Holy Cross Crusaders Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Bob Chesney

Team Mascot: The Crusader

Year Opened: 1924

Capacity: 23500

City / State: Worcester / Massachusetts

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Ram-Crusader Cup

Rival Team: Rhode Island Rams

You won’t want to miss it when Holy Cross squares off with Patriot League rivals Fordham. The Crusaders and Rams have been battling it out on the gridiron since 1902, and the winner takes home the Ram-Crusader Cup as well as bragging rights making every matchup between these two a must-see event.

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Boston College

Rival Team: Boston College Eagles

The rivalry between Holy Cross and Boston College has been dormant since 1986, but the two Massachusetts-based rivals will renew their rivalry in 2018. The two schools have met 82 times over the years, and there is a lot of bad blood and bragging rights between these two, so make sure to be in attendance when the Holy Cross-Boston College rivalry is revived.

Holy Cross Crusaders Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Holy Cross is home to a relaxed tailgating atmosphere that is a pleasant way to kick things off before heading into Fritton Field. Crusaders fans, for the most part, are very friendly and happy to talk about football and the team making newcomers feel welcome here in Worcester. You’ll also find lots of fans willing to share food and drinks as long as you bring something to share.

Those of you who take your tailgating seriously won’t want to miss the opportunity to be named the “Tailgater of the Game.” During the tailgate, the Holy Cross street team goes around judging tailgates giving an excellent opportunity to win some cool prizes like Holy Cross gear or tickets to future games.

Finally, if you have the opportunity get a spot in the Premier Lot. The Premier Lot is located in the baseball stadium, and it’s a unique experience to say you’ve tailgated on a baseball field where Hall of Famer Ted Williams homered.

Tailgating is a fun part of a Crusaders game day, so arrive early and enjoy the festivities outside Fritton Field.

Traditions

Tailgater of the Game

Don’t miss your chance to be named the “Tailgater of the Game.” Iggy and the Holy Cross street team go around looking for the best tailgate before the game, so bring your A game and take home some cool prizes.

Where to tailgate

Holy Cross Crusaders Stadium Guide

In Game

You won’t mistake a Holy Cross game for a Pats game, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have an excellent time cheering on the Crusaders to victory. Fitton Field is one of the oldest stadiums in the FCS, which gives it a unique charm as you can feel a sense of history here that isn’t present at other stadiums. You can even view several retired numbers hanging above the visitors’ bleachers giving you the chance to learn more about Holy Cross’s past success on the gridiron.

The fans are also a big part of attending a Holy Cross game as they are friendly and knowledgeable about their team. If you want to learn more about the Crusaders, just start up a conversation since most fans will be more than happy to talk about their team.

Finally, make sure to enjoy the performances of the Good Time Marching Band before, during, and after the game. The band has been a part of Crusaders football games for over 100 years, and as a result, their performance has become a staple of the games.

You’ll have a good time attending a Holy Cross game, so come on out and support the Crusaders this season.

Things to check out

Retired Numbers

The retired numbers are located over the visitors’ bleachers and honor some of the greatest players in Holy Cross football history. The Crusaders have a rich football history and even went to the 1946 Orange Bowl, so take a moment to check out the retired numbers before the game.

Goodtime Marching Band

The Goodtime Marching Band has been entertaining crowd at Fritton Field since 1910 and are a big part of the Holy Cross game day experience. The band puts on an excellent pregame, halftime, and postgame show, so don’t leave your seat when you see them take the field.

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Crusader Mascot

Don’t miss the Crusader mascot at the game. The mascot performs all kinds of antics and is a fun part of the game, especially for kids, so keep an eye out for him during your trip to Worcester.

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Cheerleaders

The Holy Cross cheerleaders pump up the crowd with their cheers and chants throughout the game, making them a can’t-miss part of any game. Join in the cheers and give the Crusaders as much of a home field advantage as possible.

Fight Songs

  1. Chu Chu, Rah Rah!

    Ring out then your Hoiah with
    A Chu, Chu, Rah, Rah,
    A Chu, Chu, Rah, Rah!
    A Chu, Chu, Rah, Rah!
    Give another Hoiah and a Chu, Chu, Rah, Rah!
    A Chu, Chu, Rah, Rah, for Holy Cross!
    March on as knights of old
    (With hearts as) loyal and true and bold,
    And wage the bitter fight with all your might,
    Fight hard for Holy Cross!
    You’ll know when battle’s done,
    (It was for) her that the fight was won,
    Oh, may it never die, that battle cry,
    On, on for Holy Cross!

