UAlbany Football Unveils Upgraded 2026 Game Day Experience

ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany Department of Athletics has announced a revitalized game day experience for the 2026 football season at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium. Designed to elevate energy and bring Great Danes fans closer to the action, this year's lineup features significant venue upgrades, pregame festivities, and enhanced fan amenities.

Great Dane Gameday Moves to Field Club
The premier fan experience upgrade of the 2026 season is Great Dane Game Day, presented by Pepsi, moving inside of Casey Stadium with direct access to both the Broadview and Grass parking lots during pregame. Great Dane Game Day now opens 2.5 hours prior to kickoff in the Field Club area and is free and open to the general public with no game ticket required for entry. The area will feature music by Vara DJs, local food and beverage trucks, family games, inflatables, and field-level views of team warmups. Approximately 40 minutes prior to kickoff, fans will be asked to exit the Field Club and head to the main gates to scan their tickets and pass through security. Once inside, ticketed fans can return to the Field Club to enjoy full food and beverage concessions while watching the game just steps from the action.

Tailgating & Parking

Located in the grass lots positioned right next to Casey Stadium, UAlbany’s gameday parking setup offers an incredible tailgating atmosphere just steps from the field. Moving gameday parking directly adjacent to the stadium has created a shorter walk, higher energy, and a premier environment for Great Danes fans to gather before kickoff.

• Early Parking Access: Parking lots open 4 hours prior to kickoff, giving fans ample time to set up and celebrate.
• Prime Tailgating Atmosphere: Grass-lot parking directly surrounding the stadium delivers the ultimate pregame environment.
• 10' x 10' Tailgate Space: Every single parking spot includes a dedicated 10' x 10' area for tents, grills, and pregame setups.
• Save on Parking: Fans who purchase single-game parking are encouraged to do so in advance to save $5 over the gameday rate. 

To secure your spot and lock in advance savings, click here. 

Updated Pregame Timeline 

Fans are encouraged to lock in their tailgate, head into Casey Stadium early, and be in their seats well before kickoff to catch every moment of the updated pregame schedule. Teams will take the field for warmups approximately 60 minutes prior to kickoff, followed by a pregame performance from the Marching Great Danes, UAlbany Cheer, and UAlbany Dance teams approximately 20 minutes before game start. The official team intro video will air six minutes prior, leading directly into the Great Danes taking the field. The coin toss featuring team captains from both squads will take place immediately following the entrance, culminating with the playing of the National Anthem right before kickoff with the Great Danes lined up on the field.

2026 Themed Game Days & Promotions 

The energy continues inside the stadium with a packed schedule of sponsor promotions, youth games, on-field competitions, and halftime experiences. Fans are encouraged to arrive in their seats early to catch the pregame hype video and greet the Great Danes as they take the field.

• Aug. 28 vs. UNH: Season Opener / Blackout Night & Halftime Fireworks
• Sept. 19 vs. Monmouth: Hometown Heroes & Family Weekend
• Oct. 3 vs. Delaware State: Homecoming
• Oct. 31 vs. Campbell: Spooky Saturday & Spirit Day (Trick-or-Treating & Costumes)
• Nov. 14 vs. Maine: Senior Day

Gold Seat Experience 

For fans seeking the premier view on game day, Gold Seats offer prime placement in the center sections of Casey Stadium directly behind the UAlbany sideline. This premium seating area is sectioned off from the rest of the venue to create a dedicated, secure spectator experience. To maximize comfort and convenience, Gold Seat ticket holders have exclusive access to their own private concession area—allowing fans to bypass the main concourse lines and never miss a snap. In addition, fans who purchase two or more Gold Seat season tickets will receive a complimentary Broadview Lot parking pass. 

To elevate your game day experience, click here to purchase Gold Seat season tickets or click here to purchase Gold Seat single-game tickets. 

Tickets & Contact Information 

Season tickets, single-game packages, and discounted advance parking passes for the 2026 season are available now. For more information or to purchase tickets and parking passes, click here or contact the UAlbany Athletics Ticket Office by phone at (518) 442-DANE (3263) or via email at GreatDaneTickets@albany.edu.
 
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