Oozefest

Oozefest is one of UB’s most popular traditions and one of the largest mud volleyball tournaments in the United States, held each spring.

May 2, 2020

Location: Mud Pit on St. Rita's Lane, UB North Campus

Deadline to register: Friday, April 24

See it on UB's Campus Map
Registration Info

Event Details

Open to Everyone

Oozefest started in 1984 as a way to help students de-stress before exams and bring the UB community together. Today, anyone can play at Oozefest, including students from UB and other schools, staff, faculty, alumni, corporate sponsors and friends. It’s a great way to show your school spirit, hang out with your friends, and win trophies, gift cards and more.

What to Expect

Oozefest is an all-weather event. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of Oozefest:

What to Wear

  • Sunblock. Even if it the forecast does not call for sun, it is highly recommended that you wear sunblock.  Put sunblock on your eyelids, the tips of ears, the back of your neck, and anywhere else that isn’t covered with mud.
  • Sunglasses or protective eye wear – Sunglasses or protective eye wear will help keep mud out of your eyes.
  • Two layers of clothes that you don’t mind getting ruined. Some teams wear a layer of dry clothes, then layer themselves entirely with garbage bags as their second layer. Others wear a layer of “walk away” clothes, followed by a layer of garbage bags over their entire body, followed by a costume. When they are done, they tear off the top layers, toss them into the dumpster. Teams walk away dry and without much mud on them. The mud is watery and cold. Please dress appropriately.
  • Duct tape. We recommend duct taping your pants to your skin — unless you want your pants to come off during the game. You should also use duct tape to keep your shoes on. 
  • Plastic grocery bags or garbage can liners. Line your shoes with layers of plastic grocery bags or garbage can liners and then duct tape over them if you want any chance of keeping your feet dry. 
  • Shoes and socks you don’t mind throwing out. Shoes must be worn at all times in the mud pit. This is for your own safety (you don’t know what’s in the mud pit). Just remember that you may want to throw out the socks and shoes at the end (or save them for next year’s Oozefest). 
  • Dress for the Weather – As Oozefest is an all-weather event, dress appropriately for the conditions. Please note you will be exposed to the weather conditions for an extended period of time.

What to Bring

  • Leave valuables at home. Please bring as little with you as possible. We have no place to keep backpacks, wallets, cameras or other personal belongings. Lock items in your car to avoid any risk. If you have to bring your keys, enclose them in duct tape and stick them to a safe part of your body.
  • Garbage can liners. Use them to put your dirty (or clean) clothes in. 

Driving and Parking

  • Park in the Lake LaSalle Lot. The Lake LaSalle lot is behind the Center for the Arts and Alumni Arena. If that lot is full, use the Alumni B parking lot. If you live on campus, consider walking to the mud pits. 
  • Bring garbage can liners for your car. Put them on your car seats to keep your car clean after the games.
  • Avoid Frontier Road. Frontier Road will be closed to cars for Oozefest. Pedestrians are welcome to walk that way as long as the fire department is not hosing down the field at that time.

Be Safe

  • Oozefest is a drug- and alcohol-free event.  University Police are on patrol all day at Oozefest and we will disqualify you and your team, if you are under the influence.
  • Keep the bike path clear. The bike path is actually the property of the Town of Amherst. Please stay off it to avoid interfering with bicyclists and pedestrians. 
  • Don’t swim in Lake LaSalle. Swimming is prohibited in Lake LaSalle.

Read the Oozefest Rules

  • Please check in no less than 30 minutes prior to your first scheduled game at the Oozefest Mud Pit. It is located where Frontier Road and St. Rita's Lane meet. Waiver forms will be signed at your assigned court just prior to the start of your first game. Oozefest ends around 4 p.m., when the last teams play for the championship, trophies and prizes.
  • The tournament format is double-elimination; once a team loses twice they are done. When the first game is lost, the losing team must refer to the bracket board to determine the time of the next game. The winning team advances and must also refer to the bracket board in order to determine the time of the next game.
  • Six to eight players are permitted to play on each team at all times. Teams are permitted to play with less than six players. 
  • All games are 15 minutes long or first to reach 21 points with a five-minute transition time in between each game. Teams must switch sides at 11 points (per one team).
  • Teams forfeit if they are five minutes late, and the opposing team receives a win by default and advances to the next round.
  • Team captains or designee will square off in a single elimination rock-paper-scissors match where winner determines service or side. Scoring is awarded on a rally point system, meaning any team can score a point no matter who is serving. Each team must rotate clockwise following the opponent's loss of serve. Teams have a maximum of three hits to get the volleyball over the net.
  • If a serve hits the net and goes over without assistance, the serve is considered in play (“let rule”).
  • In the event of a tie after 15 minutes, sudden death play will come into effect. Another single elimination rock-paper-scissors match by the team captains or their designees will determine which team will serve or receive.
  • Shoes must be worn at all times. Players without shoes will be ordered off the court and not permitted to play until they are wearing shoes. No cleats or open toed shoes will be permitted.
  • No carrying, no double hitting, and absolutely no spiking. Spiking shall result in a disqualification.
  • The referees are always right. Teams that do not cooperate will be disqualified.
  • The Oozefest Committee reserves the right to adjust the tournament format in the event of extenuating circumstances.

After Your Games

  • Keep UB clean. Please do not drop your muddy items or garbage on the ground or leave them in the parking lots or by the showers. We have garbage cans and dumpsters everywhere. 
  • Use the outdoor showers. Please hose off your first layer of mud as best you can at the hot outdoor showers next to Alumni Arena. Please do not use the Alumni Arena indoor showers—they are closed to everyone (even athletes). 

Register for Oozefest - Teams & Volunteers

Register to Play or Volunteer

Event Sponsors

Event sponsors include:

  • Mighty Taco
  • UB Recreation

Sponsorship opportunities are available; please contact Student Engagement for more information. 

Need Help?

Student Engagement

Student Life

University at Buffalo
150 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: (716) 645-6469

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