The Harvard Crimson versus Yale Bulldogs football game in 2026 will be played at Fenway Park, both schools officially announced Wednesday. The contest will mark the 142nd edition of ‘The Game.’
Harvard and Yale, both members of the Ivy League, will square off at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026. Fenway Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB).
“Fenway Park was built for moments that stand the test of time, and few traditions in American sports carry the weight and history of Harvard-Yale,” said Sam Kennedy, President & CEO, Boston Red Sox. “To be able to host these two institutions in 2026 will be another proud moment for our ballpark, and we can’t wait to see generations of alumni, students, and fans come together to celebrate this historic matchup.”
Harvard and Yale played the 134th edition of ‘The Game’ at Fenway Park during the 2018 season. The Crimson defeated the Bulldogs in that contest, 45-27.
“Playing The Game at Fenway Park is an extraordinary opportunity for our football team and our community,” said Harvard Director of Athletics Erin McDermott. “Competing in such a historic Boston sports venue adds new energy and meaning to one of the greatest rivalries in college athletics. This setting celebrates both tradition and innovation, and we’re thrilled that the Harvard community will share in this remarkable experience, made possible through the leadership at Fenway Park.”
The Harvard-Yale football game began in 1875, marking one of the oldest rivalries in college football. The rivalry has seen over 140 matchups, with Yale leading 71-61-8, but Harvard gaining ground in recent decades.
Fenway Park is slated to host a Patriot League matchup this season on Saturday, Nov. 22, which features the Georgetown Hoyas taking on the Holy Cross Crusaders. Then on Saturday, Dec. 27, the Wasabi Fenway Bowl will be held at Fenway Park, matching a team from the ACC or Notre Dame against an opponent from the American Conference.
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🏈x⚾️ "We are excited as a program to play in such a historic Venus and look forward to bringing the entire Harvard community together in Fenway Park for The Game in 2026!"
📰 https://t.co/UHhlozh3Rx#GoCrimson #OneCrimson #HarvardYale #TheGame pic.twitter.com/c6ELMTNfNJ
— Harvard Football (@HarvardFootball) August 27, 2025
Fenway Park best baseball stadium to host a CFB game.
No, it isn’t.
I will never understand the “charm” in football games in baseball stadiums. The novelty wore off a decade ago. Harvard Stadium, while an absolute dump, seats 30,323. You could probably fit 5,000 more people in Fenway, though of the say 35,000 seats, MAYBE 10K are good for football. And the big thing about Harvard-Yale is the pregame tailgating party which can’t occur at Fenway. FCS teams only get five home games a year. Keep the games on campus!
Very good points, I am sure this is more for the TV audience though and little other thought was given to traditions.
Correction – Ivy League teams only get 5 home games!
Several have 7 this year and Montana actually has 8 home dates.
College football is made to be played on campus and not at a baseball park where the viewing angles make it uncomfortable to view a football game.
Fenway Park needs a void to be filled now with Red Sox season over.
Campus stadium is excellent for conference & cupcakes games
Neutral sites are excellent for OOC P4 games.
Fenway Park went like 50+ years without hosting football. There is no “void” to fill. There are no football games at Yankee Stadium other than the Pinstripe Bowl. There are no football games at Comerica Park, PNC Park, Target Field, Camden Yards, etc. There is no need to play football games in Fenway. Gillette Stadium would make a lot more sense given that it is 45 minutes from Cambridge and a little over two hours from New Haven
Why the fascination with Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field. They are horrible football venues.
I hope Yale never gives in….the Ivy League, which was all about being snobby and elite has now dummied itself down. They’re playing Friday night games and now they’re selling themselves to football stadiums. What happened!!!
I’m glad they’re going to play in the FCS Playoffs, but I don’t get this one, just like I don’t get Holy Cross playing home games at Polar Park.
But my opinion and $10 gets you nothing
A game on “historic Venus” should have astronomical odds!
Many of the students will already be gone for Thanksgiving break. I don’t think the location change to Fenway Park really matters that much.
The game is BEFORE Thanksgiving break—the Saturday before—most college kids don’t leave for home until the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. That’s really not the point. Look at Fenway–it is horrible for football.
But—even the Ivy League is selling it’s soul