INWOOD — Columbia University plans to hold its first Northern Manhattan Appreciation Day at Baker Field in Inwood on Saturday during the school's football home opener against Albany.
Residents of the area can get free tickets by showing proof of residency in Washington Heights or Inwood on the day of the game, according to school officials.
The free event is part of Columbia University’s community agreement tied to its Baker Field project — a new, $100 million 47,700-square-foot field house on the corner of West 218th Street and Broadway.
The school received city approval for the deal, allowing it to set aside 1.5 percent of its waterfront property for public use instead of the normally required 15 percent.
After getting permission to move forward with the plan, the school agreed to provide the community with certain concessions, including a newly developed waterfront park, a three-year donation of $100,000, the annual free event and other benefits.
Roughly 800 tickets were also distributed to elected officials and community organizations as part of the school's outreach effort.
Game attendees will receive free snacks from restaurants in the Northern Manhattan community, beverages in the pre-game picnic area, schedule posters and magnets and water bottles for the first 1,000 fans.
The game is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Lawrence A. Wien Stadium located at 533 W. 218th St., near Broadway. Attendees can take the A train to the 207th Street station and board a shuttle bus from the northeast corner of West 211th Street and Broadway. The 1 train service is not runnign to 215th Street this weekend. Riders can also take MetroNorth to the Marble Hill station and walk to the game.
ADA accessibility to the stadium is located will be achieved through an accessible entry point on the east side of Chrystie Field House.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
