UTICA, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly Athletic Department is bringing back a longstanding community tradition this fall with the return of Kids Night Out, giving local children the opportunity to spend an evening on campus playing games and participating in activities alongside SUNY Poly student-athletes.

Beginning Friday, Oct. 16, Kids Night Out will take place every Friday evening through Dec. 4 at the SUNY Poly Field House. The program, designed for children ages 7–12, will feature a variety of activities, including basketball, kickball, obstacle courses and other indoor sports and games led by SUNY Poly student-athletes.

Originally created in the 1990s by Kevin Edick and Kevin Grimmer, Kids Night Out has a longstanding connection to the SUNY Poly community. Interim Athletic Director David Golembiowski participated in the program as a child before later taking part as a SUNY Poly student-athlete.

"To bring this back and to bring this community event back is really the full circle moment for me, personally," Golembiowski said. "Myself and Coach Wanner from the softball team, we've known these events for a very long time. Just kind of getting involved with the community that we grew up in to bring people to our campus, to bring the kids here and have them have some fun."

SUNY Poly softball head coach and longtime supporter of the program, Juleah Wanner, said the return of Kids Night Out provides an opportunity for Wildcat student-athletes to build relationships with local families while sharing their passion for athletics.

"This is a great opportunity for our student-athletes to give back to the community and be a positive influence for the next generation," Wanner said. "We want these kids to come to campus, have fun, try different sports and see what being part of a college athletic community is all about. 

In addition to providing a fun and active evening for children, Kids Night Out gives parents an opportunity to enjoy a few hours to themselves while their children participate in supervised activities on campus.

Each Kids Night Out session will run from 7 to 10 p.m., with registration beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30 per child, with proceeds supporting travel opportunities for SUNY Poly student-athletes, including teams such as baseball and softball.

Kids Night Out will be held on Oct. 16, Oct. 23, Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Dec. 4 and additional dates as announced.

For registration information and additional details, click here