Super Bowl and ice cream bowls
By Andrew Reeder, Staff Writer
February 5, 2008 | 11:13 p.m.
The best parties in life are free and the Super Bowl Sundae Party in the Ping Center lounge Sunday evening was no exception.
The Super Bowl party, hosted by Campus Recreation, provided free food, beverages, games, prizes and seven televisions for Ohio University students and Ping Center members.
“[The annual party] is part of the Special Events program, and aims to provide a social atmosphere that’s safe and fun, without alcohol,” Ping Center Assistant Director Melissa Toretch said.
Although there weren’t many fans rooting for the New England Patriots, everyone was able to watch the New York Giants ruin New England's chance at perfection 17-14 while enjoying wings, pizza, pasta and a variety of soda and ice cream. Those in attendance could also win hats, T-shirts, gift cards and other prizes by participating in games and raffles.
The food and drinks were donated by Domino’s Pizza, Quiznos, Ruby Tuesday and Cold Stone Creamery. Prizes were provided by Uptown Dog, Brennan’s Coffee Café, Follett’s University Bookstore and the Ping Center.
“It’s nice having a big screen [TV] and free food,” said Ohio University sophomore Chad Vordenberge, who was attending the Super Bowl Sundae Party for the second time.
Tables and chairs were centered around the TVs in the Ping Center lounge, including one projection-screen TV at the front of the lounge. Food was served buffet-style just before the opening kickoff and ice cream was served at halftime.
Attendance at the Sundae Party has grown since it first debuted.
“We had close to 300 people, which is good,” Toretch said.
The first party was held in 2000, attendance has gotten larger and larger, reaching almost 800 one year. Surveys were given to willing participants in order to determine the specific demographics of the group including gender and grade, but Toretch guessed that there were probably more freshmen in attendance than upper-classmen.
“It’s a lot better than sitting in your dorm room and watching the game,” Ohio sophomore Matt Cramer said.
Although it wasn’t quite like being at the game, fans were able to cheer for their favorite team and everyone was able to enjoy the famous Super Bowl commercials.
Students in Toretch’s REC 316 Social and special events class staffed the party to fulfill a class requirement.
“Half of the class is working this, the other half will work the Bench Press Competition (March 8), and all of them will work RecFest (Feb. 9),” Toretch said.
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