Athletics and Recreation
UAlbany's intercollegiate athletics program excels at the NCAA Division I level, producing competitive teams, successful coaches, and outstanding student-athletes recognized for their accomplishments both on the field and in the classroom. The University sponsors 19 varsity sports for men and women. Club sports, an intramural program, and recreational opportunities are also offered.
UAlbany is a member of the America East Conference in 17 of 19 varsity sports, while women’s golf is an associate member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and football, a Division I FCS program, is an associate member of the Colonial Athletic Association.
UAlbany has won 83 conference championships and has made 37 NCAA Tournament appearances since moving to Division I in 1999. Proving to be a perennial power, the Great Danes have won eight or more conference titles in each of the last five years. In 2014-15, UAlbany competed in a school-record six NCAA Tournaments, while winning nine conference championships, and was one of three universities in the country to have its men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, field hockey, and women’ golf teams make NCAA Division I Tournament appearances -- the others were Duke and North Carolina. In addition, field hockey’s run to the Final Four was a first for any SUNY school, while Paula Heuser was named the National Player of the Year. UAlbany is also home to Lyle Thompson, the Tewaaraton Award winner -- an honor given to the best collegiate lacrosse player in the country. Including Thompson, UAlbany has had 11 players selected in the Major League Lacrosse Draft, eight players have been drafted by Major League Baseball, while 12 football players have inked NFL contracts.
For more information, visit www.UAlbanySports.com or call UAlbany Athletics at (518) 442-DANE (3263). Follow the Great Danes on Twitter (@UAlbanySports), Facebook and Instagram (UAlbany Athletics). The Intramural Office can be contacted at 442-5640.
UAlbany’s indoor and outdoor athletic facilities are among the most comprehensive in the Northeast. In 2012-2013, the University constructed a state-of-the-art 8,500 seat multi-sport complex for football and soccer; a brand new track and field venue; and a synthetic turf field designed for year-round recreational, intramural and club sport activities. Also in recent years, UAlbany built two all-weather athletic fields. John Fallon Field is home to the men's and women's lacrosse teams, and an adjacent surface known as Alumni Turf Field is home to field hockey, in addition to serving as a multi-use recreational field for UAlbany students.
The Great Danes’ indoor facilities are also top-notch. SEFCU Arena, the Physical Education Building, and an air-supported bubble are utilized for sporting and cultural activities. In addition, there are lighted tennis courts, racquetball/squash/handball courts, a swimming pool, a dance studio, and a fitness and weight training center. The Department of Athletics & Recreation is located in both the SEFCU Arena and the Physical Education Building, (518-442-DANE).
