Blab Sports
Watertown Red & Black Set to Open 2026 Season in Northeastern Football Alliance
The Watertown Red & Black, the oldest active semi‑professional football team in the United States, will begin its 2026 campaign on May 30 with a home game against Ithaca. The team has confirmed that it will return to the Northeastern Football Alliance (NFA) after a brief stint in the Empire Football League.
The Red & Black’s decision to re‑join the NFA was announced on April 8, 2026. The move means the season will start in late May instead of the traditional July kickoff that the Empire Football League uses. The team’s home field, the Alex Duffy Fairgrounds in Watertown, will host the opening game.
The Red & Black have a long and storied history. Founded in 1896, the club is recognized as the second‑most successful semi‑pro team in terms of wins and games played. The franchise’s all‑time record stands at 661 wins, 318 losses and 43 ties, giving it a winning percentage of .647. The team’s longevity has earned it a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s showcase of semi‑pro teams.
In recent years, the Red & Black have been competitive. The 2025 season saw quarterback Brian Williams and running back Joe Brennan each rush over a thousand yards. The team finished the season with a strong record and earned a berth in the NFA playoffs.
The 2026 schedule will feature a mix of conference and non‑conference opponents. The opening game against Ithaca will be followed by matchups against other NFA teams, as well as a few games against local rivals in the Empire Football League. The team’s management has emphasized that the schedule will provide a balance of travel and home advantage.
Watertown’s sports scene is not limited to football. The Adirondack Thunder, a professional ice hockey club in the ECHL, play their home games at the Harding Mazzotti Arena in Glens Falls, New York. The Thunder are affiliated with the New Jersey Devils of the NHL and the Utica Comets of the AHL. The team’s presence adds a professional hockey option for North Country residents.
The North Country region of Upstate New York is a largely rural area that includes seven counties and is bordered by Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Canadian border. Watertown, the region’s largest city, serves as a commercial hub and is home to a population of about 24,685. The city’s proximity to Fort Drum, a U.S. Army base, and its location near the Thousand Islands make it a focal point for tourism and commerce.
The Red & Black’s return to the NFA is part of a broader effort to strengthen semi‑professional football in the region. The NFA has a history of providing competitive play for teams that are not part of the larger professional leagues. By starting the season earlier, the Red & Black aim to avoid scheduling conflicts with other regional sports events and to maximize attendance.
The team’s front office, led by General Manager and Head Coach John Ramus, has highlighted the importance of community support. The Red & Black’s home games at the Alex Duffy Fairgrounds are a local tradition, drawing fans from across the North Country.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Red & Black are preparing for a challenging schedule. The team’s coaching staff is focused on player development, particularly for the offensive line and defensive secondary. The organization has also announced plans to upgrade the facilities at the Fairgrounds to improve the fan experience.
The Adirondack Thunder will continue to compete in the ECHL, with a schedule that includes regular season games and playoff contention. The Thunder’s affiliation with the New Jersey Devils provides a pathway for players to advance to the NHL.
In summary, the Watertown Red & Black are set to begin their 2026 season on May 30 against Ithaca in the Northeastern Football Alliance. The team’s long history, strong record, and community ties make it a key part of North Country sports. Meanwhile, the Adirondack Thunder’s presence in the ECHL adds professional hockey to the region’s athletic offerings. Fans in the North Country can look forward to a season of competitive football and hockey in 2026.
The Red & Black’s decision to re‑join the NFA was announced on April 8, 2026. The move means the season will start in late May instead of the traditional July kickoff that the Empire Football League uses. The team’s home field, the Alex Duffy Fairgrounds in Watertown, will host the opening game.
The Red & Black have a long and storied history. Founded in 1896, the club is recognized as the second‑most successful semi‑pro team in terms of wins and games played. The franchise’s all‑time record stands at 661 wins, 318 losses and 43 ties, giving it a winning percentage of .647. The team’s longevity has earned it a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s showcase of semi‑pro teams.
In recent years, the Red & Black have been competitive. The 2025 season saw quarterback Brian Williams and running back Joe Brennan each rush over a thousand yards. The team finished the season with a strong record and earned a berth in the NFA playoffs.
The 2026 schedule will feature a mix of conference and non‑conference opponents. The opening game against Ithaca will be followed by matchups against other NFA teams, as well as a few games against local rivals in the Empire Football League. The team’s management has emphasized that the schedule will provide a balance of travel and home advantage.
Watertown’s sports scene is not limited to football. The Adirondack Thunder, a professional ice hockey club in the ECHL, play their home games at the Harding Mazzotti Arena in Glens Falls, New York. The Thunder are affiliated with the New Jersey Devils of the NHL and the Utica Comets of the AHL. The team’s presence adds a professional hockey option for North Country residents.
The North Country region of Upstate New York is a largely rural area that includes seven counties and is bordered by Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Canadian border. Watertown, the region’s largest city, serves as a commercial hub and is home to a population of about 24,685. The city’s proximity to Fort Drum, a U.S. Army base, and its location near the Thousand Islands make it a focal point for tourism and commerce.
The Red & Black’s return to the NFA is part of a broader effort to strengthen semi‑professional football in the region. The NFA has a history of providing competitive play for teams that are not part of the larger professional leagues. By starting the season earlier, the Red & Black aim to avoid scheduling conflicts with other regional sports events and to maximize attendance.
The team’s front office, led by General Manager and Head Coach John Ramus, has highlighted the importance of community support. The Red & Black’s home games at the Alex Duffy Fairgrounds are a local tradition, drawing fans from across the North Country.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Red & Black are preparing for a challenging schedule. The team’s coaching staff is focused on player development, particularly for the offensive line and defensive secondary. The organization has also announced plans to upgrade the facilities at the Fairgrounds to improve the fan experience.
The Adirondack Thunder will continue to compete in the ECHL, with a schedule that includes regular season games and playoff contention. The Thunder’s affiliation with the New Jersey Devils provides a pathway for players to advance to the NHL.
In summary, the Watertown Red & Black are set to begin their 2026 season on May 30 against Ithaca in the Northeastern Football Alliance. The team’s long history, strong record, and community ties make it a key part of North Country sports. Meanwhile, the Adirondack Thunder’s presence in the ECHL adds professional hockey to the region’s athletic offerings. Fans in the North Country can look forward to a season of competitive football and hockey in 2026.
