Cortaca Jug Inspires Week of Activity

11/03/2015 

The SUNY Cortland and Ithaca College football teams won’t meet for the 57th annual Cortaca Jug rivalry game until Saturday, Nov. 14, but students can begin celebrating the legendary tradition Monday, Nov. 9, as a week of Cortaca-related activities and events kicks off.

The activities range from awareness-raising events aimed at behavioral problems linked to previous Cortaca Jug celebrations to a viewing party and carnival in Corey Student Union and a post-game concert by popular indie pop band Echosmith.

They’re all in addition to the football contest itself, which could deliver SUNY Cortland a conference championship with a Red Dragons win. SUNY Cortland and Ithaca College square off for the first time as Empire 8 Conference opponents at noon Saturday, Nov. 14, at Ithaca’s Butterfield Stadium.

In addition to the alternative events, the College’s Student Life Center will remain open with its normal hours (6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday) during the week.

The Cortaca Week schedule is:

Monday, Nov. 9

Students are encouraged to “Lose the Blues” and rid themselves of rival Ithaca College’s primary color by donating an article of blue clothing to the Cortland Thrifty Shopper Rescue Mission. In exchange, the first 1,000 students will receive a commemorative red Cortaca t-shirt on a first come, first served basis. Clothing can be donated noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Life Center.

Tuesday, Nov. 10

“It’s On Us” pledge drive will collect signatures and snap selfies from 4 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of Neubig Hall. Make a commitment against sexual assault.

Cortaca Jug Open Mic Night takes place at 7 p.m. in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge. Sponsored by Student Activities Board (SAB), Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) and the Health Promotion Office, the event offers free refreshments. 

Wednesday, Nov. 11

“It’s On Us” pledge drive will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of Corey Union.

The “Lose the Blues” clothing donation drive continues from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lynne Parks ’68 SUNY Cortland Alumni House.

“Like a Tattoo: Digital Dirt, Social Media and Your Brand,” a Wellness Wednesday event sponsored by the Health Promotion Office, is slated for 7 p.m. in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge. Don’t let Internet photos and comments derail your future.

Thursday, Nov. 12

A Cortaca car smash fundraiser organized by the Theta Chi Fraternity begins at 4 p.m. outside Memorial Library. The event benefits the United Service Organization, which offers support for U.S. military members.

The NFL’s Thursday Night Football match-up between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets will be shown on a big screen in the Corey Union Function Room at 8:30 p.m. Free refreshments include pizza, chicken wings and beverages.

“It’s On Us” pledge drive will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Student Life Center.

Friday, Nov. 13

Who will win the big game? “Friday the 13th” psychic readings will be offered from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Student Life Center.

A “Pitch Perfect 2” pre-game pool party and film screening will start at 6 p.m. at the pool in the Student Life Center.

The College’s annual Cortaca Mug event will run from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Interfaith Center, located at the corner of Calvert Street and Prospect Terrace. Cortland Nites, the Interfaith Center and the Cortland County Council of Churches are event sponsors.

Saturday, Nov. 14

A Cortaca Jug carnival viewing party will go from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room. Guests are invited to test their skills on inflatable obstacle challenges. Tailgate refreshments will be provided.

The Cortaca Jug football game kicks off at noon at Ithaca College’s Butterfield Stadium. Pre-paid buses leave at 10 a.m. from Corey Union. Game tickets and Cortland student IDs are required for admittance.

A “Pitch Perfect 2” post-game pool party and film screening is set for 5 p.m. at the pool in the Student Life Center.

Up-and-coming indie pop band Echosmith headlines the Cortaca Jug concert at 8 p.m. in Park Center Corey Gymnasium. Doors open at 7 p.m., with local band Free House providing the opening act.

Sunday, Nov. 15

A Cortaca clean-up led by the Omega Phi Beta Sorority takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are asked to show up to the corner of Main Street and Court Street in downtown Cortland.