UAlbany might host future Empire State Games

[olddog71]

In an article entitled "All About Home Cooking," which appeared in yesterday's Times-Union, the sports writer specifically indicated UAlbany as a potential host for many of the events which it could host in a future ESG contest.

 

The writer mentioned the positive changes that are occurring on the campus which would make Albany a good host for future games. This event could attract good student-athletes who might not otherwise consider UAlbany as a school.

 

Here are some quotations from the article:

 

"'We've had some calls and discussions with Albany,' Smith said. 'My understanding is that the Giants' contract goes through 2008, so we might be looking at '09 or beyond.

 

"'We don't have a formal proposal from Albany, but it would be good for our staff. We know the venues in Albany, and that would make it easier to move events in case of rain like we had here. We'd want a formal proposal and a new inventory. Even at UAlbany there has been a lot of change.'

 

"Chabot also pointed to changes at the University at Albany as key to bringing the Empire State Games back for the first time since 1998. Competition for hotel rooms since the New York Giants moved their training camp to Albany has been a major factor keeping the games away from their headquarters city.

 

"'I think there's a real good chance we can have the games in Albany,' Chabot said. 'With the UAlbany administration change, I see potential for showcasing the college and showcasing the area.'"

 

The article mentions the Giants training camp as an obstacle for hosting the ESG since both events overlap in time, and there is keener competition for hotel space.

 

Here is the link to the article:

 

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story...wsdate=8/1/2006

 

Hosting the Empire State Games is a good way to attract athletes representing a big variety of sports and from all over the State to attend UAlbany. I can see students who might want to play football, for example, to consider UAlbany after viewing plans and actual construction of a new stadium. Other athletes in baseball and lacrosse, among others, might be surprised to see the quality of fields UAlbany offers.

[Patch]

No doubt the school is making a big strides.

 

The Administration should be applauded for all their efforts.

 

President Hall gets it. It's not that sports are more important then education but sports can be an important conduit to get the UA name out there to the public and to increase Regional and National exposure.

 

There is nothing better than free advertising.

 

As more students are attracted to UA and start researching it they will realize the great academic opportunities at UA and applications should increase which is good for the entire college.

 

The exposure leads to name recognition which is important when students are picking their colleges.

 

UA is improving in all areas of DI Sports, but it is the UA academic community that will benefit most as more recognition come to UA.