Centennial Football Game Committee Records

The Centennial Football Game Committee was formed in 1968 as a result of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first "official" collegiate football contest between Rutgers University and Princeton University on November 6, 1869. The game itself had little resemblance to the style of American football that would be evolved later in its presently recognizable form. Nonetheless, it is generally recognized that this game between the two schools was the first collegiate football game played. College football eventually evolved into a major American sport with a significant national following.

In 1969, Albert W. Twitchell was the University Athletic Director and was thus instrumental in the planning and development of the activities and events that would commemorate this historic event at Rutgers.

The Committee worked with Princeton University to schedule a centennial game which would be played on September 27, 1969. They also were involved in the planning of various events which took place over a two day period including a reenactment of the original game between Rutgers and Princeton, a centennial dinner and awards ceremony and a centennial parade. Another event which took place the day before the game was a ceremony to introduce a stamp, issued by the US Postal Service, in commemoration of the centennial college football season. Additionally during half-time of the 1969 centennial game, Rutgers organized a vintage car show.

A significant amount of planning and logistics went into conducting both the centennial game was well as the various other commemorative events. The committee was involved in correspondence with advertisers, event participants, and the press through out the planning aspects of the events. The game and football season were heavily covered by both the local and national press.

The game was a national event and various celebrities and significant political figures were invited, including President Richard Nixon, who declined because of his schedule. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin was also invited but unable to attend the game.

Rutgers played the centennial game on September 27, 1969 and defeated visiting Princeton University 29-0.