What happened: New York Yankees hosted Cortland head coach Tom Blumenauer and Ithaca head coach Brandon Maguire for ceremonial first pitches on Sunday. The appearance served as a promotional kickoff for the 67th annual Cortaca Jug game, which is scheduled to return to Yankee Stadium on November 14, 2026.
Why it matters: The announcement reinforces Yankee Stadium's role as a premier venue for high-profile collegiate football rivalries outside of the MLB season. The Cortaca Jug represents one of the most storied rivalries in Division III sports and has a history of drawing record-breaking crowds to neutral-site professional stadiums.
By the numbers: The New York Yankees (37-26) entered Sunday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox sitting 1.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the lead in the American League East. The upcoming November matchup will mark the 67th meeting between the Ithaca and Cortland football programs.
What to watch: The Yankees will travel to Cleveland for a three-game set starting Monday following the conclusion of their home stand. Fans can expect ticket information for the Cortaca Jug to be released in the coming weeks.