School is finally here, and with it, there is a lot to plan for. If students haven’t already done so, it’s time to add the Opening Week Student Events to the calendar under “must attend” activities. Hosted by UH’s Student Government Association, these happenings have been designed to create all the necessary enthusiasm to jump-start this semester the right way.
None of it would have been possible without the extensive planning by one powerhouse organization, the Student Stadium Events Committee. Assembled by SGA President Charles Haston, the committee is made up of four sub-committees, each headed by student leaders determined to make the premiere of TDECU Stadium, nicknamed The Cage, one of the most memorable student experiences on campus.
SGA Chief of Staff Leo Mata explained, “We’re aiming to create an atmosphere unlike what we’ve had in the past and hope to see the excitement carry over to the rest of the season.”
The fun launches Monday, Aug. 25 and Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the UC Theater. Through planning by the Student Program Board, UH will have special showings of The Waterboy at 4:30 p.m. and Remember the Titans at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. On Tuesday, students can catch the 4:30 p.m. showing of Rudy followed by Friday Night Lights at 7:30. Movie nights aren’t complete without snacks, so free popcorn will be given out to everyone who attends.
On Wednesday, Aug. 27, head over to the Cage for its grand opening pep rally event, Cage Rage, at 5:30. There, students will set foot on the freshly built field and get the chance to meet Cougar football players and coaches. Free food and T-shirts will be available, as well as an opportunity to win $1000 by being first to kick a 40-yard field goal. UH invites students to explore the stadium that night, and dinner will be provided.
Junior civil engineering major Ketan Kapila expressed his excitement for this event.
“Cage Rage should be a ton of fun,” Kapila said. “I also can’t wait to tour the stadium; it will for sure make football a whole new experience.”
At 9 p.m. Thursday in Lynn Eusan Park, students are encouraged to show up to shine at the Glow Party and Laser Show.
“We are looking forward to having a turnout of 3,000 students who will be able to experience an event like no other at the University of Houston,” Mata said.
At this grand $30,000 event, there will be live DJs, giveaway items and free pizza and drinks, thanks to a generous Coca-Cola sponsorship. There will also be Bud Light and Shiner Bock available for $5. Add to that the energy of thousands of UH students and everyone can count on one thrilling experience.
The Friday finale will kick off with the highly-anticipated tailgate event at 3 p.m. in the Student Tailgate Village. About 7,500 Cougar student fans are expected to attend.
“We’ve worked hard to provide a real game day atmosphere, including live music and multiple food options, by working around the clock to create a student tailgate area along with a general tailgate area for families and friends alike,” Mata said.
It’s great to see the level of organized student involvement. Each involved student will get back much more than they give in time and spirit. And I look forward to the same level of involvement when basketball season gets here.