Both SUNY Cortland and City of Cortland Team up For Cortaca Celebrations

Cortaca is this Saturday, November 16th at the James J. Grady ’50, M ’61 Field at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex and this year both SUNY Cortland and the City of Cortland are teaming up to celebrate the biggest little game in football. The event will be a celebration for all members of the community, students, alumni, and SUNY Cortland’s faculty and staff.

This year celebrations will move to Downtown Cortland with SUNY Cortland’s Student Activities Board (SAB) moving their annual pre-game pep rally to the parking lot between Marketplace Mall and the VFW on Main Street. Main Street will be closed on Friday, November 15th from 7pm to 9pm for the festivities between Court Street and Tompkins Street.

The event will include performances by Cortland’s Cheer Team, Kickline, Danceworks as well as live music from 33 Black, a Nevada-based alternative rock band. SUNY Cortland says the event will also include a roaming photo booth, living statue, chalk art, giveaways, raffles, tabling by campus organizations and performances by four local dance organizations.

Remarks will also be given by SUNY Cortland Men’s Head Coach, Curt Fitzpatrick and City of Cortland Mayor Scott Steve.

“Three food truck trucks — including Pig Vycious BBQ and Gorilla Street Hibachi — will supplement downtown eating establishments, all of which will be open. SAB will run buses for students between campus and downtown. The city will provide the stage and sound system, portable restrooms and a tent with a capacity of 700 people. Parking will be available and downtown establishments will be open to welcome fans.” SUNY Cortland said in a release.

On game day itself, Saturday, November 16th, a downtown watch party will be held from 11am to 6pm. Saturday’s festivities will have the same portion of Main Street closed off. The football game will be streamed live on a large screen under the tent. Games, music, and dance groups will provide further entertainment following the game.

“We’re striving to bridge the gap between the campus and the Cortland Community,” said Abby Loiselle, president of the Student Activities Board. “SAB is very excited to bring our annual Cortaca Pep Rally downtown and hopes to continue to provide programming for students within the community.”

Kickoff for Cortaca Saturday will be at noon. In addition to the Cortland celebration, there are also 24 watch parties throughout the country.