Harvard-Princeton is part of the Big Three academic, athletic, and social rivalry between Harvard, Princeton, and Yale and is a must-see for any alumni or student from either school. The rivalry on the gridiron began in 1877, and since then the Tigers have taken a 55-47-7 lead in the all-time series, but the Crimson won the most recent meeting 23-20. Don’t miss it when the Tigers take on the Crimson as you’ll be in for a good one.
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 although the Tigers trail in the all-time series 76-53-10, you won’t want to miss it when Princeton and Yale clash.
The Tigers and Quakers have a long running rivalry that dates back to 1876 when Princeton defeated Penn 6-0. The rivalry was suspended from 1894 until 1935 but since it resumed the Tigers have won 40 of the 77 meetings between the two Ivy League rivals. The Princeton-Penn game is always one of the best games of the season, so get your tickets to the annual rivalry game between the Tigers and Quakers.
The Princeton-Brown rivalry began in 1898, and it has been going strong ever since. You won’t want to miss it when these Ivy League rivals square off, so make sure to be in attendance when the Bears come to town.
Princeton Tigers Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
When attending a Princeton Tigers game, make sure to arrive here early so you can tailgate before the game. Tailgating at Princeton starts three hours before kickoff and is an excellent way to relax with friends and spend some time before the game. Whether you love to grill, drink, or just hang out, you’ll have a lot of fun tailgating before a Princeton Tigers game.
Princeton offers plenty of room to tailgate as there are both reserved spots and non-reserved spots available to fans. If you’re just looking to grill out with a few friends, then you can just show up, park, and have fun. The reserved tailgating option though is perfect for holding a group event as it provides you with everything you need for a fantastic tailgate bash including tents, tables, chairs, and even grills.
Tailgating before a Tigers game is a great way to spend an afternoon, so arrive at Princeton Stadium early to take part in all the game day festivities.
Don’t miss the Princeton University Band’s parade down Ivy Lane before the game. The band’s march to the stadium signals that it’s time to start entering the game, so keep an eye out for the Princeton University Band while tailgating before the game.
A bonfire is held after the last home game of the season if the Princeton beat both the Yale and the Harvard. The bonfire takes place behind Nassau Hall, and effigies of a Handsome Dan and John Harvard are burned in celebrations of the Tigers victories over their rivals. The bonfire was last held in 2013, so make sure to attend it if the Tigers sweep their Big Three rivals.
Bradley and Kazmaier are the two most famous athletes in Tigers history, so stop by and snap a picture with the statues of these legends. The statues are must-sees for any college sports fan, especially Princeton fans.
Where to tailgate
Non-Reserved TailgatingThose of you who want to tailgate before a Princeton Tigers football game but don’t have a reserved spot are in luck as there are plenty of non-reserved tailgate spots near Princeton Stadium. Lot 21, Fitzrandolph Field, and The Boathouse are all open for tailgating, so get here early for a fun day of tailgating.
Reserved TailgatingIf you’re taking a large group to the game, you’ll want to reserve a spot in one of the reserved tailgating areas. When reserving a tailgate spot, you can reserve tents, tables, chairs, grills, and more making it easy for you to hold a tailgating event at Princeton.
Princeton Tigers Stadium Guide
In Game
Princeton Stadium is a fantastic place to spend a fall afternoon or evening and is home to one of the best game day experiences in the Ivy League. Tigers fans come out in strong numbers to support their team and the student section, known as RAWR, is especially vocal in their support. All throughout the game, you’ll hear RAWR cheering on the Tigers and taunting the opposition creating a fun atmosphere.
The Princeton University Band and The Tiger are also significant parts every game at Princeton Stadium. The band puts on an entertaining show, and their funny halftime performances are a must-see for any marching band or college football fan. Additionally, you’ll love The Tiger and his shenanigans as well.
Finally, Princeton Stadium offers a fun experience for the whole family and is home to plenty of kids entertainment. The inflatables on the concourse are an excellent way to keep the kids engaged during the game making a Princeton football game a fun time for the whole family.
You’ll have an incredible time taking in a Tigers football game, so plan your trip to Princeton today.
Check out the inflatables at Princeton Stadium if you're taking kids to the game. The inflatables do a great job of keeping the young ones entertained throughout the game and are the perfect way for kids to work out some extra energy.
If you want to pick up a souvenir from your trip to Princeton, then make sure to stop by the merchandise tent. At the merchandise tent, you’ll find a wide variety of Tigers gear including t-shirts, sweatshirts, cap, and much more.
Keep an eye out for the Princeton mascot when attending a Tigers football game. The Tiger gets into all kinds of shenanigans and is beloved by all Princeton fans. Don’t miss the Tiger when taking in a game at Princeton Stadium.
The RAWR is home to the loudest and most dedicated fans at any Tigers football game. The students get into the heads of opponents with their cheers and antics and are a big part of any Princeton football game, so enjoy the noise they create during your visit to Princeton Stadium.
The Princeton University Band, is one of the oldest marching bands in the country and a big part of any Princeton football game. The band’s humorous halftime shows are must-see parts of any Princeton football game, so stay in your seat at halftime to enjoy the performance of the Princeton University Band.
Fight Songs
Old Nassau
Fight song
Tune ev’ry heart and ev’ry voice,
Bid ev’ry care withdraw;
Let all with one accord rejoice,
In praise of Old Nassau.
