A record number of fans came out to this fall’s Cortaca Jug game, as the “biggest little game in the nation” lived up to its nickname. This year’s contest—played on November 16 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey—drew 45,161 attendees, breaking the previous NCAA Division III single-game attendance record of 37,355. It also more than tripled the previous Cortaca Jug attendance record of 12,620, set in 2001.

While it’s difficult to determine exactly how many of those in attendance were IC alumni, it’s safe to say this was the largest gathering ever of IC alumni in one place at one time. The last time thousands of alumni were gathered in one place was during the 125th anniversary celebration, which took place on campus in the fall of 2017.

The Bombers won the historic contest, 32-20. It was IC’s third straight victory over Cortland, and the Bombers now lead the Cortaca series by a margin of 37-24.

“The entire experience was an overwhelming exuberance of connection, unity, pride, and love for Ithaca College,” said Deb Mohlenhoff ’92.

In addition to the scholar-athletes on the field, students from all five schools received hands-on experience leading up to and during the game. Students in the sport management major organized and promoted on-campus ticket sales, and physics students helped create a series of videos about the physics of football that were played on the Jumbotron during the game. Student journalists were at MetLife Stadium working on the production of the game that was livestreamed from the ICTV website, and a team of students gathered content for IC’s social media channels. The Ithaca College Choir performed the national anthem and, during halftime, the African Drumming and Dance Ensemble performed.

The Bomber faithful showed their support for the college in another way during the week leading up to the big game by taking home a victory in the Cortaca Jug Giving Challenge, another competition with SUNY Cortland that encouraged alumni and students to give to their respective colleges. A total of 938 Ithaca College community members made a gift to the college during the challenge.