13 Years Ago Today: The Infamous 'Kegs and Eggs Riots' in Albany

#Never Forget

13 years ago today, the infamous Kegs and Eggs happened. It was an ugly scene that changed how residents in Albany would celebrate St. Patrick's Day, as well as igniting a change at the University of Albany that had been a tradition for years.

It had been rumored long before the incident, that school officials at the University at Albany wanted to do away with "Fountain Day", an annual event that brings thousands of students, faculty, and staff together to celebrate the return of Spring by turning on the main campus fountain.

UA "Student Ghetto"

The decision to do away with Fountain Day came just a few days after the March 12th debacle in the Pines Hills section of Albany known as the UA "student ghetto"

Five of the students were charged with felonies when cell videos captured hundreds of young people fighting, jumping on cars, smashing vehicle windows, throwing debris, and even tossing a television off a second-floor balcony all while a bagpiper used a vehicle as his stage.

Two police officers were slightly injured breaking up the melee.

Changing How Albany Celebrates St. Patty's Day

The following year, Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings changed the St Patty's Day parade route to avoid passing the bars on Pearl Street because of the events that unfolded the year prior.

It was an ugly, damaging, embarrassing, expensive, chaotic scene for those who remember the events that unfolded on that mid-March day back in 2011.

Images from the Kegs and Eggs Riots in Albany 2011

It's hard to believe that 12 years ago - this happened in Albany. It was ugly, it was embarrassing, and it changed the way St Patricks Day would be celebrated in the city forever. In all, over 40 Albany college students were arrested after a weekend party turned riotous. Here are some of the images from a day in Upstate NY that few will soon forget: Kegs and Eggs in Albany, March 2011

Gallery Credit: Brian Cody TSM Albany

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