Cortaca Rocks MetLife

By Dan Verderosa, November 16, 2019
Division III football attendance record broken by historic Ithaca-Cortland matchup.
Photo of a crowd cheering inset in the shape of a football player

The 61st Cortaca Jug football game, held at MetLife Stadium, set the Divison III attendance record at 45,161.

(Image by Claire Marziotti/Ithaca College)

The 61st Cortaca Jug football game, held at MetLife Stadium, set the Divison III attendance record at 45,161.

(Image by Claire Marziotti/Ithaca College)

MetLife Stadium vibrated with the energy of over 45,000 fans on Saturday, November 16, as the Ithaca College Bombers defeated the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons 32-20 in the 2019 Cortaca Jug game. The 61st contest for the Jug was truly more than just a game.

A record-breaking 45,161 fans attended the game, which was hosted by the New York City Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

“There’s such an electric atmosphere, where everyone’s so excited to be here and support their school and you really feel the Bomber pride like nowhere else,” said first-year student Ava Giaquinto.

Tens of thousands of IC supporters arrived at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford by bus, car, train and plane. They spent a sunny but chilly New Jersey morning tailgating with friends and family and having fun at the IC Fan Fest outside the stadium before cheering on the Bombers to victory.

A large crowd of people outside a football stadium

The parking lots surrounding MetLife Stadium were packed with fans tailgating before the big game, with some arriving early in the morning to celebrate. “It's been wonderful to catch up with all the alumni that we keep in touch with mainly on social media and sometimes by phone and to see them in person and share this experience has been really terrific,” said Pamela Butler ’81, Parent ’15, ’20, who attended the game with her husband Tab ’81.

The parking lots surrounding MetLife Stadium were packed with fans tailgating before the big game, with some arriving early in the morning to celebrate. “It's been wonderful to catch up with all the alumni that we keep in touch with mainly on social media and sometimes by phone and to see them in person and share this experience has been really terrific,” said Pamela Butler ’81, Parent ’15, ’20, who attended the game with her husband Tab ’81.

Photos of young people running on a field and one young woman sitting in a big blue chair

Fans old and young enjoyed the pre-game IC Fan Fest, especially the family of sophomore defensive back Anthony Robinson, who traveled from Naples, Florida, to support the Bombers.

Fans old and young enjoyed the pre-game IC Fan Fest, especially the family of sophomore defensive back Anthony Robinson, who traveled from Naples, Florida, to support the Bombers.

A giant American flag on a football field

The IC Choir opened the game with a performance of “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while members of the IC and SUNY Cortland communities unfurled an American flag at midfield. “I’m here because 20 of my friends from Lyon Hall were like, ‘Let’s all get tickets together!’” said Adam Grzelewski ’23. “The best part is the view. The student section seats are really cool! I don’t think I’ve ever sat this close from this angle at a football game before. It’s awesome!”

The IC Choir opened the game with a performance of “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while members of the IC and SUNY Cortland communities unfurled an American flag at midfield. “I’m here because 20 of my friends from Lyon Hall were like, ‘Let’s all get tickets together!’” said Adam Grzelewski ’23. “The best part is the view. The student section seats are really cool! I don’t think I’ve ever sat this close from this angle at a football game before. It’s awesome!”

Football players running out of the tunnel and fans in the stands

MetLife Stadium gave the 61st Cortaca Jug game an unforgettable atmosphere. “This place is crazy! It’s so huge,” said first-year student Stephanie Monteiro. “I love all the school spirit.”

MetLife Stadium gave the 61st Cortaca Jug game an unforgettable atmosphere. “This place is crazy! It’s so huge,” said first-year student Stephanie Monteiro. “I love all the school spirit.”

Cheerleaders and dancers on a football field

The IC cheerleading team and the African Drumming and Dance Ensemble entertained fans with their performances at halftime.

The IC cheerleading team and the African Drumming and Dance Ensemble entertained fans with their performances at halftime.

A stadium sign reading "45,161" and fans cheering

A total of 45,161 fans attended the game, breaking the Division III football attendance record. “We are thrilled with the record-breaking turnout for the 61st Cortaca Jug Game at MetLife Stadium,” said Susan Bassett ’79, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics and recreational sports. “It was an amazing experience to see the outpouring of support from the Ithaca College community. To finally witness the hard work put forth from everyone involved come to fruition this afternoon was so gratifying. There is nothing ‘little’ about this game!”

A total of 45,161 fans attended the game, breaking the Division III football attendance record. “We are thrilled with the record-breaking turnout for the 61st Cortaca Jug Game at MetLife Stadium,” said Susan Bassett ’79, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics and recreational sports. “It was an amazing experience to see the outpouring of support from the Ithaca College community. To finally witness the hard work put forth from everyone involved come to fruition this afternoon was so gratifying. There is nothing ‘little’ about this game!”

People sitting with a football game on television

Back at IC, students watched the game at several on-campus viewing parties, including a sensory room for students who wanted to watch in a calming environment. “I can chill out and hang out with my friends and eat some great food,” said sophomore Katelyn Hutchison. “There are also three screens to watch the game on and other little stuff to do here, which I think is really cool.”

Back at IC, students watched the game at several on-campus viewing parties, including a sensory room for students who wanted to watch in a calming environment. “I can chill out and hang out with my friends and eat some great food,” said sophomore Katelyn Hutchison. “There are also three screens to watch the game on and other little stuff to do here, which I think is really cool.”

People playing football

The Bombers took the lead with a touchdown on the first drive of the game. Cortland tightened things up late, but IC held on to win, 32-20. “This is one of the best things happening in our game in college football today, without question,” said former professional football player Don McPherson, a member of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. “It’s certainly a record for two Division III teams who have a chance to play on the biggest stage in one of the biggest stadiums in the world. And both teams came ready to play, so it’s been a great, well-played game so far.”

The Bombers took the lead with a touchdown on the first drive of the game. Cortland tightened things up late, but IC held on to win, 32-20. “This is one of the best things happening in our game in college football today, without question,” said former professional football player Don McPherson, a member of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. “It’s certainly a record for two Division III teams who have a chance to play on the biggest stage in one of the biggest stadiums in the world. And both teams came ready to play, so it’s been a great, well-played game so far.”

Football players celebrating in a group

Beating Cortland is always big for the Bombers, and doing it in front of more than 45,000 fans at an NFL stadium made it even sweeter.

Beating Cortland is always big for the Bombers, and doing it in front of more than 45,000 fans at an NFL stadium made it even sweeter.

A football player with his arm around an older woman

After the Bombers’ victory, parents joined the players on the field to share in the special moment.

After the Bombers’ victory, parents joined the players on the field to share in the special moment.

Grace Collins ’23, Hannah Fitzpatrick ’21, Kerry Regan and Charles McKenzie contributed to this story. Photos by Marisa Thomas ’23, Kerry Regan, Charles McKenzie, Natalie Jenereski and Robin Roger.