Homecoming Tailgate

Join us on Saturday, October 17, for Homecoming as the Stony Brook Seawolves take on the Albany Great Danes at 2:30 p.m. in Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium! Advance registration via the SBU Parking Portal is required for all vehicle entry into tailgating lots.

Game Day Schedule

• 8:30–9:30 a.m. | Early-In Tailgating entry (no vehicle entry after 9:30 a.m.)
• 10:00–11:00 a.m. | General Tailgating entry (no vehicle entry after 11:00 a.m.)
• 2:30 p.m. | Kickoff at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium
• 3:00 p.m. | Tailgate lot exits open
• 7:00 p.m. | All tailgating activities conclude

How to Register 

All attendees bringing a vehicle must register in advance through the Stony Brook University Parking Portal. Registration includes space for one vehicle plus one adjacent unoccupied space for your tent, chairs, and tailgate setup.

• Season Ticket Holders: Check your email for a direct registration link from parking@stonybrook.edu. Additional registration is only required for the Homecoming game
• Access the Portal: Go to the SBU Parking Portal and select Event Permits. SBU students and employees: log in first to quickly select your registered vehicle.
  • ADA Parking: Requires both a valid Homecoming parking permit and a government-issued ADA placard or plate.
• Select Lot & Permit: Choose your preferred permit type (Early-In or General) and pick your desired parking lot.
• Enter Vehicle Details: Provide your vehicle information and contact email address.
• Review & Complete: Confirm your details, complete the transaction, and download or print the color permit sent to your email.

Before You Arrive

Review these essential reminders before heading to the stadium:

• Get Your Permit Ready: Have your permit loaded on your phone, or bring a color-printed copy.
• Group Tailgating & Parking Placement:
  • Parking is strictly first-come, first-served. Parking attendants will park vehicles sequentially in the order they arrive to fill the lot safely and efficiently.
  • Saving parking spots is strictly prohibited. You cannot hold an empty adjacent space for another vehicle arriving later.
  • If you want to tailgate next to friends or specific groups, you must arrive together. Plan to meet up off campus before arriving at the tailgate entry points so your vehicles can drive in line together.
• Know the Hard Cutoffs:
  • No entry permitted after your window closes (9:30 a.m. for Early-In; 11 a.m. for General).
  • Vehicles cannot exit lots prior to 3 p.m. for attendee safety.
  • Tents must come down by kickoff (2:30 p.m.).
  • All tailgating concludes at 7 p.m.
• Vehicle Restrictions: No oversized vehicles (RVs, trailers, box trucks). Driving or parking on sidewalks is strictly prohibited.
• Tents & Canopies:
  • Tents must be 10’x10’ or smaller and secured with heavy weights (water barrels/sandbags/concrete weights). Ground staking is strictly prohibited. 
    • Any tent larger than 10’x10’ requires an advance permit from Fire & Emergency Services and must meet flammability ratings.
    • Tents with sidewalls, tables, and chairs may require additional items such as exit signs and fire extinguishers
  • Tents cannot be connected to one another, block walkways, or obstruct fire/safety lanes. 
  • Removal & Weather: All tents must be taken down by kickoff (2:30 p.m.). Unattended tents are subject to removal. SBU reserves the right to prohibit the use of tents in high-wind or severe weather conditions.
• Grilling, Fire & Electrical Safety
  • Cooking or open flames under tents is strictly prohibited.
  • Only propane grills (max 20 lb tank, properly secured against tipping) placed 25 ft from buildings are allowed. Storage of extra tanks must be off-site and not at the event. Hot barbecues are not permitted inside vehicles.
  • Prohibited Items: Flammable liquids/gasoline, gas cans for generators, open flames, bonfires, and fire pits.
  • Clearance: All equipment (furniture, satellite dishes, grills, generators) must leave fire lanes clear (minimum width of 20 ft) and maintain a 3-foot clearance around fire hydrants.
• Sound, Alcohol & Behavior
  • Alcohol Policy: Permitted only for individuals 21 and older, consistent with NYS law. Open container laws are enforced outside designated tailgating areas. Responsible consumption of food and non-alcoholic drinks is strongly encouraged.
  • Prohibited Behavior: Amplified sound systems/DJs, commercial sales/solicitations, illegal drugs, tobacco/vaping, drunkenness, property damage, and abusive behavior are strictly prohibited.
  • Prohibited Setup: Do not move barricades, barrels, or traffic control devices.
• LaValle Stadium Policies
  • Student Entry: Students enter through Gate 1 with a valid Student ID.
  • No Re-Entry Policy: Once you enter the stadium, re-entry is prohibited (except in the event of a mandatory emergency evacuation).
  • Bag Inspection & Outside Items: All bags will be checked at stadium gates. Only one sealed bottle of water per person is allowed inside. No other outside food or beverages are permitted.

Enforcement & Liability

Enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the Stony Brook University Police Department, Student Life, Athletics, Student Conduct, and Administration. Violations may result in loss of tailgating privileges, ejection, disciplinary action, or legal prosecution. The University is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.

For more information visit the Homecoming website.