Tickets to a pro basketball game can easily set you back hundreds of dollars, even if you sit far from the court. But if you are all about basketball but not so much about the New York Knicks, Liberty and Brooklyn Nets, you might love the Division 1 college scene on Long Island. <\/p>\n
Some ticket prices are in the single digits, and the stadiums are smaller and the noise less ear-splitting than in a big venue.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\u201cCollegiate sports represent your home, your community, your friends \u2014 it\u2019s your backyard team,\u201d said Brian Levine, director of ticket sales and operations at Stony Brook University. <\/p>\n
Many believe collegiate players have more raw passion than the pros and that school spirit enhances the thrill. Plus, there are amenities, like pre-game receptions and, at Stony Brook University, a Kid\u2019s Zone. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur college basketball games are geared toward family entertainment and a great fan experience for the kids,\u201d said\u00a0Levine. <\/p>\n
Add in the compelling competition, and a college game\u00a0is an ideal way to enjoy the sport. With several Division 1 schools right here on the Island, there are plenty of opportunities to catch some excitement on the court during the season, which typically runs from early November to early April. You might miss nothing but the traffic.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Division 1 basketball on LI<\/p>\n
STONY BROOK SEAWOLVES\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Venue: 4,000-seat Stony Brook Arena, renovated in 2014 with large videoboards, updated concession areas and comfortable seating. <\/p>\n
Tickets: Visit stonybrookath<\/a>letics.com\/tickets<\/a>. Prices start at $8 group rate for women\u2019s team, $10 for men\u2019s. <\/p>\n Highlights:<\/p>\n A winning at-home 2025-26 season Fan experience includes interaction with the players \u2014 high-fiving fans post-game; young fans get to take shots on the court after weekend games; coaches have monthly Zoom calls with top fans. Wolves Den bar and restaurant on site. Kid\u2019s Zone features face painting and other activities. <\/p>\n \u2002\u00a0 <\/p>\n HOFSTRA PRIDE\u00a0 <\/p>\n Venue: David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex; recent\u00a0upgrades include new video screens and sound system. <\/p>\n Tickets: Visit hofstra.universi<\/a>ty Highlights: <\/p>\n Repeated winners of the Coastal Athletic Association\u00a0regular season and conference tournaments, with recent titles in 2019, 2020 and 2023; multiple National Collegiate Athletic Association\u00a0Tournament appearances Elevated fan experiences include The Pride Party Deck, perfect for group outings, accommodating up to 30 guests; Pride Lounge, which provides a relaxed pregame setting featuring food and drinks; and Luxury Sky Box Suites at the top of the arena. <\/p>\n \u2002\u00a0 <\/p>\n ST. JOHN\u2019S THE RED STORM\u00a0 Tickets: For men\u2019s tickets, visit bit.ly\/4bY0PF6<\/a>; for women\u2019s go to bit.ly\/3NKSBGA<\/a> <\/p>\n Highlights: <\/p>\n Successful 2024-25 season with Coach Rick Pitino \u2014 finishing 31-5, winning the Big East regular season and tournament and reaching the NCAA Tournament (Round of 32).\u00a0Pitino won\u00a0multiple National Coach of the Year awards. Pre-games receptions (called 1870 Court) for MSG games are held at Stout NYC\u00a0and, for St. John\u2019s on-campus games, at Marillac Terrace. <\/p>\n \u2002\u00a0 <\/p>\n LIU SHARKS <\/p>\n
tickets.com<\/a>. Reserved tickets for men\u2019s basketball are $15; general admission tickets for women\u2019s basketball are $12. <\/p>\n
Venue: Games are played at Carnesecca Arena at St. John\u2019s and at Madison Square Garden. <\/p>\n