The rivalry between Harvard and Yale is the third most played rivalry in Division I college football and is one of the best rivalries in college sports. Sports Illustrated named the rivalry the sixth-best in college sports and no matter what the sport or contest there are always bragging rights on the line between the two Ivy League schools. Harvard and Yale flat out hate each other, and it's no different on the gridiron. The Bulldogs hold a 66-59-8 lead in the rivalry and you won’t want to miss it when they take on Harvard.

Yale Bulldogs vs Princeton Tigers

Rival Team: Princeton Tigers

The rivalry between Princeton and Yale is the oldest rivalry in American football dating back to 1873. The Ivy League teams have met 139 times over the years, and the Bulldogs lead the all-time series 76-53-10. You won’t want to miss it when Princeton and Yale clash, so make sure to get your tickets when the Tigers come to town.

Yale Bulldogs vs Penn Quakers

Rival Team: Penn Quakers

The Penn-Yale rivalry began in 1879 with the Bulldogs winning the first 12 meetings. The rivalry was dormant from 1893 to 1925. However, since the renewal of the rivalry, it’s been one of the better rivalries in the Ivy League with the Quakers holding a slim 35-36-1 lead. The matchup with Penn is typically one of the best games of the season, so don’t miss it when the Quakers come to New Haven.

Yale Bulldogs Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating is a big part of any Yale football game, so arrive early and join in the pregame fun. The area near the Yale Bowl is full of tailgaters on game days creating a fun atmosphere that any tailgate lover or college football fan would enjoy. Everywhere you look, you’ll see Bulldogs alumni, students, and fans dressed in blue and white.

One of the must-see events before a Yale game is the Bulldog Walk. The Bulldog Walk takes place 80 minutes before kickoff and is your chance to give the football team some extra inspiration before the game. Don’t miss the Bulldogs players and coaches as they make their way from Walter Camp Memorial to the stadium.

In addition to the Bulldog Walk, Yale also offers plenty of places for you to tailgate. Yale students will have a fantastic time at the Yale Student Tailgate Village. The Yale Student Tailgate Village provides everything you could need for a tailgate including drinks, food, and live music. Visiting fans will also have a blast tailgating before a game at the Yale Bowl as Lot A is home to the visiting tailgating help creating a large contingent of visiting tailgates.

Tailgating at Yale is a lot of fun, so get to the Yale Bowl early and enjoy all the pregame festivities.

Traditions

The Bulldog Walk

You won’t want to miss the Bulldog Walk, which takes place 80 minutes before kickoff. The Bulldog Walk gives you the opportunity to see the players and coaches before the game as they walk from Walter Camp Memorial to the Yale Bowl, making it a can’t miss part of the pregame festivities.

Jensen Plaza

Stop by Jensen Plaza and see the names of every football player in Yale history. Each Yale team has a brick, so take some time to remember your favorite past Bulldogs teams and players.

Handsome Dan Statue

Snap a picture with the Handsome Dan statue located outside Jensen Plaza. The statue is a must-see for any Bulldogs fan and presents an excellent photo op as well.

Where to tailgate

Lot D

Those of you who want to tailgate, but don’t have a reserved tailgating spot will want to head over to Lot D. Lot D is first come first serve, so arrive early to ensure you’ll get a spot.

Lot A

If you’re a visiting fan or planning to bring an oversized vehicle, then Lot A is the place for you. Lot A is home to the visitor’s tailgate as well as oversized vehicle parking making it one of the best places to tailgate before the game.

Student Tailgate Village

If you’re a Yale student looking to tailgate with fellow students, then make sure to hit up the Yale Student Tailgate Village near Derby Aven. You’ll find lots of food, drinks, and live music here making it a great place to hang out before the game.

Yale Bulldogs Stadium Guide

In Game

The Yale Bowl is one of the most historic stadiums in college football making a trip to New Haven a must for any college football fan. The stadium was the first bowl stadium as well as the site of the first football game radio broadcast in 1922. The Yale Bowl oozes history, and you can feel the aura and history of the stadium the second you step foot into the Yale Bowl.

The history of the Yale Bowl isn’t the only thing that makes attending a Bulldogs game a great experience. The fans are also a big part of what makes attending a Yale game a memorable experience. Throughout the game, you’ll hear a variety of cheers and chants creating a fun atmosphere that you’ll without a doubt enjoy.

Finally, the pageantry of a Yale football game is also among the best in the FCS. The Yale Precision Marching Band puts on a great show before the game and during halftime. You also won’t want to miss your opportunity to see Yale’s famous mascot Handsome Dan live and in person.

A trip to the Yale Bowl should be on the bucket list of any diehard college football fan as it’s one of the most historic stadiums in the sport.

Things to check out

Handsome Dan

Handsome Dan has been Yale’s mascot since 1889 and is a can’t miss part of any Bulldogs game. You’ll spot Handsome Dan at every Yale game and he does a great job of inspiring the team and fans, so keep an eye out for him throughout the game.

Yale Precision Marching Band

The Yale Precision Marching Band puts on a fantastic halftime show and will keep you entertained throughout the game with their tunes. The band provides a lot of the atmosphere at Yale and puts on a fantastic performance, so enjoy their musical displays throughout the game.

Cheerleaders

The cheerleaders do their best to keep everyone engaged with the action on the field. They get everyone pumped up even when the Bulldogs are struggling and are a big part of the pageantry found inside the Yale Bowl on game days.

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