CHORUS
In praise of Old Nassau, we sing, Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
Our hearts will give, while we shall live, Three cheers for Old Nassau.
Let music rule the fleeting hour,
Her mantle round us draw;
And thrill each heart with all her pow’r,
In praise of Old Nassau. chorus And when these walls in dust are laid,
With reverence and awe Another throng shall breathe our song,
In praise of Old Nassau.
CHORUS
Till then with joy our songs we’ll bring, And while a breath we draw,
We’ll all unite to shout and sing:
Long life to Old Nassau. chorus…
Long life to Old Nassau, etc.
The Orange and the Black
Fight song
Although Yale has always favored
The violet’s dark blue,
And the many sons of Harvard To the crimson rose are true, We will own the lilies slender,
Nor honor shall they lack, While the Tiger stands defender Of the Orange and the Black. We will own the lilies slender,
Nor honor shall they lack, While the Tiger stands defender Of the Orange and the Black. Thro’ the four long years of college,
‘Midst the scenes we know so well, As the mystic charm to knowledge We vainly seek to spell;
Or, we win athletic vict’ries On the football field or track, Still we work for dear old Prince-ton, And the Orange and the Black. Or, we win athletic vict’ries On the football field or track, Still we work for dear old Prince-ton, And the Orange and the Black. When the cares of life o’ertake us, Mingling fast our locks with grey,
Should our dearest hopes betray us,
False Fortune fall away,
Still we’ll banish care and sadness As we turn our mem’ries back, And recall those days of gladness ‘Neath the Orange and the Black. Still we’ll banish care and sadness
As we turn our mem’ries back, And recall those days of gladness ‘Neath the Orange and the Black.
The Princeton Cannon Song
fight song
In Princeton town we’ve got a team
That knows the way to play.
With Princeton spirit back of them
They’re sure to win the day. With cheer [cheers?]
and song we’ll rally ’round The Cannon as of yore,
And Nassau’s walls will echo with
The Princeton Tiger’s roar: CHORUS
(And then we’ll) Crash through that [the?] line of blue
And send the backs on ’round the end!
Fight, fight for ev’ry yard, Princeton’s honor to defend. Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah!
Tiger sis boom ah! And locomotives by the score!
For we’ll fight with a vim That is dead sure to win For Old Nassau!
Going Back to Nassau Hall
Fight song
When the sons of Princeton Gather anywhere,
There’s a place they think of, Longing to be there.
It’s the one and only University, Situated and celebrated
In New Jersee
CHORUS
Going back, going back, Going back to Nassau Hall. Going back, going back,
To the best old place of all. Going back, going back, From all this earthly ball. We’ll clear the track as we go back,
Going back to Nassau Hall. Let’s go back to Princeton At commencement time, Sample each reunion: That’s the life for mine! Ramble round the campus, Full of jollity, Our location for celebration Is New Jersee. chorus
They are great at football Down in Princeton town,
And likewise in baseball They have won renown.
Soon we’ll see them winning One more victory,
And bonfires burning when we’re returning
To New Jersee
CHORUS
Princeton, Forward March
Fight song
Come, fall in line, we’re all in line for Princeton,
To show we’re true to team and crew. We’ll march along with cheer and song for Princeton, To show we’re loyal through and through. Ready Nassau Hall,
hear that battle call: “Princeton, forward march!”
Yea!
CHORUS
Princeton, forward march to victory, Princeton,
lead the way. Princeton, forward march to victory,
This is the tiger’s day. Yea! Princeton, forward march to victory, Fight with brain and brawn.
We’ll leave old Eli trailing in the dust,
As we go marching on.
Here Comes That Tiger
Fight song
Oh boy!
Oh boy!
Here comes that Tiger, wow!
He’s running wild,
They’ll never stop him now! He’ll prowl around and then he’ll let out a roar When eleven Princeton football players start to score.
He likes to play in any game that’s tough And lead the way to where the going’s rough. What is the one team that always wears the crown?
It’s that Royal Bengal Tiger down in Princeton town!
Princeton’s Sons
Fight song
Princeton’s Sons are (Nineteen Seven’s) back again
Into the Tiger’s den once more. Back with the class
And back where the Nass
Used to stand in days of yore. They’ve come back from far and near, Back to Princeton ev’ry year,
To cheer once more
For Old Nassau
With a Tiger sis boom bah!
Princeton Stadium Song
Fight song
Princeton’s team today will win more laurels.
Our Tiger team will win again today. See them march out on the field; Johnny Harvard’s fate is sealed In the good old Princeton way. So,
CHORUS Princeton will rule the stadium. Nassau will win the fight. Over the line we will push to score.
Bright Princeton stars will shine here tonight, so we will
Sing out our cheers for Princeton. Triumph will come once more.
Hoist the banner to the skies;
The Nassau team will take the prize,
so Let the Tiger roar!
Princeton Forever
Fight song
Princeton Men,
once again, one and all Give a cheer, when you hear the tiger’s call. Let him roar, while Nassau wins the game. He’ll defend to the end our fame.
March a-long with a song, once again Raise your voice and rejoice,
my Princeton men Singing yea!
Let’s go! Nassau!
We shoot as one.
Forever more, Princeton!
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