By Justin Paley

While most University students are away during the summer, there is still plenty of activity on campus. Among the most popular events is Jets Fest, an interactive theme park that includes inflatable rides.

Year-round, the New York Jets practice on the University’s campus. But during the summer, the team’s practices are open to the public as they practice at the Hofstra Soccer Stadium.

When fans are not checking out practice, they can check out Jets Fest in the parking lots nearby.

Jets Fest features many interactive games for the whole family. Younger children can race each other on obstacle courses while older fans can try to kick a field goal or test their arm strength and accuracy by throwing a football to an inflatable receiver with a hole cut out.

Fans can also get something to eat at the food court or spend time buying Jets gear at the Modell’s shopping area.

Senior print journalism major John Mellilo attended Jets Fest over the summer and gave his reaction. “Most of the activities are for younger kids but it was still fun to look at all the different Jets related things on sale at Modell’s,” Mellillo said. “I also had fun trying to kick a field goal.”

One of the aspects fans most look forward to is the autograph sessions after practice with current and former players. It gives the fans a chance to get up close to everyone, which is something they can’t really do at an actual game.

Jets Fest is also available at other places during the year such as the Empire Challenge during July. The Empire Challenge is an annual football game that features the top Long Island high school seniors against the best from New York City before they go to college. The game takes place at James M. Shuart Stadium.

Many fans turned out for the first Pride football game against Albany on Sept. 2 and before the game fans checked out all of the different Jets Fest activities.