shows how strong the Johnnies’ croquet program is and how long they have a history of success.
Each game is nine-wicket croquet, and teams score points by moving balls through a grid of wickets and stakes. Aside from the competition, the event is known for its fun environment, creative team uniforms, and celebration of the community. All of these make it much more than just a sports competition.
Tradition & Legacy
In Annapolis, the Annapolis Cup has become one of the most important events on the social calendar in the spring. Fans enjoy more than just the game; they can have a picnic on the lawn, listen to music from local bands, and meet other alumni, students, and people from the community.
It has grown over the years into a sign of good sportsmanship at the college level and community pride for both schools and their surrounding areas. It combines athletic competition with elaborate pageantry.
Insider Tips: What to Wear and What to Bring
You can do more than just watch the game at the St. John’s Croquet Match (Annapolis Cup). It is a stylish, traditional, and sunny spring lawn party. You can enjoy the day in comfort and confidence if you know what to wear and what to bring.
What to Wear
Even though there is not a strict dress code, many people who go wear the classic springtime “Afternoon Dress.” These are light, smart-casual clothes that look great with garden party vibes. People often wear dresses, polos, hats, sunglasses, and lightweight sport coats that are comfortable for summer or spring. Some fans show their school spirit by wearing colors from the U.S. Naval Academy or St. John’s College, but the main focus is still on holiday comfort.
If you want to wear shoes, pick ones that are comfortable and will not bother you walking on grass. A lot of the event will be on the lawn.
What to Bring
- Lawn chairs or blankets: Near the match area, you can only bring low chairs and blankets.
- Refillable water bottle: There are water refill spots, and staying hydrated is recommended.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses can help you stay cool in the April sun.
Prohibited Items
To keep things safe and open, you cannot bring booze, grills, tents, big umbrellas, signs, or open coolers from outside.
Extra Comfort Tips
- Get there as soon as the gates open to get a good spot.
- Before you go, check the weather report. April weather can be anything from cool breezes to warm sunshine.
Parking & Getting There
Event Site Parking
People cannot park in any spot on the St. John’s College campus on the day of the St. John’s Croquet Match (Annapolis Cup). This helps keep the lawn clear and keeps people safe as they walk around the event spot on College Avenue in downtown Annapolis.
Nearby Parking Options
- Free Weekend Parking Garage: The state parking garage at the corner of St. John’s Street and Calvert Street is one of the most convenient nearby choices for fans. It is only a short walk from the match grounds.
- City Parking Lots: If the state garage is full or you come late, downtown Annapolis has many paid public parking lots and street meters within walking distance of St. John’s College.
Getting There & Travel Tips
The small, historic downtown area of Annapolis makes it easy to walk from most parking lots. To avoid traffic:
- Get there early to find a good spot before it gets crowded.
- Think about using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft or a car, especially if you want to eat or drink at the event. These make it easier to find a parking spot and explore busy streets.
FAQs
Are kids allowed?
Sure, kids of all ages are allowed to go to the St. John’s Croquet Match. But everyone needs a ticket to enter, no matter what age. To enter, make sure you bring the QR code from your ticket.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, pets are not allowed at the event because of the large number of people and safety rules. Service animals are the only ones that are allowed, and people who are owners of them are usually asked to let event organizers know ahead of time if they will be coming.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
No, you cannot buy tickets at the gate on the game day. You have to buy your tickets online ahead of time, and you will need your QR code to enter.
Is outside food allowed?
Yes, you can bring picnic food and sealed non-alcoholic drinks. But you cannot bring booze, grills, or coolers from outside. There are vendors inside the event who sell food, drinks, and booze for people who are old enough.
Conclusion
The 42nd Annapolis Cup presented by PNC Bank, also known as the 2026 St. John’s Croquet Match, is shaping up to be another unforgettable spring celebration in downtown Annapolis. It will bring together friendly competition between colleges, a fun picnic, and a long-standing tradition for the community on the historic lawn of St. John’s College.
Since tickets go on sale March 6 and a lot of people are planning to go, now is the best time to get yours and make plans to go. People from all over the world, whether they are rooting for the Johnnies or the Midshipmen, must see this famous event.