Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page! Here, you'll find all the information you need about our homecoming events and activities. Whether you're looking for general info, details about student tailgates, or the scoop on our BBQ, we've got you covered.

Tailgating & Game Day Details:

The tailgate for Homecoming 2025 will run from 11 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday, October 25th, and will be located in the designated areas of the LaValle Stadium parking lot.

Cars will be allowed in beginning at 11 am, and must arrive by 12 pm for entry. No cars will be allowed to enter the student section of the LaValle Stadium parking lot after 12 pm. See below for additional information:
- No registration is needed.
- A valid Stony Brook student ID and/or Driver’s license is required to park and may be requested by and checked by security upon entry.
- Drivers must follow the guidance of parking attendants and spaces will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be saved.
- No oversize vehicles are permitted in the tailgating lots (ex., trailers, box trucks, RVs).
- For the safety of all attendees, be advised that cars will not be allowed to leave the lot during the tailgate.
- All tailgating must end by 8 pm.
The Homecoming football game between the Stony Brook Seawolves and the Towson Tigers starts at 3:30 pm in Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium. Students may enter through Gate 1.

Tailgating & Game Day Policies:

Enforcement of the following Tailgating Policy is within the jurisdiction of the Stony Brook University Police Department, the Office of Student Life, Stony Brook University Athletics, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, and the Office of Administration. Any individual found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to immediate termination of tailgating privileges, criminal prosecution, and/or disciplinary action.
1. Cars will be allowed in beginning at 11 am, and must arrive by 12 pm for entry. No cars will be allowed to enter the student section of the LaValle Stadium parking lot after 12 pm.
  1. A valid Stony Brook student ID is required to park and may be requested by and checked by security upon entry.
  2. Drivers must follow the guidance of parking attendants, and spaces will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be saved.
  3. Traffic laws and directives that are enforced through University Police and parking personnel must be obeyed at all times. Driving or parking private vehicles on any sidewalks is prohibited.
  4. Tailgating is permitted directly behind your vehicle and cannot occupy an additional parking space or impede traffic flow within the parking lot.
  5. For the safety of all attendees, be advised that cars will not be allowed to leave the lot during the tailgate.
  6. Tailgating will not be permitted past 8 pm.
2. The University reserves the right to refuse entry into the parking lots, along with the area and/or the facility, to any person who appears to be intoxicated.
3. No overnight occupancy is allowed.
4. Individuals are responsible for compliance with all federal, state, local, and University laws, regulations and policies.
5. The University is not responsible or liable for loss or theft of materials, items, or personal property brought to the football game and surrounding area.
6. Consistent with the University Alcohol Policy, alcohol is permitted to be consumed by individuals who are 21 or older, consistent with New York State law. All alcohol laws shall be strictly enforced. Open container laws shall be strictly enforced on campus.
7. The University encourages tailgaters who consume alcohol to drink responsibly by serving food and nonalcoholic beverages and by having designated drivers to accommodate guests and hosts alike.
8. Individual tents (which may not exceed 10’ x 10’) are permitted. All 10x10 pop-up tents must adhere to the following guidelines:
  1. Canopies must be secured and may not obstruct fire/safety lanes, sidewalks, drive lanes or pedestrian walkways.
  2. Must be weighed down to prevent being blown away (Staking in the ground is prohibited).
  3. Do not tie/connect multiple tents together. If tents are affixed to others, they will be removed.
  4. No cooking or open flames underneath.
  5. Tents must be taken down by the start of the game.
  6. Any tent left unattended may be removed and disposed of by University officials.
  7. SBU reserves the right to prohibit tents depending on weather conditions.
9. Tailgating amenities, including furniture, grills, generators or satellite dishes, must also not be an obstruction to fire/safety lanes, sidewalks, drive lanes or pedestrian walkways. The University reserves the right to request that any equipment be removed if it is deemed to be a safety hazard.
10. Coals from charcoal grills must be placed in “HOT COALS” barrels located in tailgating locations.
11. Amplified sound systems/DJs are not permitted in the lot.
12. The unlawful possession, distribution or use of any drug or controlled substance is prohibited on campus, and such laws shall be enforced.
13. All trash must be placed in trash receptacles located in tailgating locations or carried out. The disposal of grease or hazardous materials onto the grounds or into storm drains is strictly prohibited.
14. The sale of food and/or beverages, or any other product, is prohibited. Commercial activity or solicitations are not allowed on campus.
15. All event participants are expected to be respectful to University property and all of the event participants around them.
16. The removal of any barricades, barrels or other traffic control devices is strictly prohibited.
17. Drunkenness, vandalism, obscene or harassing behavior and violence (or threats of violence) will not be tolerated and should be reported to the nearest law enforcement officer.
18. Stony Brook University is a tobacco-free campus.
19. All bags will be checked at the entrances to LaValle Stadium. One sealed bottle of water is permitted. No other outside food or beverage will be allowed inside the stadium.
20. No Re-Entry to Game: LaValle Stadium has a no re-entry policy. Once you enter the stadium, you will not be permitted to leave and re-enter unless in the case of a mandatory evacuation of the stadium. View the LaValle Stadium A to Z Fan Guide and become familiar with all of our game day information.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Student Life at 631-632-9912.

