| SERIES
WITH SIENA TO CONTINUE
May 8, 2008
 Albany,
N.Y. -- The men’s basketball rivalry between
Siena College and the University at Albany
will renew at Times Union Center on December
6, 2008. The game will be the first in a new
three-year agreement between the institutions.
The Albany Cup has grown into one of the most
anticipated area sporting events since it
tipped off in downtown Albany in 2001 after a
25-year hiatus coinciding with Siena's move to
Division I in 1976-77.
A total of 75,830 fans have turned out for the
seven meetings since the series was renewed,
an average of 10,833 per game. A series-record
13,262 fans attended the game this past
season.
“The Times Union Center is honored to once
again host the hottest college basketball
rivalry game in the region,” stated Bob Belber,
General Manager of Times Union Center. “I am
very happy that terms could be worked out
between Siena and UAlbany to allow their fans
the ability to catch this exciting matchup,”
The schools’ women’s basketball programs will
not play during the 2008-2009 season due to
scheduling conflicts. The women’s basketball
series will resume as part of a doubleheader
with the men’s game during the 2009-2010
season.
“The three-year extension of this college
basketball series is good for UAlbany, Siena
and area basketball fans,” UAlbany vice
president and director of athletics Lee
McElroy said. “We look forward to
participating in an event that benefits the
Capital Region.”
“We began playing this series for the
community, and pledged to continue playing it
as long as the support remained,” Siena
College director of athletics John D’Argenio
said. “The fans, especially this past season,
have been tremendous, so continuing the series
made sense.”
Siena has won six of the seven games played on
the men’s side since both programs have
competed at the Division I level. The Saints
lead the all-time men’s series, 29-18, and the
women’s series, 9-3.
“This is a great game for the City of Albany
and the surrounding area,” UAlbany head men’s
basketball coach Will Brown said. “It only
makes sense that the two Division I basketball
programs in this area meet on an annual basis.
I am sure that our students, fans and alumni
will be excited that the series is
continuing.”
“The community support for this game has been
overwhelming,” Siena head men’s basketball
coach Fran McCaffery said. “It has evolved
into a game that the fans from both schools
look forward to each season, and we’re happy
to see it continue.”
*********
Albany Cup Attendance Figures
(at Times Union Center/Pepsi Arena)
November 27, 2001 (Siena 60, UAlbany 48) ...
10,285
November 22, 2002 (Siena 79, UAlbany 75) ...
11,672
November 21, 2003 (Siena 71, UAlbany 50) ...
11,797
November 23, 2004 (UAlbany 86, Siena 65) ...
8,904
December 3, 2005 (Siena 82, UAlbany 74 OT) ...
8,641
December 2, 2006 (Siena 76, UAlbany 75 2OT)
... 11,271
December 1, 2007 (Siena 75, UAlbany 71) ...
13,262
Total Attendance: 7 games: 75,830
Average Attendance: 10,833
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