GARDEN CITY, N.Y., October 13, 2026 — Adelphi University invites Long Island residents, families and lacrosse fans to its Garden City campus on Sunday, October 18, for a free tailgate and men's lacrosse exhibition against the U.S. Naval Academy. As part of Adelphi's 10th annual Spirit Weekend, the public can enjoy the campus festivities and watch the Panthers take on Navy at Motamed Field.

The pregame tailgate will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 4 of Adelphi's Garden City campus and will feature food, music and an opportunity to gather with fellow fans. Opening faceoff is at 1:00 p.m. Both the tailgate and scrimmage are free and open to the public. 

Adelphi trustee Kristopher Amplo '00, a former Panthers lacrosse captain, is particularly excited about the match—his twin brother, Joe, is Navy's head coach. For the Adelphi alumnus, the matchup brings together two programs with a deeply personal connection.

"Hosting the U.S. Naval Academy is a landmark moment for Adelphi lacrosse and a powerful testament to the stature of our program," said Kristopher. "I'm incredibly proud to see our team welcome such a distinguished opponent—one defined by tradition, discipline and excellence—for a fall exhibition."

"What makes this occasion truly unforgettable is the opportunity to see my twin brother, the head coach of the Navy team, lead his program against the team and community that mean so much to me," he added. "This matchup represents more than a game; it is a celebration of family, shared values and the enduring bonds that lacrosse creates."

For local lacrosse fans and aspiring youth players, the exhibition is a rare opportunity to watch elite D1 and D2 collegiate talent compete in Garden City while joining Adelphi's annual celebration of students, alumni, families and friends. Adelphi University's 10th Annual Spirit Weekend runs October 14–18, with events celebrating Panther pride and community.

For details about the tailgate and lacrosse scrimmage, visit adelphi.edu. The full Spirit Weekend schedule is available at adelphi.edu/spirit-weekend. Get directions to Adelphi's Garden City campus.