Yankee Stadium To Host 2026 Cortaca Jug Rivalry Game Between Ithaca College And SUNY Cortland

The storied Cortaca Jug rivalry between Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland is returning to Yankee Stadium in 2026, marking only the second time the iconic Bronx venue will host the celebrated Division III football matchup.

Officials from Yankee Stadium, SUNY Cortland, and Ithaca College announced that the 67th edition of the game will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Prices for general seating will range from $27.50 to $89.00, and fans can select seats on their teams designated side of the stadium — Cortlands Red Dragons on the first base/right field side or Ithacas Bombers on the third base/left field side. All tickets will be digital, with mobile presentation required for entry.

The 2026 game follows the 2022 matchup at Yankee Stadium, when Ithaca defeated Cortland 34–17 in front of 40,232 fans — the second-largest crowd ever for a Division III football game. That contest was also the only all–New York State college football game played at Yankee Stadium since Syracuse beat Army in 1964.

“We couldnt be more excited to host the Cortaca Jug matchup for a second time at Yankee Stadium,” said Mark Holtzman, Yankees Vice President of Non-Baseball Sports Events. “The 2022 game was a perfect college football afternoon filled with tremendous warmth and energy from the students, alumni and fans of both schools. As soon as the game concluded, we wanted to do it again, and we deeply appreciate that the administrations of SUNY Cortland and Ithaca felt the same way.”

The Cortaca Jugs origins date back to 1959, when Cortland football captain Tom Decker bought a $2 jug at a local yard sale and, along with Ithaca captain Dick Carmean, painted it in both schools colors to serve as a traveling trophy. Since then, the annual showdown has grown into one of college footballs most enduring rivalries.

“Cortland and Ithaca both help set the standard in Division III athletics, and our Cortaca Jug rivalry demonstrates that shared excellence,” said Mike Urtz, SUNY Cortland Director of Athletics. “Its been called the biggest little game in the nation for a reason, and its fitting to be played in one of the most iconic sports venues in the entire world.”

Once dubbed by Sports Illustrated as “the biggest little game in the nation,” the Cortaca Jug reached its highest attendance in 2019, when 45,161 fans packed MetLife Stadium — setting a Division III record. Ithaca currently leads the all-time series 38–27, with this years game set for Nov. 15 in Ithaca.

“This rivalry represents the best of Division III athletics: tradition, sportsmanship, and pride,” added Aaron Bouyea, Ithaca Colleges Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Our partnership with Cortland and with Yankee Stadium allows us to create an unforgettable experience for everyone who loves this game.”