Together We Transform Thursday – September 5, 2019
 
On January 14, 2016, the first edition of "Together We Transform Thursday" was submitted by yours truly. Each Thursday since (with very few exceptions), I have written to you with information and insight about Stony Brook Athletics.
 
To those of you who take the time to read each week (or even once in a blue moon), I am grateful. From my first day as Director of Athletics, I have maintained that we can reach historic heights as long as we do it together.
 
We're going to try something new with the blog next week so let me know what you think. As always if you have any questions about the department or issues that you would like for me to discuss, please let me know at shawn.heilbron@stonybrook.edu.
 
Fan Enhancement: Beer and Wine Sales for Football and Basketball

Like so many other programs across the country, Stony Brook will introduce beer and wine sales at football and basketball games as part of a pilot program for 2019-20.
 
I'm very excited to offer this service to our fans and look forward to a successful implementation beginning with the Sept. 14 football game against Wagner. For some context, the NCAA began selling beer and wine at the NCAA Baseball and Softball College World Series in 2016. Alcohol sales were then introduced at the Division Men's and Women's Basketball Championships this past year.
 
Many Power 5 institutions with large stadiums such as LSU, Ohio State, Tennessee and Texas – just to name a few – offer beer and wine sales. Last year we tested a beer garden in the north end zone area and had a grand total of zero issues. As I said in the release, this program is designed to enhance the fan experience without taking away from the family-friendly atmosphere at LaValle Stadium and Island Federal Arena.
 
Thank you to President Stanley for his initial support of this concept but also to campus leadership for working with us to ensure a safe and responsible rollout.
 
Football Ready for Utah State


 
After a resounding 35-10 win over Bryant in last week's season opener, our football team will get on a plane tomorrow bound for Logan, Utah, home of Utah State. Although it is somewhat unusual for us to travel that far across the country – 1,991 miles to be exact – it is our first of three upcoming trips west over the next six years.
 
A trip to Oregon is planned for September 18, 2021 when we will visit the Ducks in Eugene. Our other trip is in 2025 when we will open the season at San Diego State on August 30. That game was originally scheduled for 2022 but was pushed pack to accommodate a game for us at UMass.
 
I love the opportunity that comes with playing a strong FBS opponent. No one outside of Stony Brook expects us to win, but that's fine by us. Our guys are excited about playing on Saturday against a tough Utah State team and, although we will be coming home with a check for playing the game, we also hope to bring a win.
 
You can watch the game on Saturday night at 7:30 EST by going to Facebook.com/stadiumcollegefootball.
 
Up Next…
 
The action continues this weekend as women's soccer and cross country are at home.

• Women's soccer hosts St. John's tonight at 7 p.m. followed by a Sunday matchup against Hofstra at 1 p.m. 
• Men's and women's cross country are at home on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Last week, both teams performed well in the season opening meet as Rob Becker and Clodagh O'Reilly received America East Men's and Women's Performer of the Week honors.

Keep believing…
 
Warm regards,


 
Shawn