Forbes Highlights Cortaca Jug

By Dan Verderosa, November 6, 2019
The 2019 Cortaca Jug football game is set to break the record for Division III attendance.

In anticipation of the historic Cortaca Jug football game at MetLife Stadium, Forbes highlighted the 61st edition of the storied rivalry between Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland. With more than 43,000 tickets sold, the game will set a new all-time record for Division III football.

“It has exceeded everyone’s expectations and it is a really exciting opportunity for both schools,” Susan Bassett ’79, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics and recreational sports at Ithaca College, told Forbes. “The idea that we are actually going to play a football game in a stadium that hosted the Super Bowl (XLVIII) and where the Giants and Jets play is incredible.”

Forbes also highlighted the role Mark Hudak ’90, chairman of the New York City chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF), played in bringing the Cortaca Jug to MetLife. The game is being played at the stadium at the invitation of the NFF’s New York City chapter.

“We wanted to do something special to celebrate the 150th anniversary of college football,” Hudak said. “Being as involved as I am with Ithaca, it was a natural to me to bring this game to MetLife.”