In 1896 , Holy Cross and Boston College played the first football game between the two schools , starting the Boston College – Holy Cross football rivalry . For much of the early to mid 20th century , BC and The Cross drew some of New England 's largest sports crowds . To accommodate larger crowds , the Holy Cross game was routinely held at larger venues off campus , with the 1916 matchup taking place at the newly constructed Fenway Park . A record 54,000 attended the 1922 game at Braves Field , home of the Boston Braves baseball team . On November 28 , 1942 , Holy Cross beat BC in a huge upset 55 – 12 . The game is still the most famous between the two foes , not only for its result ( which spoiled BC 's undefeated season ) but also its aftermath . The Eagles had booked their victory party that night at the popular Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston , but canceled after the loss . As a result , the BC team was absent when the club caught fire , killing nearly 500
the club caught fire
Cocoanut Grove fire
Holy Cross Crusaders football