Harvard Crimson Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Tommy Amaker

Team Mascot: John Harvard

Year Opened: 1982

Capacity: 1636

City / State: Allston / Massachusetts

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Harvard Crimson vs Yale Bulldogs

Rival Team: Yale Bulldogs

Harvard-Yale is one of the most famous rivalries in college sports. While the football game may get the majority of the press, there is lots of bad blood between these longtime rivals on the court as well. A Harvard-Yale game should be on the bucket list of any college sports fan, so make sure to get your tickets to Harvard-Yale.

Harvard Crimson vs Princeton Tigers

Rival Team: Princeton Tigers

The hatred between Harvard and Princeton may not be as strong as it is between Harvard and Yale, but the Crimson’s recent success on the court has made Harvard-Princeton one of the best matchups in the league. If you want to see a hard-fought contest at Lavietes Pavilion, then a Harvard-Princeton game is a must-see.

Harvard Crimson vs Boston College Eagles

Rival Team: Boston College Eagles

Harvard and Boston College are two of the most prominent colleges in the Boston area and have developed a healthy rivalry over the years. The Eagles usually get the best of the Crimson, but that doesn’t mean you won’t witness an intense game of basketball when attending a Harvard-Boston College game.

Harvard Crimson Stadium Guide

In Game

Harvard is home to one of the more lively in-game atmospheres in the Ivy League as students and alumni come out in strong numbers to support the Crimson. Just about every Crimson game is near capacity creating a fun atmosphere that will help any neutral get into the game. Whether you’re a Harvard alumni or just someone looking to take in some college hoops in the Boston area, you won’t be able to help but cheer on the Crimson when visiting Lavietes Pavilion.

Like most Ivy League venue, Lavietes Pavilion is a cozy gymnasium that puts you right on top of the action. No matter where you’re sitting, you’ll have a good view of the action and feel a part of the crowd and your surroundings.

During your trip to Harvard take some time to visit Harvard Square and Harvard Yard. Harvard is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Boston, so no trip to Boston is complete without seeing the campus. If you’re looking for a bite to eat or something to drink before or after the game, there are plenty of options nearby including Mr. Bartley’s Burgers and Tommy Doyle’s Irish Pub.

A Harvard Crimson basketball game is a fun time for anyone looking to take in some college hoops in the Boston area and presents an excellent opportunity for you to see the famous Harvard campus, so plan your trip today.

Things to check out

Team Photos

In the lobby are photos of every Crimson men’s and women’s basketball team. Stop by and see the photos to remember all of your favorite Harvard basketball players of the past.

Banners

The banners hanging above the court celebrate the Crimson’s Ivy League titles, NCAA Tournament appearances, and NIT appearances. Check them out during your visit to remember all of your fondest Harvard basketball memories.

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Pep Band

The pep band is a big part of any Harvard basketball game as they provide the majority of the atmosphere inside Lavietes Pavilion. The band plays a variety of school songs and pop songs, so enjoy their performance during the game.

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Student Section

No one gets behind the Crimson like the student section. No matter what the score, the student section will be on their feet and cheering on the team making them one of the best parts of any Crimson game.

Cheer and Dance Squads

Don’t miss the performances of the Harvard cheer and dance squads during your trip to Lavietes Pavilion. The spirit squads put on impressive routines and will keep you entertained during stoppages in play, so make sure to enjoy the show.

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Fight Songs

  1. “Ten Thousand Men of Harvard”

    Illegitimum non carborundum;
    Domine salvum fac.
    Illegitimum non Carborundum;
    Domine salvum fac.
    Gaudeamus igitur!
    Veritas non sequitur?
    Illegitimum non carborundum — ipso facto!

    Ten thousand men of Harvard want vict’ry today,
    For they know that o’er old Eli
    Fair Harvard holds sway.
    So then we’ll conquer old Eli’s men,
    And when the game ends, we’ll sing again:
    Ten thousand men of Harvard gained vict’ry today!

  2. “Harvardiana”

    With Crimson in triumph flashing
    ‘Mid the strains of victory,
    Poor Eli’s hopes we are dashing
    Into blue obscurity.
    Resistless our team sweeps goalward
    With the fury of the blast;
    We’ll fight for the name of Harvard
    ‘Til the last white line is passed.
    Harvard! Harvard! Harvard!

  3. “Veritas”

    We say hooray! Hooray! Hooray!
    There’s never an Eli can teach us to play!
    Harvard! Harvard! Harvard!
    See how the bleachers blue turn pale with fright;
    Send a cheer across to bleach ’em nice and white!
    Oh, look at the way we smash and rip ’em through
    While the blue bulldog howls “Boo-la, boo-la, boo!”
    Let out your voices now so loud and hale,
    ‘Tis a fun’ral ode we sing to Eli Yale.
    Oh, give us a yell ‘Hi! Hi!’ for Harvard,
    For the Crimson today!

  4. “Score”

    No hope for Eli,
    Here’s where we score!
    Come twist the bulldog’s tail;
    We’ll win once more,
    For Harvard’s back at New Haven;
    Hark to their mournful wail.
    It might be worse, boys, call up a hearse
    For poor old yale!

