The legendary Harvard-Yale football match, known as “The Game,” is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for both schools, drawing thousands of alumni to celebrate a rivalry dating back to 1875. Set to take place on Nov. 23 at noon in Harvard Stadium, the event promises to be a spirited gathering of school pride and tradition. Thousands of Harvard undergraduates come together in celebration, each receiving a free ticket to the game, ensuring accessibility for all students to partake in the festivities.
For many, attending Harvard-Yale is not just about the football. It’s a rite of passage—a way to celebrate the camaraderie and rivalry that define the college experience. It is a cultural milestone that creates a strengthened undergraduate community—particularly for freshmen who have never experienced such an atmosphere before. Yet, many Yale students have been left ticketless and disappointed, now excluded from one of the most important events of their college years.
While Harvard Stadium seats just over 30,000 people, the Yale Bowl can accommodate more than 60,000. This discrepancy means that Yale students face significantly greater obstacles to attending the game when it is hosted at Harvard. The smaller venue, combined with Harvard reserving the majority of tickets for its own students and alumni, has sparked frustration among many Yale students who feel overlooked.
“I know a lot of people who are coming from different schools, all over, just to come watch,” said a Yale student who chose not to be identified in an interview with the Independent. “And they’re paying a ton of money, which not everybody wants to do. I just think it sucks that not everybody is going to be able to be there, especially since it’s so hyped up.”
This year, instead of making tickets available through a first-come, first-serve link, Yale opted to distribute tickets via raffle. This switch was prompted by backlash experienced in 2020 and 2022 when many felt excluded from the process due to scheduling conflicts that prevented them from purchasing tickets when they went on sale.
According to Yale student Yoobin Oh ’28, “Seniors get four entries in the lottery, juniors get three, sophomores get two, and freshmen get one. But you can increase your number of entries by attending any of the four designated games that range from soccer to volleyball throughout October,” she said.
“It’s unfair to students who don’t have a lot of time on their hands to increase their chances and it can be frustrating to go all the way to Boston without having a ticket,” Oh added. The new system has done little to quell dissatisfaction, particularly among Yale seniors for whom this is the last rendition of the game. Harvard students, on the other hand, typically have little trouble securing tickets when the game is held in New Haven, Conn. thanks to the Yale Bowl’s larger seating capacity.
In an interview with the Independent, Ariana Barillas ’28, shared her excitement for this Saturday: “It’s such a communal event—it’s easy to feel like a tiny fish at this school, but I feel like Harvard-Yale will make me feel like a part of everything here,” she said. “Tradition can be so great, and there’s a reason that it’s become the massive event that it is—the people love it. It also just comes at a time where people are burnt out. It’s definitely the perfect time to have some fun.”
Talia Rehill, another Harvard freshman, echoed this sentiment. “It’s just a good break, to be honest. Almost like a distraction,” she added. “It’d be amazing if we won, but I think it’s more just about everyone being there together and enjoying the moment. Plus, so many alumni come out for this—it’s fun to see how into it they are. I’d much rather have this to worry about than midterms and final projects. I also don’t usually go to games, but this is the one where it’s like—you have to go.”
Chris Gorman ’28, a defensive lineman on the Harvard football team, shared his thoughts on the significance of it being the final game of the season. “Throughout the season, it’s apparent how much hard work and dedication the seniors put into this game. Harvard-Yale is the culmination of that for them,” he shared. “I’m excited to suit up with them and see them put it all out there for their last game as Harvard football players and beat Yale.” Another freshman on the team added, “Harvard-Yale is the one day where the team feels the most supported by the student body.”
While it is unfortunate that not every Yale undergraduate will be able to attend Saturday’s game, the Harvard-Yale rivalry remains a cherished tradition that brings the two schools together in a spirited celebration of community. This iconic matchup serves as a reminder of the long-standing bond between these institutions, fueled by competition, pride, and shared history.
Wessal Bakry ’28 (wessalbakry@college.harvard.edu) writes News for the Independent.