Despite recent speculation regarding the possible cancellation of tailgate festivities for this season’s Homecoming game, Kenneth P. Lavalle Stadium’s parking lot was filled with open trunks, the smell of barbeque, blasting tunes and Stony Brook red this past Saturday, Oct. 5.

Sunny skies glistened off the rows of cars in the lot and students enjoyed pre-game excitement in groups, including interaction with organizations like Stony Brook’s Alumni Association and various Greek organizations.

“It’s my first here, and I wanted to get the experience now that my university has a football team,” junior Aly Schirmer explained when asked why she tailgated this year. She brought her friend, graduate student Brittany Disanot, with her to enjoy the festivities as well.

Sal Frarrujlia, 30-year Seawolves fan from Centereach, Long Island, said tailgating is a tradition within the surrounding community because “it’s a good get-together.” Eddie Alajbegu, 2013 alumnus, added, “It’s a good way to have fun with friends and get away from classes.”

Tailgating at Stony Brook is not just an excuse to celebrate Seawolf pride with family and friends–it is also a way to meet new people. Pratha Kattai, president of Stony Brook’s Out-of-State Student Association, prides her club on involving “people who don’t have other friends from around the area to get together and have a group of people to hang out with before the game.”

Seawolves of all ages and backgrounds participated in tailgate traditions this year, and the festivities provided opportunities for members of the Stony Brook community to come together and support the football team.