By Alina Rezepova, Staff Writer
Would you like to enjoy dinner outdoors and play sports games with friends? Saint Leo University offered this opportunity to all students through the campus game day experience, which transformed an ordinary weekday into a bright, memorable evening.
On Feb. 4, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the long-awaited campus game day experience took place at The Bowl and Lakeside Patio. Dining Services invited students to spend time outdoors, participate in athletic games, and enjoy a themed dinner in the spirit of game day.
Dining Services impressed students with a variety of tasty game-day favorites. All the students had to do was come and sign in. For dinner, the students were served grilled corn and chicken, burgers, snacks, pasta, popcorn, chips, pretzels, and more.
“I was happy to attend today’s event because they offered a free dinner. I think this is especially valuable among students. At dinner, I liked the pretzel and the corn the most, which could be supplemented with cheese sauce or salt, which I had not seen before in the dining hall,” said Yulissa Barrios, a junior majoring in Marketing.
The smell of freshly cooked food on the grill immediately created a sense of celebration. The food was in high demand, and students could move freely around the area, play sports, and chat with friends.
Saint Leo took a responsible approach to preparing for this event, with staff members spending several days setting up sports equipment and marking game areas to give students the opportunity to truly enjoy the campus game day experience.
The students played football, tried to throw a ball into a toy ring, and threw balls through tires, competing against their friends.
“I liked the event that was organized today. I got distracted from my daily routine by playing outdoor games,” said Sezim Sharshenalieva, a sophomore majoring in Marketing.
The atmosphere was complemented by the music that played throughout the evening, energizingthe students. Not all students joined the games, but they still stopped to listen, watch the games, and talk with friends.
“I did not participate in the games today, but I had fun watching the guys try to play football,” said Barrios.
“I believe that such events help to make new friends and generally bring students together, making the university community even stronger,” added Barrios.
Campus game day experience reminded students that the university campus is not only about studying and challenging assignments, but it is also about moments that are memorable. Such events help students feel like they are part of the campus community and strengthen their connection to university life.
