The Rivalry is more than just a game; it’s an annual tradition that unites generations of alumni through legacy, school spirit, and shared memories. Each year, telecast parties bring together passionate Lehigh grads from near and far to experience the excitement side by side — cheering through every play, holding their breath in tense moments, and celebrating each win.
This year’s game takes place on Saturday, November 22, at Fisher Stadium in Easton. Whether you’re watching from the stands or rooting from afar, you’re part of Lehigh’s legacy, and the Rivalry wouldn’t be the same without you.
Let’s meet a few of the alums championing Rivalry telecasts around the country.
Check out all the locations and find one closest to you. We hope to see you there!
Meet the Telecast Hosts
Telecast Location
New York City (co-hosted by Evan Choy ’20)
RSVP for the New York City telecast!
Why Telecast?
It’s by far the next best thing to experiencing the Rivalry game in person. Coming to a telecast party is different than just watching the game on your phone or at home. There’s always a great sense of camaraderie when alumni and other fans of Lehigh football come together to root for the team on the last Saturday before Thanksgiving. I’ve hosted the NYC Rivalry watch party for a number of years, and we usually get anywhere between 100 to 200+ attendees each year, with a great mix of alums of all ages. While we have many local repeat attendees, we love welcoming first-timers and recent grads. We’ve also drawn alumni from Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Bethlehem, and several other cities.
Standout Telecasting Moment
Singing “The Old Silver Goblet” with a group of alumni after a win.
Favorite Rivalry Tradition
Hearing Lehigh fans loudly chant “Beat Lafayette!” in unison. Those two words are a common bond among Lehigh alumni. From day one as a student, you learn about The Rivalry and become invested. As long as you remember those two words, you'll always have a connection to Lehigh and to other LU alumni.
First Rivalry Game as a Student
With the score 26-0, the goalposts came down at halftime! I joined The Marching 97 my freshman year and was a member all four years. From our first day at band camp, the freshmen were instructed to keep performing during any pregame or halftime show — no matter what happened. We were specifically warned to be on alert during the Lafayette game. I was marching around and playing my tuba about 20 yards from the west goal line at Taylor Stadium, when suddenly I saw a horde of students rush the end zone and tear down the wooden uprights installed just for that game. Early in the third quarter, the ones at the east end came down! With no goalposts, the teams had to go for two-point conversions after a touchdown and no field goals could be attempted. Lehigh won that game 40-14. I didn’t get a piece of the goalpost that Saturday, but I still have a cherished sliver I snagged my senior year.
Message for Students Experiencing Their First Rivalry
Be there or be square! You have to venture to Easton and be in the stands at Fisher Stadium for all the festivities — especially this year with the Patriot League’s automatic bid for the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs on the line. Jeremy Gibson, Lehigh’s dean of athletics, said it best when he addressed the Class of 2029 this past August, “Don’t hold back!...Be proud and get loud!” And if you’re an alum of any age unable to make it to the game, attend a telecast party in a city near you if at all possible. Come mingle with other alumni; it’s a great time. Wherever you are on November 22, don’t forget to wear brown and white!
Telecast Location
Winter Park, Florida
RSVP for the Winter Park Telecast!
Why Telecast?
I got involved through Roy Mackey ’40 in the mid-’90s. Roy had been running the area’s telecast parties for a few decades, and I started helping before eventually taking over in ’97. I’ve always been drawn to service opportunities. My philosophy is: At the end of the day, it’s not about what we do for ourselves, but rather what we have done for others. Since travelling from Florida to campus for the game isn’t always possible, this is how I serve the Lehigh community, and it’s something I’m glad to be a part of. Through telecast, we’re able to recreate the shared sense of community that is unique to Lehigh.
Standout Telecasting Moment
I introduced Florida native Casey Eldemire ’10 to Lehigh. His father, Jim, was a business associate of mine, and one day we started chatting about colleges and football. Of course, I had to promote Lehigh. I don’t think Casey had even been considering any northern colleges, but he ended up visiting in mid-February (think -20 degree weather) and still signed with Lehigh. In his senior year, I proudly watched him catch an interception in the Rivalry game.
Favorite Rivalry Tradition
When I went to Lehigh, it was guaranteed that the goalposts were going to come down. The big challenge was seeing how long of a piece you could manage to get your hands on. One year, the chunk of the goalpost the Delta Tau Delta fraternity brothers grabbed was so long, we had trouble fitting it onto the back of the bus!
First Rivalry Game as a Student
I remember being shocked at the amount of people there. Everybody was at the game — students, alums, and fans. It was what you did, no question about it.
Message for Students Experiencing Their First Rivalry
Live in the present! Be sure to take it all in.
Telecast Location
Washington, D.C.
RSVP for the D.C. Telecast!
Why Telecast?
I have such great memories from my time at Lehigh. After graduation, I lived in NYC and had so much fun at the telecast parties there over the years. Later, I moved to Rhode Island and really missed the tradition. When I eventually moved to the D.C. area, I reached out to the local alumni club to make some connections and familiarize myself with the city. I didn’t know I’d get asked to host, but it’s been a great way to meet others. I want to give a big shoutout to Myron Olstein ’60, who ran the telecast party in D.C. for many years! Hosting has given me the opportunity to get to know alumni of all ages, and I’d encourage any alumni to attend one. Whether you live near a telecast party or are visiting the area, come! You'll find someone new to talk to, and we'd love to have you.
Standout Telecasting Moment
Getting to meet older alumni and appreciating how this tradition spans through generations.
Favorite Rivalry Tradition
I love when people get creative with making signs on bedsheets.
First Rivalry Game as a Student
When I think back to my first Rivalry, what stands out to me is how exciting it was. There was a sense of camaraderie that was so strong, you could practically feel it. I’m not typically a sports fan, but Rivalry has such history tethered to it. This is the oldest continually played football rivalry in the country, and you feel that in the energy and fanfare of the day.
Message for Students Experiencing Their First Rivalry
Soak it all in! Appreciate the time you have in college, because you'll remember it for the rest of your life.