General Event Fire Safety Information

Tents:
- Any tent larger than 10’x10’ requires a tent permit. The tent permit is to be filled out by the department requesting the use of the tent and is to be submitted to Fire & Emergency Services. Once the permit is filed, the tent will be inspected and the permit issued.
- Must meet flammability ratings.
- All tents must be properly secured down using water barrels, large concrete weights or similar. Staking is not recommended.
- Some tents may require detailed construction drawings and a permit from CPDC.
- Tents with sidewalls, tables and chairs may need additional requirements such as exit signs, fire extinguishers, etc.
Barbecue:
- Barbecue using charcoal - discarding of hot charcoal must be put in a metal trash can designated for charcoal ONLY.
- Use of flammable liquids is prohibited.
- Barbecues using propane may not use anything larger than a standard-size 20-Lb tank.
- All propane tanks shall be properly secured to the ground to avoid tipping over.
- Use of a barbecue must be at least 25 ft away from any building./structure.
- Storage of extra tanks must be done off-site and not at the event.
- Do not place hot barbecues in your vehicle.
- Do not place hot coals in or under your vehicle.
Bonfires and Fire Pits: Strictly Prohibited.

Fire Lane/Emergency Vehicle Access: At all times, emergency vehicle access needs to be considered. Any roadway or access point that is closed off with a barricade shall only be done so where the barricade is staffed or can easily be moved by personnel. Emergency access lanes shall maintain a minimum width of 20 feet for the entire length of the roadway.

Fire Hydrants/Fire Department Connections: Shall not block. Must maintain a minimum clear distance of 3 feet.
Where is the Wolfstock Village BBQ taking place?
Join us in the LaValle Stadium parking lot for all the pre-game fun!

I pre-registered online. Where do I pick up my tickets?
Tickets can be picked up at the Wolfstock Village BBQ starting at 12:30 pm on Saturday, October 25. All pre-purchased tickets should be picked up before 3:00 pm to ensure you are there before the food and beverage stations close at 3:15 pm.

What activities will be at the Wolfstock Village BBQ?
Food, music, inflatables, balloon artists, games, face painting and more.

What does a Wolfstock Village BBQ ticket include?
A ticket includes unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as inflatables, games, music and activities.

Do Wolfstock Village BBQ tickets include a ticket to the football game?
We are offering packages that include a discounted football ticket if you pre-register. Limited number of football tickets are available.

When do the food and drink stations close at the BBQ?
Last call is at 3:00 pm. All food and beverage stations close at 3:15 pm. The Wolfstock Village BBQ ends at 3:30 pm.

Can I transfer my ticket to another person?
Wolfstock Village BBQ tickets are transferable upon request. Email advancementevents@stonybrook.edu or call (631) 632-4466.

Can I bring my pet?
The only animals allowed at Homecoming are service animals with proper I.D. Pets are not allowed.

Can I smoke or use tobacco products?
Stony Brook University is tobacco-free, which means smoking or using tobacco products at Homecoming or on the University campus is prohibited. Learn more about our smoke-free initiative.

Can I bring my own food into the Wolfstock Village BBQ?
No outside food or beverages are allowed into the BBQ. For dietary concerns including food allergies, please email advancementevents@stonybrook.edu or call (631) 632-4466.

What kind of food will be served?
Updated menu coming this summer!

How are the pictures taken at the Homecoming BBQ used after the event?
Select photos from the event can be viewed on the University Advancement's Flickr page. In addition, please note that images taken at the BBQ of you and those in your party could be used in University promotional materials. Please contact the Advancement Events Office at (631) 632-4466 with any questions or concerns.

Is there a charge for parking?
Parking will be available to guests in the Lot 1 at no charge. Parking in the LaValle Stadium Lot will only be available to fans who have purchased a season permit through Athletics.

Wolfstock Village is rain or shine. Refunds must be requested by Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 5 pm.
Win BIG at Wolfstock!

Two lucky Stony Brook University students will walk away with incredible prizes at the Homecoming football game — one for Housing, one for Tuition!

Housing Giveaway
- Open to undergraduate and graduate SBU students.
- One winner will be selected at random.
- SBU IDs will be collected via the entry form and verified with Campus Residences to confirm eligibility.
Tuition Contest
- Open to undergraduate in-state SBU students only.
- Four students will be randomly selected and contacted via text to confirm participation.
- Each student will have a limited time (approx. 10 minutes) to respond — if not, a new contestant will be chosen.
- The four official contestants will be announced over the public address system.
- Contestants will race from the 50-yard line to the end zone inside bumper balls — the first to cross the finish line wins the tuition prize!
Graduate Student $1,500 Giveaway
- Eligibility will be contingent on the student being a graduate student enrolled in a Master's or PhD program.
- Student must be in good academic standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homecoming Map