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First up is the biennial Sy Katz ’31 Parade ending at the Cornell Club, with the Frozen Apple in MSG set for the following weekend
By Melissa Newcomb
In late November, two Big Red traditions will bring Cornellians to NYC on consecutive weekends. First up is the Sy Katz ’31 Parade, when the Big Red Marching Band will make its biennial appearance on the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
Nicknamed NYC’s “shortest parade with the longest history,” the event—set for 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 21—is named in honor of a devoted Cornellian and avid Marching Band supporter who passed away in 1983.
Lindsay France / Cornell UniversityThe Katz Parade has become a biennial fixture in the Big Apple.
Katz believed the band deserved a parade of its own, and in 1972 he worked with the Cornell Club–New York to secure a permit that allowed its members to march one city block.
More than five decades later, the procession has (slightly) expanded beyond its original route and become a gala affair, with related events held before and after the march.
Nicknamed NYC’s “shortest parade with the longest history,” the event—set for 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 21—is named in honor of a devoted Cornellian and avid Marching Band supporter who passed away in 1983.
This year’s event, marking the parade’s 54th anniversary, will follow Big Red football’s game against Columbia earlier that day.
Additional festivities include a free performance by the Marching Band outside the club, located on East 44th St. just off Fifth Avenue, beginning at about 6 p.m.
Following the concert, attendees can gather inside for a tailgate party (advance registration is required) featuring an open bar and food, including build-your-own baked potato and mac and cheese stations.
Jason Koski / Cornell UniversityThe parade culminates in a concert outside the Cornell Club.
The club’s Big Red Tap & Grill will also welcome visitors before and after the performance, from 3–5 p.m. and 6:30–9 p.m.
Another, more recently established tradition follows on Saturday, November 28, when men’s hockey takes on the University of Maine in the seventh edition of the Frozen Apple in Madison Square Garden.
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The game, which debuted in 2012, is held in even-numbered years—with Red Hot Hockey, also at MSG, occurring in odd-numbered ones.
Jared Silber / MSGEach November, a Big Red crowd turns out to support the team in MSG.
Unlike Red Hot Hockey—which always pits Cornell against longtime rival Boston University—the Frozen Apple features varying opponents.
(Past foes have included UConn, Harvard, Quinnipiac, Michigan, and Penn State.)
Unlike Red Hot Hockey—which always pits Cornell against longtime rival Boston University—the Frozen Apple features varying opponents.
The puck drops at noon, marking the first time that the game will take place in the afternoon rather than the evening, to accommodate the NHL’s New York Rangers home appearance that night.
Tickets were sold out as of early November, with more than 35 classes organizing block seating for members and guests; however, fans can check back to see if seats become available.
Caroline Sherman / Cornell AthleticsThe Pep Band brings extra spirit to the famed arena.
The Cornell Store is also taking orders for Frozen Apple T-shirts, which will ship in mid-November.
“We are thrilled to bring Cornell back to Madison Square Garden on Thanksgiving Weekend,” says head coach Casey Jones ’90.
“There is nothing quite like competing at the world’s most famous arena in front of our alumni and the Lynah Faithful. It energizes our players and connects our community in a truly special way.”
(Top: Photo by Jared Silber / MSG.)
Published November 2, 2026
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