A look at the history making people and events in America’s College Athletics 1st Intercollegiate Game This painting is one of a series commissioned in 1969 by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of American intercollegiate football. For years, same form of football had been played on campuses and elsewhere. It wasn't until 1869 that, for the first time, one college played another in a game. Rutgers challenged Princeton in what was to become the first game in the history of intercollegiate football. The historic game was played on a clear autumn day in a cow pasture. Knute Rockne at Notre Dame A man of legendary strength, rock-solid character, and inspirational leadership, Knute Rockne stands tall as one of the greatest coaches of all time. Here in this dramatic picture, through diligent research, Friberg has painted accurately the very locker room as it was in Rockne's time, including the authentic inspirational signs lettered by the students themselves. This painting is one of a series commissioned in 1969 by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of American intercollegiate football.