Cornell Big Red
Overview
Stadium: Schoellkopf Field
League: NCAA Division I FCS
Head Coach: Dan Swanstrom
Team Mascot: Touchdown
Year Opened: 1915
Capacity: 25597
City / State: Ithaca, New York
Rivalries & Top Games to Attend
Cornell Big Red vs Colgate Raiders
Rival Team: Colgate Raiders
The Cornell Big Red and the Colgate Raiders have met 98 times since the team’s first meeting in 1898. The two teams play every year, and the Raiders are Cornell’s third most common opponent after Ivy League rivals Columbia and Pen. The Big Red hold a slim 49-46-3 lead in the all-time series, so don’t miss it when these two New York-based rivals square off next.
Empire State Bowl
Rival Team: Columbia Lions
The rivalry between Cornell and Columbia began in 1889, although it didn’t become known as the Empire State Bowl until 2010. The winner of the annual rivalry takes home the Empire Cup and bragging rights, so make sure to be in attendance when the Lions come to town.
Cornell Big Red vs Dartmouth Big Green
Rival Team: Dartmouth Big Green
The annual game between the Big Red and Big Green is a must-see for Cornell fans. The Big Red and their fans hate losing to Dartmouth making every matchup between these two Ivy League rivals a must win.
Cornell Big Red vs Penn Quakers
Rival Team: Penn Quakers
Cornell and Penn have played each other every since 1893, except for 1918, and have developed an intense rivalry as a result. The rivalry between these two Ivy League schools is the fifth most played in college football history, making it a can’t miss for fans of the Big Red.
Cornell Big Red Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Cornell may not be renowned for its tailgating, but if you want to tailgate before the game, you’ll have little trouble setting up and tailgating. The majority of the tailgating at Cornell games takes place in the Crescent Lot, and while there aren’t a ton of tailgaters, typically you’ll quickly make friends with those around you who are tailgating.
Cornell may not usually be a tailgate hotbed. However, if you attend the homecoming game, then you’ll find a festive tailgate atmosphere at Cornell. Big Red students and alumni come out in large numbers to tailgate for homecoming making it the best time of the season to tailgate outside Schoellkopf Field.
Finally, whether you’re tailgating or not take a few minutes to enjoy the Big Red Marching Band’s pregame concert outside the stadium. The performance is a great way to get into the Big Red spirit and is a fun part of the pregame festivities.
Those of you who love to tailgate will have a good time at Cornell even though it isn’t the biggest tailgate school out there.
Traditions
Touchdown Statue
Get a picture with the statue of Cornell’s mascot Touchdown before the game. The statue is located outside Teagle Hall and is a must-see for any Big Red fan.
Big Red Marching Band Concert
Enjoy the band concert in the Crescent Lot before the game. The concert is a great way to get into the game day spirit, so don’t miss it while tailgating at Cornell.
Homecoming
There is no better time to tailgate before a Big Red game than during homecoming. The tailgate atmosphere is much more lively for the homecoming game than any other, so don’t miss the homecoming game if you love tailgating.
Where to tailgate
Crescent Lot
If you want to tailgate before the game with some of the most die-hard Big Red fans out there, then secure a parking permit in the Crescent Lot. Here you’ll have a great time grilling and throwing back a few drinks, so take part in festivities.
Cornell Big Red Stadium Guide
In Game
If you’re a football fan in central New York, then you won’t want to miss the opportunity to take in a Cornell game at historic Schoellkopf Field. The Big Red have played at Schoellkopf Field since 1915, and the place oozes with history. When taking in a game at Schoellkopf Field, you can feel the history in the stadium giving it a unique feel you won’t find at other newer venues.
Additionally, the fans in attendance are some of the friendliest fans you’ll meet anywhere. Big Red fans love to swap stories and tell you about their team and its history, so don’t be afraid to start a conversation with the people sitting next to you.
Finally, the Big Red Marching Band and the Cornell cheerleaders provide a great atmosphere at every game. No matter what the score the band and cheerleaders will do their darndest to pump up the crowd. You also won’t want to miss the performances of either of these groups at the game.
A Cornell Big Red football game is an excellent experience for anyone in central New York who loves college football, so get your tickets today.
Things to check out
Cornell Athletics Hall of Fame
Located in the Schoellkopf Memorial Hall, the Cornell Athletics Hall of Fame is a must-see for any college sports fan. The Hall of Fame celebrates all the best players in Cornell football history, so make sure to check it out.
Touchdown
The Big Red have no official mascot, but you can see a costumed bear known as Touchdown performing at Big Red football games. Keep an eye out for Touchdown as you never know what he’ll do next.
Cornell Big Red Marching Band
The Cornell Big Red Marching Band is a fantastic band and a big part of every Cornell football game. The pep band plays a variety of songs ranging from school songs to modern pop music, so enjoy their performance when attending a Big Red football game.
Cheerleaders
The Cornell cheerleaders keep everyone in the stadium engaged in the action on the field with their cheers. Join in the cheers to show your support for the Big Red and to get into the game day spirit.