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Hundreds of Naval midshipmen are staying at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence ahead of Saturday’s historic Army-Navy Game in Foxborough.

It is the first time New England will host the game.

First and second-year midshipmen will get comfortable here as they prepare to cheer on their players for the big game.

Hundreds of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen arrived at the Rhode Island Convention Center Friday afternoon. (WJAR)

But the Capitol City gave them a warm welcome as they arrived Friday afternoon.

Music played as about seven to eight buses came down La Salle Square in Providence Thursday.

The buses carried hundreds of U.S. Naval midshipmen, one day ahead of Saturday’s big game.

“I’m really excited to be here. It’s going to be great. Beat Army!,” said one midshipman.

The first and second-year midshipmen will be sleeping on cots at the Rhode Island Convention Center before and after the big game against the Army Saturday.

“Beat Army!,” said another midshipman.

State and local politicians along with a few WWE superstars like Bobby Lashley, Carlito and Angelo Dawkins welcomed the midshipmen as they arrived ahead of the WWE’s Tribute to Troops event, one of several events planned so midshipmen would have something to do here.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley couldn’t be happier.

“Downtown’s going to be booming tonight. There’s a sold-out wrestling match at the AMP. Our restaurants are going to be packed. There’s a Water Fire,” said Smiley.

“This weekend is going to be a really exciting weekend and it’s exciting that it’s finally here.”

As with all of the anticipation here, there’s also lots of security to make sure the midshipmen’s stay is both fun and safe.

“I’m so excited! It’s going to be a great time! Thank you,” said a third midshipman.

Everyone has the team they are rooting for.

State and local politicians met ahead of the midshipmen’s arrival to talk about how the historic game and the midshipmen’s presence in Rhode Island is making an impact.

Of course, Sen. Jack Reed an army veteran, and former U.S. Rep. Ronald Machtley, a Navy veteran, has already chosen their sides but Governor Dan. McKee is staying neutral.

“We know that bragging rights will be on the line when Army and Navy take the field in the name of a friendly rivalry and the spirit of competition but at the end of the day, we’re all Americans and we are celebrating what unites us the most,” said McKee.

With the presence of the navy midshipmen in the capital city, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has made his choice.

“Providence is Navy town this weekend and for me it’s easy. We’re saying go Navy beat Army. The Navy chose Providence, we choose the Navy.”

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