Football To Feature Seven Home Games In 2014
ALBANY, N.Y. – Entering the University at Albany’s 42nd season of varsity football, the Great Danes are slated to play a program-record seven home games in 2014. Under the direction of Greg Gattuso in his first season at the helm, UAlbany’s schedule will include four non-conference contests, eight CAA clashes, and two first-time meetings.
“We’re excited about the seven home games and the challenge of the upcoming schedule,” said Gattuso. “Hopefully our fans will make it hard for our opponents to play at Bob Ford Field.”
For just the fourth time in the program’s Division I FCS era, UAlbany will open up at home, hosting fresh face Holy Cross Aug. 30th. The game will air on ESPN3. The Crusaders of the Patriot League logged a 3-9 overall record in 2013.
In week two, the Great Danes will travel to take on the program’s most familiar opponent in recent history, Central Connecticut State of the Northeast Conference. Leading the all-time series, 12-6, UAlbany will meet the Blue Devils for the 19th time in the last 20 years on Sept. 6th. CCSU finished the 2013 season with a 4-8 overall mark.
After a bye week, UAlbany will play 10 consecutive games, starting with Rhode Island on the road Sept. 20th in the 2014 CAA-opener. Overcoming the Danes in overtime in 2013, URI leads the all-time series, 1-0. They accrued a 3-9 record last season.
“I think it’s a good thing that our bye week is early this season,” said Gattuso. “It will allow our new staff time to look at the first two games and reevaluate if need be.”
UAlbany will step back out of conference play on Sept. 27, hosting Columbia for the second time in program history. The Great Danes won the only other meeting with the Lions, 44-21, at Columbia in 2011. UAlbany owns a 2-3 record against Ivy League opponents. In 2013, the Lions went 0-10 on the season.
From there, UAlbany will host CAA foes James Madison Oct. 4th and Richmond for Homecoming on Oct. 11th.
Alternating road and home clashes for the remainder of the schedule, the Great Danes will travel to take on Maine, the defending CAA-champion, on Oct. 18th, and then return to Bob Ford Field to host Patriot League opponent Colgate Oct. 25th. UAlbany tied the all-time series, 2-2, in 2013 with a 37-34 victory in Hamilton.
On Nov. 1st, the Great Danes travel to face 2013 NCAA FCS Semifinalist New Hampshire before hosting Delaware Nov. 8th.
For the first time in program history, UAlbany will battle fellow CAA member Villanova on Nov. 15th. The Wildcats logged a 6-5 overall mark and 5-3 record in league play a year ago.
Finally, the Great Danes will close the 2014 regular season with rival Stony Brook on Nov. 22nd. The UAlbany Senior Day clash will represent the 17th meeting between the programs, with the Danes leading the all-time series, 10-6.
Until Feb. 28th, UAlbany Athletics will have a special season ticketing offer for Gold Seats. Everyone who donates $ 1,000 to Athletics will be eligible to purchase up to six gold seats at a price of $ 150 per ticket. Those who donate $ 500 to Athletics will be eligible to purchase up to two gold seats. Beginning March 1st, Gold Seats return to their original structure, which is a $ 500 donation per seat.
Lower Level Reserved season tickets are available for $ 110, while a new option of Upper Level Reserved Premium tickets are being offered for the first time. The Premium seats are located in Sections 204 and 205, priced at $ 95, while the remainder of Upper Level Reserved seats cost $ 85 for the season.
Lastly, Away Reserved tickets are on sale for $ 70 apiece, and the First Niagara Family Berm season seats cost $ 60. All Child and Senior season tickets in all reserved levels are priced at $ 30 each (Child 12 and under, Senior 65 and over).
Single-game tickets will go on sale August 1st.
