The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl celebrated the 15th anniversary of its postseason college football bowl game on December 22, 2017 with yet along classic: a thriller with Army West Point scoring 14 points in the final 18 seconds to defeat San Diego State, 42-35. This year we strive for more in our 16th game, and are set to host representatives from the Armerican Athletic Conference and the Big 12 Conference.
Owned and operated by ESPN Events, the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl has featured the “armed forces” theme since 2006. Patriotic overtones recognizing all five branches of the service are prevalent throughout the game. Past Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowls have included fan-fest areas showcasing armed forces hardware; flyovers; demonstrations by several of the military's top skydiving teams; the awarding of custom homes to wounded warriors; on-field induction ceremonies; armed forces bands and honor guards and the awarding of the annual "Great American Patriot Award" (GAPA) presented by Armed Forces Insurance.
Lockheed Martin joined the bowl on February 5, 2014, as the title sponsor of the postseason college football game formerly known as the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (2006 - 2013). In 2016, Lockheed Martin committed to an extension of their title sponsorship through the 2019 game.