By Layla Gentles
Baldwin Senior High School
Hundreds of families and Long Island locals were sitting on the grass in anticipation for what film there was to come. They gathered under the evening sky at LaValle Stadium for a memory that will last forever. Moana 2 played loudly through the stadium speakers as families with young kids and Stony Brook students lounged on the green turf field to watch the film.
On Tuesday, July 15, Stony Brook Athletics hosted their second annual Movie Night and transformed the football field into a laid-back, open-air theater. Movie buffs cast votes online to choose one out of four films to see — and Moana 2 won out.
“We have a two-month planning process,” said Jack Clark, Director of Athletic Communications at Stony Brook. “We set up the poll, people vote, and once we get the movie, it’s just a ton of promotion.”
He highlighted the goal of consistent improvement.
“If that means we can get 5 percent more people each year, that would be awesome,” he said, adding that this year, that growth was noticeable. “I think we said it was somewhere between, like, 1,200 and 1,500 [attendees].”
It was his second time working Movie Night.
Using his own experience growing up on Long Island, Clark compared the evening’s atmosphere to something familiar.
“I know what it looks like when you go to the beach and you see people wheeling their wagons and carrying chairs on their backs,” he said. “That’s associated with going to the beach and seeing people get off the ferry at Fire Island. But that’s what we see coming to our stadium and down to the field.”
Around the field, student volunteers from Stony Brook and staff from local businesses like Ralph’s and Mickey’s handed out stickers, coupons, and free ices to guests. “This is my first time working this event, and I think it’s pretty fun,” said Rose, a Ralph’s Ices employee. “We gave out a bunch of ices for people to sample, and we’re giving out coupons as well.”
Families also made the trip from nearby towns to enjoy the evening.
“We live in Smithtown, and we heard about this,” said one attendee, Gabriella Reynolds. “Our kids really wanted to see Moana.”
Others came just for the community feel. “It’s a great fun night for the family,” said another guest, Leslie Granger. “The vendors that they set up around here for the giveaways, and the kids come here, play sports, and just hang out. It’s a nice, fun summer night.”
Even younger viewers had opinions on the film — and its predecessor
“Moana one, only because I have a love for Manuel,” said Christina, referencing famed director Lin-Manuel Miranda’s contributions to the soundtrack.
Whether it was the movie, the field games, or the atmosphere, the night offered something for almost everyone. As Sam, a student volunteer, summed up: “It’s a good idea. I think it’s like the most wholesome thing that everyone’s just sitting on the field, watching.”