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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Crescent LotIf 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fight Songs
Give My Regards to Davy
Give my regards to Davy,
Remember me to Teefy Crane,
Tell all the pikers on the Hill
That I’ll be back again.
Tell them of how I busted
Lapping up the high, high ball
We’ll all have drinks at Theodore Zinck’s
When I get back next fall.
(Repeat Singing)
(Repeat again with Band Playing)
Far Above Cayuga’s Waters
Far above Cayuga’s waters,
With its waves of blue,
Stands our noble alma mater,
Glorious to view.
Refrain:
Lift the chorus, speed it onward,
Loud her praises tell;
Hail to thee, our alma mater!
Hail, all hail, Cornell!
Far above the busy humming
Of the bustling town,
Reared against the arch of heaven,
Looks she proudly down.
Repeat Refrain
New Cornell Fight Song
C-O-R-N-E-double-L,
Win the game and then ring the bell.
(ding!)
What’s the big intrigue?
We’re the best in the Ivy League,
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Score the point that puts us ahead,
Knock ’em dead, Big Red!
1-2-3-4,
Who are we for?
Can’t you tell?
Old Cornell!
(GO RED!)
My Old Cornell
Oh, I want to go back to the old days,
Those good old days on the hill.
Back to my Cornell,
For that’s where they all yell,
Cornell, I yell, Cornell. (Cornell!)
Far above Cayuga’s waters
I hear those chiming bells.
Oh, I’m longing and yearning
And always returning
To my old Cornell.
Evening Song
When the sun fades far away,
In the crimson of the west.
And the voices of the day
Murmur low and sink to rest.
Music with the twilight falls
O’er the dreaming lake and dell.
‘Tis an echo from the walls
Of our own, our fair Cornell.
Welcome night and welcome rest,
Fading music fair thee well.
Joy to all, we love the best.
Love to thee, our fair Cornell.
Music with the twilight falls
O’er the dreaming lake and dell.
‘Tis an echo from the walls
Of our own, our fair Cornell.
The Big, Red Team
See them plunging down to the goal
See the ruddy banners stream
Hear the crashing echoes roll
As we cheer for the big, red team
Yea! Yea! Yea!
Chorus
Cheer till the sound wakes the blue hills around
Make the scream of the north wind yield
To the strength of the yell from the men of Cornell
When the big, red team takes the field
Yea! Yea! Yea!
Cornell Victorious
From blue Cayuga
From hill and dell,
Far rings the story of the glory of Cornell.
From east and west the crashing echoes answ’ring call.
“Cornell Victorious; the champions of all.”
Cheer! Cheer! Here we are again,
To cheer with all our might!
Cheer! Cheer! Here we are again,
To cheer for the Red and White –
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Cornellian colors we’ll defend;
We’ll hear the echo of our cheer.
Oh, here we are! Here we are again!
Watch video