  5. “Soldiers Field”

    O’er the stands of flaming Crimson
    Harvard banners fly.
    Cheer on cheer like volleyed thunder
    Echo to the sky.
    See the Crimson tide is turning,
    Gaining more and more,
    Then fight! fight! fight! for we win tonight
    Old Harvard forevermore.

  6. “Gridiron King”

    Then hit the line for Harvard,
    For Harvard wins today!
    We will show the sons of Eli
    That the Crimson still holds sway.
    Sweep down the field again,
    Victory or die!
    And we’ll give the grand old cheer boys,
    When the Harvard team goes by.

  7. “Yo-Ho”

    Yo ho! The good ship Harvard
    Is goalward bound again;
    All the crew are at the halyards,
    Here’s a hail for Johnny Harvard’s men!
    Bright Crimson at the forepeak
    Rides high above the foam.
    While we sweep through the deep blue,
    Harvard strikes home!

  8. “Onward Crimson”

    Onward Crimson, staunch defenders
    Of the emblem we hold dear,
    Marching dauntless through the gauntlets
    While the Elis quake with fear!
    Stay the course now, might Crimson,
    For the glory and the pride!
    Undefeated, foes retreated,
    Harvard’s vict’ry sanctified.

  9. “Fair Harvard”

    Fair Harvard! we join in thy jubilant throng,
    And with blessings surrender thee o’er
    By these festival rites, from the age that is past,
    To the age that is waiting before.
    O Relic and type of our ancestors’ worth,
    That hast long kept their memory warm,
    First flow’r of their wilderness! Star of their night!
    Calm rising through change and through storm.

  10. “RAD”

    R-A-D-C-L-I-F-F-E
    Oh Radcliffe, our alma mater
    We sing your glories to the sun
    We are your grateful daughters
    Our voices raised as one
    You gave us joys and wisdom
    To set our goals and values true
    Radcliffe, our alma mater
    We pledge our loyalty to you.

  11. “Fight Fiercely Harvard”

    Fight fiercely, Harvard!
    Fight, fight, fight!
    Demonstrate to them our skill.
    Albeit they possess the might,
    Nonetheless we have the will.
    How we shall celebrate our victory?
    We shall invite the whole team
    Up for tea! How jolly!
    Hurl that spheroid down the field
    And fight! Fight! Fight!

Harvard Crimson Bars & Restaurants

  1. Silhouette Lounge

    Souris Saloon Silhouette Lounge

    The Silhouette is a no-frills laid-back local watering hole that serves amazing cold brew.

    200 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Lulu’s Allston

    Lulus

    Charming eatery with midcentury-modern decor specializing in comfort foods with a unique twist.

    421 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02134, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Brick & Mortar

    Brick and Mortar

    Mixologists star at this hidden cocktail joint with an array of creative drinks in a sleek space.

    567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. The Phoenix Landing

    Burger

    Part sports pub, part dance club, this multitasker offers modern Irish pub grub, DJs & trivia night.

    512 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. Green Street

    beer

    Warm, welcoming neighborhood bar & grill specializing in upmarket comfort food & craft cocktails.

    280 Green St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. The Cellar

    The Cellar

    Cozy gastropub offering seasonal New American small plates & mains, plus classic cocktails & wine.

    991 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. The Plough and Stars

    Clams

    With its warm cozy atmosphere and great music scene, The Plough has become a staple of the Cambridge community.

    912 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Charlie’s Kitchen

    Fried chicken Mrs Winners Chicken Biscuits

    Bare-bones local institution for late-night burgers & beers, plus a year-round beer garden.

    10 Eliot St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Grafton Street Pub & Grill

    Grafton Street Pub and Grill

    Stylish yet relaxed gastropub serving upscale comfort food, cocktails & a robust craft brew list.

    1230 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Shay’s Pub & Wine Bar

    Shays Pub and Wine Bar

    Longtime garden-level pub serving Tex-Mex, sandwiches, plus beer & wine in cozy digs with a patio.

    58 Jfk St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Alive & Kicking Lobsters

    Lobster

    This spartan fresh-seafood counter with outdoor seating is known for its lobster sandwiches.

    269 Putnam Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage

    Jack Browns Beer Burger Joint The Bear Brew Pub Homestead Restaurant

    Harvard Square institution & student favorite for burgers, fries, frappes & kitschy decor.

    1246 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Park

    Park restaurant

    Unfussy American fare & creative cocktails star at this eatery & bar in a living room-like setting.

    59 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Russell House Tavern

    Russell House Tavern

    Upscale New American fare, craft cocktails & microbrews are on offer at this chic gathering spot.

    14 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Grendel’s Den Restaurant & Bar

    Grendales

    Staple pub that's popular with students for beer selection, happy-hour bar bites & a patio.

    89 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. The Breakfast Club

    Breakfast

    The Breakfast Club brings about the feel of home with a fresh, east coast feel.

    270 Western Ave, Allston, MA 02134, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. The Sinclair

    This gastropub & music venue features New American fare and live acts, with an open kitchen & patio.

    52 Church St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$