  2. Holy Cross Alma Mater

    Oh hear they voices one in song
    Holy Cross, Oh Holy Cross!
    Thy spirits loyal, true and strong
    Holy Cross, Oh Holy Cross!
    Thy purple banner floats on high,
    While songs of praise swell to the sky.
    Thy honored name will never die,
    Holy Cross, Oh Holy Cross!

  3. Mamie Reilly

    Oh, Mamie Reilly, goin far away
    Oh, Mamie Reilly, won’t be back today!
    Come kiss your daddy now before we part.
    Oh, Mamie, Mamie, Mamie Reilly!
    Slide Kelly, Slide
    Casey’s at the bat.
    Oh, Mamie Reilly, where’d you get that hat?
    Down in Old Kentucky.Go, Cross, Go!
    Oh, Mamie, Mamie, Mamie Reilly!

Holy Cross Crusaders Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Banner Bar & Grille

    The Banner Bar Grille

    If you’re looking for the ideal spot for amazing food, craft beers, and exciting sports in Worcester, come into the Banner Bar & Grille!

    112 Green St, Worcester, MA 01604, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  2. Vincent’s

    Souris Saloon Silhouette Lounge

    Such a fantastic meatball sandwich and bread that's so good, other than the awesome list of drinks!

    49 Suffolk St, Worcester, MA 01604, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Whiskey On Water

    Souris Saloon Silhouette Lounge

    Snuggle up by the fireplace, take a seat at the bar or let loose on Water Streets largest dance floor pulsating with beats provided by the areas best Djs and laser light show.

    97 Water St, Worcester, MA 01604, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Nick’s

    Nicks

    Live Music Venue, 30's-40's Style Atmosphere, Eclectic Jukebox, Food, Appetizers, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Spirits, Outdoor Patio, Hollywood Film Recognized.

    124 Millbury St, Worcester, MA 01610, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  5. Three G’s Sportsbar

    Octopus

    At Three G’s, you the customer become the STAR. We have a band size stage, a dance floor, plenty of seating, a pool table, giant TV’s and plenty to enjoy.

    152 Millbury St, Worcester, MA 01610, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Joey’s Bar & Grill

    Joeys Bar Grill

    For a perfect blend of fine dining and a relaxed atmosphere in a modern decor. Perfect for watching the game or enjoying dinner!

    344 Chandler St, Worcester, MA 01602, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Herbie’s

    Firehaus

    Awesome food and great drinks; service is amazing!

    1030 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA 01610, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Peppercorns

    Peppercorns

    Peppercorn’s Grille and Tavern is a comfortable, family friendly Worcester restaurant offering up a variety of tasty and affordable menu selections with featured entrees that include seafood, chicken, pasta, burgers and more.

    455 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01610, USA

    Bar website

    italian - steakhouse - $$

  9. The Broadway

    The Broadway

    Superbly tasty food and great service. They also make good home-made ice-cream!

    100 Water St, Worcester, MA 01604, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Mezcal Tequila Cantina

    Mezcal Tequila Cantina

    Blending traditional Mexican plates with the colors and flavors of the Southwest, Mezcal presents a variety of dishes combining the casual with the more refined allowing guests to enjoy a wide range of offerings.

    30 Major Taylor Blvd, Worcester, MA 01608, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  11. Miss Worcester Diner

    Miss Worcester Diner

    Delicious, mouth-watering, exquisitely tasty food!

    300 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA 01608, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Wonder Bar Restaurant

    Pizza Palermo Subs Missys Village

    This is one of Worcester’s classics, featuring all your favorite Italian specialties, made fresh from the original recipes and served in healthy portions.

    121 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA 01604, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  13. Volturno Pizza Napoletana

    Volturno Pizza Napoletana

    Close your eyes, breathe in, and taste. Volturno is proud and honored to offer you a piece of the 200 year old Neapolitan tradition.

    72 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA 01604, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  14. Smokestack Urban Barbecue

    Smokestack Urban Barbecue

    A place to get some tasty and mouth-watering food!

    139 Green St, Worcester, MA 01604, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  15. Vernon Pizza

    Custom Pizza Co Pizza Elizabeths Pizza Pizza Colonnade PIzza Restaurant Pizza

    Vernon Pizza is a cornerstone in the Worcester community and has been recognized for its outstanding Pizza cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff.

    145 Vernon St, Worcester, MA 01610, USA

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $