The Lafayette-Lehigh football game is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in college football. The two schools have met on the gridiron 149 times, with Lafayette holding a slight edge in the all-time series, 77-68-4. The game is played annually at either Lafayette’s Fisher Stadium or Lehigh’s Goodman Stadium, and it is always one of the most anticipated events of the college football season.
History of the Rivalry
The first Lafayette-Lehigh game was played in 1884, and it quickly became one of the most popular sporting events in the region. The two schools are located just a few miles apart, and their students and alumni have always had a strong sense of rivalry. The game is known for its intense atmosphere and passionate fans, and it has often been played in front of sellout crowds.
Over the years, the Lafayette-Lehigh game has produced some of the most memorable moments in college football history. In 1964, Lafayette pulled off one of the biggest upsets in college football history when they defeated Lehigh 14-10. The game was played in front of a record crowd of over 25,000 fans, and it is still considered one of the greatest victories in Lafayette’s history.
In 1980, the two schools played one of the most controversial games in college football history. Lehigh scored a touchdown with just seconds remaining in the game to take a 21-20 lead. However, the referees ruled that Lehigh had committed a penalty on the play, and they awarded the touchdown to Lafayette. The decision caused a riot in the stands, and it took several hours for the game to be completed.
The Rivalry Today
The Lafayette-Lehigh rivalry is still going strong today, and it remains one of the most popular sporting events in the region. The game is always played in front of a large crowd, and it is always one of the most anticipated events of the college football season.
In recent years, the two schools have been evenly matched, and the games have been very competitive. In 2019, Lafayette defeated Lehigh 24-21 in a game that was decided on the final play of the game. In 2020, Lehigh defeated Lafayette 28-21 in a game that was played in front of a limited crowd due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Future of the Rivalry
The Lafayette-Lehigh rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied in college football, and it is sure to continue for many years to come. The two schools are located just a few miles apart, and their students and alumni have always had a strong sense of rivalry. The game is always played in front of a large crowd, and it is always one of the most anticipated events of the college football season.
The Lafayette-Lehigh game has a significant economic impact on the region. The game attracts thousands of fans to the area, and they spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. In 2019, the game generated an estimated $5 million in economic activity for the region.
The Lafayette-Lehigh game is also a major source of revenue for the two schools. The game generates millions of dollars in ticket sales, concessions, and other revenue streams. This revenue helps to support the athletic departments at both schools, and it also helps to fund other academic and extracurricular programs.
The Lafayette-Lehigh game has a significant social impact on the region. The game brings people together from all walks of life, and it helps to create a sense of community. The game is also a source of pride for both schools, and it helps to promote their academic and athletic achievements.
The Lafayette-Lehigh game is a major tradition in the region, and it is a source of pride for both schools. The game brings people together from all walks of life, and it helps to create a sense of community. The game is also a major economic driver for the region, and it generates millions of dollars in revenue for the two schools.
The Lafayette-Lehigh game is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in college football. The game is always played in front of a large crowd, and it is always one of the most anticipated events of the college football season. The game has a significant economic and social impact on the region, and it is a source of pride for both schools.