Cortaca 2026
This Cortaca Jug weekend, we’re rolling out the red carpet for all Red Dragons, alumni, visitors, and community members as SUNY Cortland and the City of Cortland come together to celebrate in true Crown City style! From lively pep rallies to game-day excitement, we’ve got everything you need to know for an unforgettable weekend in downtown Cortland.
Friday, November 14: Pre-Game Pep Rally
Time: 5:30 - 9 p.m.
Location: Behind Bru 64 & Main Street (closed between Port Watson and West Court)
The weekend fun begins Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. with the Cortaca Community Pep Rally, hosted by the SUNY Cortland Student Activities Board. The celebration promises energy, excitement, and plenty of school spirit as local dance groups including; the Cortland Performing Arts Institute, Boom Dance Complex, Signature Dance, and Studio Z School of Dance take the stage.
Adding to the lineup, the SUNY Cortland Cheer Team, Kickline, and Ritmo Latino Dance Group will keep the crowd cheering with high-energy performances.
Between sets, guests can enjoy carnival games, prizes, and food trucks, plus temporary tattoo booths and even a mechanical bull for those feeling bold. The evening wraps up with live music by the Cooper Greer Band, making it the perfect kickoff to a spirited Cortaca weekend.
Between or after the festivities, swing by one of our local eateries to fuel up for the big day ahead! Visit Experience Cortland for a full list of restaurants, and check restaurant Facebook pages for specials.
Saturday, November 15 - Crown City Cortaca Celebration
Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Main Street (closed between Port Watson and West Court)
Get ready for Cortaca Game Day Cortland style! While the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons face off against the Ithaca Bombers at Ithaca’s Butterfield Stadium, fans back home can enjoy every minute of the action right on Main Street.
The official Cortaca viewing party returns this year under a large heated tent beside the Marketplace Mall, offering a cozy spot to cheer on the team no matter the weather. The game will be broadcast live on a big screen, so you won’t miss a single play, tackle, or touchdown.
Inside the tent, official Red Dragon gear will be available for purchase, perfect for showing your Cortland pride, and you can grab a bite to eat from nearby restaurants or participating food trucks serving up game-day favorites.
Best of all? Admission is free! Bring your friends, bundle up, and be part of the excitement as Cortland rallies together to keep the Cortaca Jug in Red Dragon territory.
Where to Fuel Up
Make it a full day with an early breakfast at:
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BRU64, New York Bagel Cafe and Deli and Cortland Diner (all open at 7 a.m.)
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M&D Deli (opens at 8 a.m.)
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The Student Deli (opens at 9 a.m.)
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Veracruzana Restaurant (opens at 10 a.m.)
Many downtown eateries will be open and serving up delicious lunch, including favorites like -
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Gorgers Cortland (open 11 a.m.-9 p.m.) will offer their special Red Dragon Plate—a delicious combination of fresh-cut fries, chopped cheese, chipotle ranch mac salad, and their signature Dragon Sauce.
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Central City Bar & Grill will open an hour early for kickoff (11 a.m.-9 p.m.).
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Crisol, an exciting new addition to downtown Cortland, will have a limited menu available from their tent on Main Street, giving fans a sample of their unique offerings.
Be sure to check restaurant Facebook pages for the latest food and drink specials.
Where to Get Your SUNY Cortland Gear
No Cortaca weekend is complete without some Red Dragon gear! Here’s where you can find the best SUNY Cortland merchandise downtown:
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Bernard’s Custom Logo & Trophy: Swing by their Main Street location (31 Main Street) during the week or find them at the Crown City Cortaca Celebration starting at 9 a.m. for SUNY Cortland apparel and souvenirs.
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Lot 1 Vintage: Located at 79 Main Street and open from 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. during the week, Lot 1 Vintage is your go-to for unique, old-school Cortland finds.
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The Red Jug Pub: Pick up one of their exclusive Cortaca t-shirts to show off your Red Dragon pride.
Best Downtown Spots to Watch the Game
For an indoor game-viewing experience, plenty of local spots on Main Street will be ready to welcome fans:
Keep the Fun Going All Night
The excitement doesn’t end with the final whistle! After the Cortaca Jug game, keep the celebration going with post-game entertainment right in the heart of downtown Cortland.
Following the game, the viewing area will host local music and dance groups to keep the energy high. For those looking for even more music, Cortland Beer Company will feature Brotherhood starting at 8 p.m.
If you're in the mood for a hearty dinner, our downtown restaurants are ready to welcome fans with delicious dishes. Check out the specials at The Community, The Hollywood, Pontillo's, Los Lagos and many more.
Parking
To accommodate the excitement of Cortaca festivities, a portion of Main Street will be closed starting Friday afternoon, continuing through Friday night and all day Saturday. Here’s what you need to know about parking options and adjustments for the weekend.
Main Street Lot and Permit Holder Parking: Due to the road closure, Main Street Lot permit holders will have modified parking instructions:
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Primary Parking: Use the parking spaces on Haskell Place (located behind BRIX).
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Additional Parking: If Haskell Place is full, you may park on Main Street in the spaces between BRIX and Tompkins Trust Bank on Friday.
No call-ins are needed to secure parking permission during this timeframe. However, regular parking enforcement will still apply outside of the Main Street area and downtown lots. Regular parking enforcement will resume on Sunday night.
This extended parking plan allows all Cortaca fans, alumni, and community members to celebrate with ease. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the City Clerk’s office at 607-758-8331 or the City Police Department at 607-756-2811.
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