Where to see Division I ball close to Long Island

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.

Some ticket prices are in the single digits, and the stadiums are smaller and the noise less ear-splitting than in a big venue. 

“Collegiate sports represent your home, your community, your friends — it’s your backyard team,” said Brian Levine, director of ticket sales and operations at Stony Brook University.

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’s Zone.

“Our college basketball games are geared toward family entertainment and a great fan experience for the kids,” said Levine.

Add in the compelling competition, and a college game is 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. 

Division 1 basketball on LI

STONY BROOK SEAWOLVES 

Venue: 4,000-seat Stony Brook Arena, renovated in 2014 with large videoboards, updated concession areas and comfortable seating.

Tickets: Visit stonybrookathletics.com/tickets. Prices start at $8 group rate for women’s team, $10 for men’s.

Highlights:

• A winning at-home 2025-26 season
• Fan experience includes interaction with the players — 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’s Zone features face painting and other activities.

HOFSTRA PRIDE 

Venue: David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex; recent upgrades include new video screens and sound system.

Tickets: Visit hofstra.university
tickets.com. Reserved tickets for men’s basketball are $15; general admission tickets for women’s basketball are $12.

Highlights:

• Repeated winners of the Coastal Athletic Association regular season and conference tournaments, with recent titles in 2019, 2020 and 2023; multiple National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament 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.

ST. JOHN’S THE RED STORM 
Venue: Games are played at Carnesecca Arena at St. John’s and at Madison Square Garden.

Tickets: For men’s tickets, visit bit.ly/4bY0PF6; for women’s go to bit.ly/3NKSBGA

Highlights:

• Successful 2024-25 season with Coach Rick Pitino — finishing 31-5, winning the Big East regular season and tournament and reaching the NCAA Tournament (Round of 32). Pitino won multiple National Coach of the Year awards.
• Pre-games receptions (called 1870 Court) for MSG games are held at Stout NYC and, for St. John’s on-campus games, at Marillac Terrace.

LIU SHARKS

Venue: Games are held at the Brooklyn campus, at the Steinberg Wellness Center.
Tickets: Visit athletictickets .liu.edu. Tickets $12; $8 for military, $7 for kids (12 and under).

Highlights:

• Unanimously picked preseason No. 1 in the Northeast Conference this year; head coach is Rod Strickland, 17-year NBA vet who played for the Knicks.
• Arena is relatively intimate, seating 2,500.
• Small group of local “super fans” (not alumni) are at every game; their section is known as “The Reef.”