The Stood

- Purchase, NY 10577

**The Stood** is far more than a typical local "night club" in the Westchester County area of New York; it is a vital, energetic, and entirely unique **Lounge** and entertainment hub situated in Purchase, NY. Operating as a truly student-run and student-funded facility on the SUNY Purchase campus, The Stood serves as the unofficial creative heart of the community. It is a space where the free flow of creativity, expression, and individuality is not only encouraged but celebrated, a stark contrast to the formality of lecture halls and academic buildings.

Established in 2003, The Stood transformed a former storage facility into a multi-purpose recreation and entertainment venue. It functions as a dynamic collective space, incorporating a music venue, a gallery (Forum Art Space), a cinema room, and even a screen-print shop (Mount Olympus Print Shop) all under one roof. While deeply rooted in the campus culture, its large-scale events and reputation for diverse **Live music** and **Live performances** often draw attention from outside the immediate campus community. The overall atmosphere is best described as **Casual** yet undeniably **Trendy**, reflecting the artistic and alternative culture of its student operators. It provides a unique, local counterpoint to the high-gloss nightlife found closer to Manhattan.

It is the go-to destination for large, well-known campus events, including major annual festivals like **Culture Shock**, a two-day music and carnival event, and **Fall Fest**, which acts as an 'appetizer' to the larger event. The venue also hosts popular themed nights such as Zombie Prom and Stood-o-ween, along with countless smaller student-booked shows and gatherings. While one former patron recalls periods of under-utilized potential, the prevailing customer sentiment, particularly from those currently connected to the campus, highlights it as a "Very fun destination on campus" for both attending and participating in concerts. It’s a genuine melting pot for students, local **Groups**, and **Locals** interested in the alternative arts and music scene of the region.

The Stood is located on the campus of SUNY Purchase. While its exact on-campus building is historically known as the Butler Building, its mailing address situates it firmly in Westchester County:

Address: Purchase, NY 10577 (on the SUNY Purchase campus)

Given its location, access is primarily by car or via campus transportation routes. For the benefit of all patrons, the venue is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance is provided, offering smooth entry to the facility.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot ensures dedicated and convenient parking spots are available.
• A fully functional **Wheelchair accessible restroom** is on-site.

For general visitors, finding parking is facilitated by the availability of **Free street parking** in the surrounding campus areas, though local parking rules and event-specific arrangements should always be checked prior to arrival, especially during major festivals.

As a multi-faceted lounge and entertainment venue, The Stood offers a variety of services focused on providing a complete social and artistic experience:

• **Dine-in** Services are provided, allowing patrons to enjoy the atmosphere while consuming food and beverages.
• Provision of **Alcohol** is a key service for events, adhering to all legal requirements.
• **Food** is available, ensuring guests can enjoy a meal or snack while attending events.
• Space for **Dancing** is a central component of the nightly entertainment, especially during DJ sets and dance parties like Afrodisiac and Stoodio 54.
• Hosting of large-scale events and smaller student-led projects, ranging from foam parties and raves to movie nights and community discussions.
• Offering a space for visual arts, including the **Forum Art Space Gallery** for exhibits.
• Supporting student entrepreneurship through events like flea markets featuring student-made items and providing the **Mount Olympus Print Shop** service.
• Basic **Restroom** facilities are provided for all patrons.

The Stood’s appeal lies in its distinctive features that reflect its student-driven mission and artistic environment:

• Student-Run and Student-Funded Model: This is arguably its greatest highlight, as it gives the community direct control over events, bookings, and the overall atmosphere, ensuring programming is always fresh and relevant to the local, youthful demographic.
• Premier Live Music Venue: It operates two primary performance areas—Whitson's and Mainstage—which host both student bands and larger, sometimes renowned, touring acts across diverse genres. This is a consistent draw for music lovers in Westchester County.
• **Major Annual Events:** The venue is the home base for legendary campus events like **Culture Shock** and **Fall Fest**, which are huge draws, showcasing a mix of established and emerging talent from Purchase and the wider New York music scene.
• **Atmosphere of Creative Freedom:** It is celebrated as a "safe space" where creativity can "flow freely," fostering a genuine sense of community and self-expression, which is highly attractive to groups and young locals.
• **Casual and Unpretentious Vibe:** The atmosphere is definitively **Casual** yet possesses a **Trendy** edge, making it an easy and pressure-free environment for meeting friends and enjoying live entertainment, without the strict dress codes often associated with other New York nightlife.
• **Multi-Purpose Functionality:** Beyond music, the space includes recreational amenities like video games and a pool table, enhancing its role as a general hangout spot during all operational hours.

As a student-run facility, primary contact and event information are best sought via the Purchase College Student Center or student activities portals.

Address: Purchase, NY 10577 (located at SUNY Purchase)

A general campus contact number for directory assistance can be used to inquire about the Student Center’s activities, which houses The Stood.

Phone: (914) 251-6000 (Purchase College general line for information)

For residents and visitors in the New York region, particularly those interested in supporting emerging artists and experiencing a unique, non-corporate nightlife setting, The Stood is an unparalleled choice. What makes it genuinely worth choosing is its authenticity as a breeding ground for artistic and musical talent. Unlike many commercial venues, its student-run nature ensures that the programming is daring, diverse, and affordable, focusing heavily on showcasing **Live music** and **Live performances** that you might not find in more mainstream venues.

If your preference leans toward a **Casual** and unconventional night out where the focus is firmly on creative content and community building—whether you're looking to dance, grab a drink, or discover the next big band—The Stood offers that distinct experience. It is the antithesis of the typical commercial night club, making it a favorite for **Locals** who value cultural richness and an engaging, unpretentious atmosphere. The ability to enjoy **Food**, **Alcohol**, and dancing within a venue that also prioritizes accessibility and free parking only enhances its appeal as a dynamic and welcoming social destination in Westchester County.

The Stood

Purchase, NY 10577, USA