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The Cortaca Jug, a legendary college football rivalry between Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland, will return to Yankee Stadium for its 67th edition on Saturday, November 14, 2026. This marks the second time the game will be held at the iconic Bronx venue, following a successful event in 2022 that drew over 40,000 fans. Dubbed "the biggest little game in the nation" by Sports Illustrated, the Cortaca Jug has set attendance records in NCAA Division III history, including a record 45,161 fans at MetLife Stadium in 2019.
Tickets for the 2026 game will be available through Ticketmaster starting November 20, 2025, with prices ranging from $27.50 to $89. SUNY Cortland students will have access to reserved seating through a special pre-sale opportunity beginning November 19, 2025. The game will feature Cortland as the designated home team, as they are the 2023 Division III national champions.
Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish expressed excitement about returning to Yankee Stadium, stating, "Cortaca is bigger than one afternoon—it's a tradition our community celebrates together." SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum echoed this sentiment, highlighting the opportunity to engage with alumni and showcase the rivalry on a grand stage.
The Cortaca Jug rivalry began in 1959 when team captains from both schools created a traveling trophy. The game has become a cherished tradition, with Ithaca leading the overall series 43-36-3. Cortland, however, has claimed back-to-back victories heading into the 2025 game.
A joint press conference with representatives from both colleges and the New York Yankees will provide additional details about the 2026 game. The press conference will be available via Zoom and re-aired on the Ithaca Bombers YouTube page.