Every fall, something special happens in Upstate New York. The biggest little game in America – the Cortaca Jug. Sure, it’s just a Division III football game between SUNY Cortland and Ithaca College, but to the people in these towns, it’s so much more. For both communities, Cortaca is about pride, tradition, and coming together to celebrate your team.
Cortaca isn’t just a game – it’s an experience. Alumni from both schools return to reconnect with old friends and relive their college days. It’s a chance to remember who you were back then and celebrate the place that shaped you. For current students, it’s electric. Campus buzzes with excitement all week leading up to the game. People paint their faces, wear school colors, and pack the stands to cheer their hearts out. Even if you don’t follow football, you feel part of something huge. It’s not just about the students and alumni, though. For the towns of Cortland and Ithaca, this game is a big deal. Local businesses thrive with all the visitors grabbing food, drinks, and team merch. Restaurants are packed, hotels fill up, and this energy is everywhere. It’s one of those rare moments when the schools and the towns feel completely connected, like one big community.
The rivalry itself is what makes Cortaca so special. At its core, it’s about bragging rights – who’s better this year? But it’s also about tradition. The Cortaca Jug has been passed back and forth since 1959, and with every game, the story grows. Players, fans, and coaches all add their piece to the history, making it more than just a trophy. It’s like a symbol of pride and legacy for everyone involved.
In 2019, Cortaca went to a whole new level when the game was held at MetLife Stadium. Over 45,000 people showed up, breaking records for Division III football. Crazy to see what’s usually considered a “small” rivalry play out on such a massive stage. The Cortaca Jug experienced repeated success in 2022 as Yankee Stadium hosted the game in front of over 40,000 people.
For alumni, Cortaca is a chance to come home. It’s about nostalgia – seeing old friends, walking around campus, and remembering the good times. Whether you were on the field, in the stands, or just watching with your roommates, the game feels like a thread that ties you back to those moments.
For students, it’s about being part of something unforgettable. It’s not just the game itself – it’s the tailgating, the excitement, and the feeling of belonging. It’s one of those memories you’ll look back on and think:
“Yeah, that was college. That’s what it felt like to be young and full of school pride.”
Cortaca matters because it’s about community. It’s about coming together – students, alumni, fans, and locals – to celebrate something bigger than ourselves. In a world that can feel so divided, it’s refreshing to see how something as simple as a football game can unite two towns, two schools, and thousands of people.
At the end of the day, Cortaca isn’t just a football game. It’s a tradition, a reunion, and a celebration all rolled into one. It’s proof that sometimes, the “biggest little game” can have the biggest impact of all.