The Colgate Raiders and Cornell Big Red 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,but you won’t want miss it when these two New York-based rivals square off next.

Colgate vs Syracuse

Rival Team: Syracuse Orange

Only 38 miles separate Colgate from Syracuse creating a fierce rivalry between these two Central New York schools. The Raiders and Orange first met on the gridiron in 1891, and although the two teams only play sporadically due to the teams being in different divisions, you won’t want to miss it Colgate and Syracuse's next meeting.

Colgate Raiders Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

When attending a Colgate Raiders football game, make sure to get here early and enjoy tailgating in the lots surrounding Andy Kerr Stadium. Raiders fans love to tailgate, and you’ll find the lots full of fans dressed in maroon on game days. Best of all the fans here are quite friendly, so you’ll have no problem making friends quickly when tailgating at Colgate.

In addition to friendly fans, Colgate also offers plenty of room to tailgate. There are three tailgate lots here, two of which are open for single game tailgating. Bring the grill, tent, table, chairs, and coolers for a Colgate Raiders game as you’ll have a lot of fun tailgating here.

Tailgating is a fun way to kickoff a Raiders game, so get here early and enjoy all the pregame festivities.

Traditions

Andy Kerr Stadium Plaque

Check out the Andy Kerry stadium plaque to learn more about the stadium’s namesake before the game. The plaque is a great way to honor the former Raiders football coach and is a must-see for anyone taking in a game at Colgate.

Where to tailgate

Gate 1 (Paved Maroon Council Lot)

If you’re a Maroon Council member, then Gate 1 is the tailgate spot for you. Here you’ll find a lot of the longtime season ticket holders as well as some of the best tailgates on game days.

Gate 2 (Grass Lot off College Street) and Gate 3 (Paved Lot by Tyler’s Field off Broad Street)

Those of you who don’t have season tickets or aren’t Maroon Council members will find plenty of space to tailgate in either Gate 2 or Gate 3. Both lots are excellent places to set up a tailgate, and you’ll meet lots of die-hard Colgate fans in both lots.

Parents and Friends of Colgate Football Tailgate

If you want to tailgate without the hassle of throwing a tailgate party, then join the Parents and Friends of Colgate Football Tailgate. The tailgate takes place in the Maroon Council and is open to everyone. Just bring a dish or some drinks to share and join the party.

Colgate Raiders Stadium Guide

In Game

Enjoy the fall foliage and beautiful fall weather of Central New York when taking in a Colgate football game. Here in Hamilton, New York, you’ll find a beautiful picturesque setting that creates a fun small school football experience that college football fans will enjoy.

In addition to the beauty of Hamilton, you’ll also encounter a friendly crowd when attending a Raiders game. Colgate fans are happy to swap stories and make conversation with those around them even if they support the visiting team. Don’t take the fan’s friendliness for lack of passion though as Colgate fans are behind their team all the way, and get especially loud when the Raiders are taking on rivals Cornell.

A Colgate football game provides a quaint and friendly atmosphere making a trip to Hamilton an enjoyable time for any FCS football fan.

Things to check out

Colgate Pep Band

The Colgate Pep Band provides a fun atmosphere at Raiders football games. The band plays throughout the game and does an excellent job of rousing the crowd with their tunes, so enjoy their performance throughout the game.

Raider Mascot

Look for Colgate’s mascot throughout the game. He gets into all kinds of antics and is beloved by kids and adults alike making him a must-see part of any game.

Cheerleaders

Show your support for the Raiders by joining the cheerleaders as they cheer the football team onto victory. The cheerleaders pump up the crowd throughout the game giving the Raiders an incredible home field advantage.

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