Siena Saints Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Carmen Maciariello

Team Mascot: Bernie "Saint" Bernard

Year Opened: 1990

Capacity: 15229

City / State: Albany / New York

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Franciscan Cup

Rival Team: St Bonaventure Bonnies

The two Franciscan universities have played on and off dating back to the 1939-40 season. However, things didn’t really heat up between Siena and St. Bonaventure until the creation of the Franciscan Cup. The two teams square off each year, and the winner takes home the Franciscan Cup and bragging rights, so don’t miss it when the Saints and Bonnies meet on the hardwood.

Albany Cup

Rival Team: Albany Great Danes

Only 8 miles separate Siena and Albany meaning there is a lot on the line when these two meet. The winner of the annual Albany Cup walks away with not only the trophy but also bragging rights over the entire Albany area. If you want to see a hard-fought contest, then make sure to be in attendance when Siena takes on crosstown rivals Albany.

Siena Saints Stadium Guide

In Game

The Siena Saints have been one of the most successful teams in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference over the last decade and are one of the most popular entertainment options in the Albany area. Fans from all over Albany love the Saints, and as a result, you’ll find a lively atmosphere whenever you take in a game at the MVP Arena.

The Siena students especially love their team, and the student section is always packed at Saints games. The students have a lot of pride in their team as despite Siena being one of the smaller schools in Division I, the Saints have managed to take home some major accolades over the years including CBI title in 2014.

The pep band and spirit squads are also a key component of any Saints basketball game. The pep band puts on an incredible performance at every game and keeps the crowd into the action on the court no matter what the score. The cheerleaders and the Saints mascot Bernie are also top-notch as well, so keep an eye out for them throughout the game.

Finally, the MVP Arena is located in downtown Albany meaning there are plenty of bars and restaurants for you to check out before or after the game.

If you’re looking to experience one of the best college hoops game days in the MAAC, then look no further than Siena where you’ll find one of the best crowds in the conference.

Things to check out

Banners

Check out the banners hanging from the rafters of the MVP Arena to remember all of the best players and teams in Siena history, including the Saints 1989, 2008, and 2009 NCAA tournament teams. The banners do an excellent job of honoring Saints greats and are a must-see for anyone taking in a Saints game.

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Bernie the Saint Bernard

Keep an eye out for Siena’s mascot Bernie the Saint Bernard. Bernie is a fan favorite and one of the best parts of any Saints basketball game. No matter what the score Bernie’s cheers and antics will bring a smile to your face, so don’t miss him during your visit to Siena.

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Pep Band

The Sienna Pep Band keeps everyone at the MVP Arena energized throughout the game. No matter what the score the pep band will get the crowd in the game making them a big part of why Siena has been so successful at home over the years.

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Student Section

Siena students love their team, and it shows on game days as the students come out in large numbers to support their beloved Saints. The student section at Siena games is rocking, so enjoy their cheers and taunts throughout the game.

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Cheerleaders

The Siena cheerleaders put on quite the show at Saints basketball games. The cheerleaders are a big part of the pageantry on display at Saints games making their performances a must-see for anyone in attendance.

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Fight Songs

  1. “When the Saints Go Marching In”

    Oh when the Saints, go marching in,
    Oh when the Saints go marching in,
    I want to be in that number
    When the Saints go marching in!

Siena Saints Bars & Restaurants

  1. Recovery Room Sports Grill

    Recovery Room Sports Grill

    Recovery Sports Grill is more than just a sports grill and bar—it’s a family and fan friendly restaurant with great food and drink, and a casual atmosphere tied together by both local and professional sports.

    62 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Bombers Burrito Bar

    Bombers Burrito Bar

    Bomber's Burrito Bar is an authentic mexican burrito bar. Come in for tasty original burrito creations, hang out for a margarita or grab some other of the classic treats like wings!

    258 Lark St, Albany, NY 12210, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  3. Graney’s Bar & Grill

    Graneys Bar Grill

    If you’re in need of a light snack or a full meal, Graney’s Bar & Grill has it available.

    275 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  4. Wolff’s Biergarten

    Wolffs Biergarten

    We specialize in 3 things at Wolff’s: bier (The finest German, Belgian and Czech biers), wurst (quality sausages and schnitzel served with homemade spatzle) and soccer (televising all your favorite live games from around the world).

    895 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  5. The Olde English Pub

    The Olde English Pub

    At The Olde English, we serve quality British beers (plus Guinness & a rotating domestic beers), single malt scotches, wine, and hand-crafted cocktails.

    683 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  6. Parish Public House

    Parish Public House

    Parish Public House is a Louisiana Eatery, Drinkery and Live Music Venue, in the heart of downtown Albany, New York.

    388 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

    The Hollow Bar Kitchen

    Delicious food made from fresh ingredients. Sourcing amazing craft beer and interesting wine. Great live music.

    79 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Riverfront Bar & Grill

    Taphouse burger Riverfront Bar Grill

    Beautiful atmosphere, great food, and amazingly courteous staff.

    12 Albany St, Albany, NY 12204, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. The City Beer Hall

    The City Beer Hall

    An American beer hall and gastropub located in historic downtown Albany NY.

    42 Howard St, Albany, NY 12207, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Public House 42

    Public House

    Serves authentic Irish cuisine, beverages, and experience.

    42 Eagle St, Albany, NY 12207, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  11. Hudson Harbor Steak & Seafood

    Captain Toms Seafood Seafood Hudson Harbor

    This place has an absolutely great food menu, with super delicious steak and seafood.

    351 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  12. Casey’s Restaurant

    Timbermine Steakhouse steak Caseys Restaurant

    Our restaurant is cozy and has both a dining room and full service bar, which makes it the perfect setting for both lunch and dinner.

    77 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Angelo’s 667 Prime

    Angelos Prime

    Our menu has a variety of foods including sushi, salads, fresh seafood, and of course our USDA Prime steaks. We have a wine list of over 400 varieties and a full bar.

    677 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$$

  14. McGreary’s Restaurant

    burger McGrearys Restaurant Celestial Cafe

    An Irish pub that's home away from home.

    4 Clinton Square, Albany, NY 12207, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  15. Albany Pump Station

    Albany Pump Station

    An award-winning brewery and restaurant in the heart of NY's capital city.

    19 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$