UAlbany’s 2025 Homecoming Festivities Excite Students and Alumni

By Avery Hayes | October 13, 2025

The University at Albany Football team gathers after a game at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium.

Photo Credit: Brent Warzocha | UAlbany Athletics

A weekend of high-energy homecoming activities for both students and alumni is slated for Oct. 17-19, including a much-anticipated football game, campus tours, tailgating, and more. 

University at Albany’s Alumni Association hosts an annual homecoming weekend at the university with a packed schedule full of events. 

“If you're planning to visit campus during Homecoming weekend,” their website details, “this is the event to be at!"

One of the most exciting events that happens every year is the homecoming football game, where students and alumni gather at the Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium to cheer on the Great Danes. 

This year, the team is taking on the University of Rhode Island on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for the big game can be found on the UAlbany Sports app, where students receive free admission to UAlbany football games, as well as other sporting events. 

One student particularly enthusiastic about the match-up is Cassidy Votta-Staple, a sophomore who transferred to UAlbany this year from the visiting University of Rhode Island. 

“I am so excited to see my old team,” Votta-Staple said, “but even more excited to root for my new team with friends, and a school that I love.” 

An annual tradition students and alumni enjoy during homecoming weekend is the Great Dane Pre-Game, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Students and alumni gather in the field behind Tom Casey Stadium, a change from previously-held tailgates in the Dutch lot, anticipating the game with food, drinks, and friends. Football parking can be purchased here prior to the event.  

School spirit is in full swing during these events, with students sporting UAlbany merchandise and alumni returning to campus to celebrate the occasion each year. 

“I can’t wait to spend the weekend with my friends, while supporting UAlbany,” said sophomore William Underkoffler.

Taylor O’Connor, Director of Digital Content and Communications for many of the UAlbany sports teams, including the football team, described Homecoming as “a great opportunity to see alumni from years past back at the same place supporting the program they love.” 

Many activities are set up for alumni to attend throughout homecoming weekend. Some of these events include a welcome ceremony where alumni can pick up a schedule of events and enjoy cider, coffee, and donuts at the Alumni House Welcome Center on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., a campus walking tour on Friday from 3-4 p.m., and the pre-game event on Saturday from 1-3:15 p.m. right before the Great Danes’ kick-off. 

A full list of these alumni events can be found on the Alumni Association's website.