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Schoellkopf Field - home of Cornell Big Red in Ithaca, New York
NCAA FCS

Schoellkopf FieldIthaca, New York

Cornell Big Red

👥
Capacity
21,500
🏆
Conference
Ivy
📅
Opened
1915
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About Schoellkopf Field

Schoellkopf Field, opened in 1915, is Cornell's historic 21,500-capacity stadium located in the scenic gorges of Ithaca. Named in honor of former Cornell player and head coach Henry Schoellkopf, the stadium features the distinctive "Crescent" grandstand and offers one of college football's most picturesque settings.

🏛️History

Origins

Built to replace Percy Field after a $100,000 donation from Willard Straight in honor of his close friend Henry Schoellkopf, who died in 1912. The stadium provided Cornell with a modern facility on campus befitting the university's growing athletics program.

Major Renovations

1924The "Crescent" completed, replacing original east stands and increasing capacity to 21,500
1947Permanent steel bleachers built on west side, expanding capacity to 25,597
1986$3.6 million renovation including new press box on west side
2006Renovated Memorial Hall at north end with improved locker rooms and training facilities
2016West stands demolished after falling into disuse; new FieldTurf installed

Notable Moments

1915Stadium opened with Schoellkopf Memorial Hall honoring Henry Schoellkopf
1924Iconic Crescent grandstand completed, becoming stadium's signature feature
1971First artificial turf (Polyturf) installed, replaced multiple times since

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The historic Crescent on the east side is the most iconic seating area with excellent views. Midfield seats in any section offer good sightlines. The setting in Cayuga Lake's southern valley provides beautiful backdrop views.

Parking Tips

Campus parking lots and garages fill early on game days. Arrive 2-3 hours before kickoff. Consider parking in Collegetown and walking. Fall weekends bring heavy traffic to Ithaca—plan accordingly.

Game Day

Explore Cornell's stunning campus before the game—the gorges and suspension bridges are spectacular. Collegetown offers numerous dining options within walking distance. The stadium's natural setting is one of the most beautiful in college football.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Ithaca Beer Company

$$

Modern brewpub on College Avenue with extensive beer selection, outdoor patio, and locally-sourced menu.

📍 1.5 miles122 Ithaca Commons

💡 Try the seasonal brews. Great atmosphere for pre-game.

The Chapter House

$

Beloved Ithaca dive bar with huge beer selection and quirky atmosphere.

📍 0.8 miles400 Stewart Ave

💡 Cash only. Over 60 beers on tap. Eclectic crowd.

The Nines

$$$

Upscale cocktail bar and restaurant with creative drinks and sophisticated vibe.

📍 1.2 miles311 College Ave

💡 Great cocktails. Reservations recommended for dinner.

🍽️Restaurants

Collegetown Bagels

$

Cornell institution with fresh bagels, sandwiches, and breakfast all day. Multiple locations.

📍 1.3 miles203 N Aurora St

💡 Perfect for quick breakfast or lunch. Always crowded but worth it.

Moosewood Restaurant

$$

World-famous vegetarian restaurant in Ithaca Commons with creative seasonal menu.

📍 1.6 miles215 N Cayuga St

💡 Reservations essential. Their cookbooks are bestsellers.

Taverna Banfi

$$$

Italian restaurant and wine bar in Ithaca Commons featuring Banfi wines and authentic cuisine.

📍 1.5 miles116 N Cayuga St

💡 Excellent wine list. Great for a special post-game dinner.

🏨Hotels

The Statler Hotel at Cornell

$$$

On-campus hotel operated by Cornell's School of Hotel Administration with full-service amenities.

📍 0.5 miles130 Statler Dr

💡 Walking distance to stadium. Book early for fall weekends.

La Tourelle Resort & Spa

$$$$

European-style boutique hotel with spa, restaurant, and stunning Cayuga Lake views.

📍 3 miles1150 Danby Rd

💡 Romantic atmosphere. On-site John Thomas Steakhouse is excellent.

🎭Attractions

Ithaca Falls

Free

Spectacular 150-foot waterfall in Ithaca's Fall Creek gorge. Easy access and free to visit.

📍 2 milesLake St

💡 Most impressive in spring. Short walk from parking area.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Free

World-renowned bird research center with interactive exhibits and beautiful nature trails.

📍 3.5 miles159 Sapsucker Woods Rd

💡 Great for families. Bring binoculars for bird watching.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Schoellkopf Crescent Parking

$25
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Limited spaces. Season ticket holders get priority.

🅿️

Campus Road Lots

$20
Lot📍 0.3 miles

💡 Several campus lots within walking distance. Arrive early.

🚗

Collegetown Parking

Free
Street📍 0.5 miles

💡 Residential street parking. Check signs for restrictions.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Schoellkopf Field? Share it with us.

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.