When tens of thousands Bomber fans descend upon MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on November 16 for the historic Cortaca Jug game, they won’t need to wait until kickoff to get into the spirit. As soon as they enter the stadium gates, they’ll be surrounded by an immersive IC and football-themed experience as part of Fan Fest, an interactive space that will provide fun and entertainment to fans of all ages.
Additionally, President Emerita Peggy R. Williams will be attending the Fan Fest along with her husband, David, and catching up with Bomber faithful.
Fan Fest will open at 11 a.m. Participants will be able to run on a turf field and try on helmets and shoulder pads. The event will feature music from DJ Washburn, an alumnus who performed at numerous college sporting events while a student, and there will be a giant inflatable chair adorned with the IC shield that fans can sit in to take pictures. While Fan Fest will be geared towards the Ithaca College community, anyone is able to participate.
The Fan Fest will also include informational displays about the college for alumni and prospective students who want to learn about the current happenings on South Hill. Ithaca College fans and alumni will also have the opportunity to stop by IC’s Fan Booth where they can help IC beat Cortland in the first-ever Cortaca Jug Giving Challenge. You can learn more about the giving challenge at Ithaca.edu/cortaca.
Maura Donovan, assistant director of events and regional programs, said the idea for Fan Fest came when thinking how fans could get an entire experience out of Cortaca, not just a football game. “We want them to have a great game day from the moment they pull into the parking lot to the moment they leave,” she said.