The University at Albany and its intercollegiate athletics program continues to move forward in the 21st century.UAlbany's athletic teams began competition at the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I level in September 1999. The upgrade elevated all men's and women's programs, and placed football in the NCAA's I-AA classification.
In January 2001, the University accepted an invitation to become a full member of the America East Conference.Eighteen of theschool's nineteen varsity teams are eligible through America East play for conference championships and NCAA post-season competition. Football, a NCAA Division I-AA program, has been an associate member of the Northeast Conference since 1999.
UAlbany has won 17 conference championships since moving to the Division I. n 2005-06, the Great Danes captured America East titles in men's basketball, men's indoor track, men's and women's outdoor track & field, and softball. UAlbany was awarded the Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner's Cup, which annually recognizes the strongest athletic program in the America East Conference based on success both during the regular season and at championship competition, in 2004-05. UAlbany's point total was bolstered by America East championships in volleyball, men's lacrosse, men's outdoor track and field and softball. The Great Danes were also runners-up in men's indoor track and field and women's golf.Meanwhile, Kurt Campbell became the first UAlbany football player to be selected in the NFL Draft when he went in the seventh round to the Green Bay Packers.
UAlbany has an athletic history that dates back to the late 1890s when the first known intercollegiate teams arrived on campus. Albany competed at the college division level prior to the NCAA's restructuring in 1972. The athletic program moved from Division III to Division II in 1995-96.
UAlbany's intercollegiate program has a new direction, but continues to excel in the athletic realm, sponsoring 19 varsity sports for men and women. Club sports, an intramural program, and recreational opportunities are also offered.
The quality of UAlbany’s athletic program is evidenced by some of the finest facilities in the nation.
In the spring of 1992, the University opened the Recreation and Convocation Center (RACC), an $11 million state-of-the-art facility. The RACC is the home for Albany’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, and has an .11 mile indoor track.The 5,000-seat arena also serves as a major venue for community events such as rock and pop concerts, sporting events and University activities.
The RACC and Physical Education Building had air-conditioning installed in March 1996, as the state appropriated funds for renovations and permanent improvements to the University's facilities. The $2.3 million in funding was prompted by the New York Giants decision to hold their football training camp on campus. The project brought together the region's community in what has proven to be a successful partnership.
In addition, The Bubble, UAlbany's air-supported structure, fitted with a brand-new covering with minor interior renovations in the spring of 2003, may be utilized for tennis, basketball, volleyball, and indoor football practice.
The indoor complex is complemented by fine outdoor facilities, including University Field, which seats capacity crowds of 10,000 for football games, and has an all-weather, 400-meter track surrounding a natural grass surface. There are 12 lighted tennis courts, four basketball and six volleyball courts; and numerous fields for football, soccer, softball, baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, and other events.
The practice fields on the Western Avenue side of campus were renovated in June 1996 with 263,000 square feet of two-inch thick athletic sod.
UAlbany broke ground on the site of what will become two all-weather athletic fields in May 2005. "John Fallon Field" is the home to the men's and women's lacrosse teams. An adjacent surface known as "Alumni Turf Field" is used for women's field hockey in addition to serving as a multi-use recreational field for UAlbany students. The first phase of construction, which included lighting, landscaping and fencing, was completed in 2004.
Giants Training Camps
| | College | Years | University at Albany
| 1996-20081996-2009 | Fairleigh Dickinson University
| 1988-1995 | Pace University
| 1975-1987 | Fairfield University
| 1974 | Monmouth College
| 1972-1973 | C.W. Post
| 1970-1971 | Fairfield University
| 1961-1969 | St. Michael's College (Winooski, VT)
| 1959-1960 | Willamette University (Salem, OR)
| 1958 | St. Michael's College (Winooski, VT)
| 1956-1957 | Willamette University (Salem, OR)
| 1954-1955 | Gustavus-Adolphus
| 1952-1953 | Saranac, New York
| 1950-1951 | Pearl River, New York
| 1947-1949 | Superior, Wisconsin
| 1946 | Bear Mountain
| 1943-1945
| Superior, Wisconsin
| 1941-1942 | Blue Hills Country Club (Pearl River, NY)
| 1940 | Superior, Wisconsin
| 1939 | Pearl River, New York
| 1934-1938 | | Pompton Lakes, NJ | 1933 |
Dale Burnett leads the way for Hank Soar while Tarzan White blocks in a scrimmage at Training Camp in Pearl River, 1938.
In the background is a young Wellington Mara (third from right in hat). | |
Back home to: NY Giants 
