$130,000 party kicks off 40th year

By Andrew Barbero

The U of C hopes to kick off their 40th anniversary year in style with a $130,000 party.

On Sat., Sept. 9 the university will host the Kickoff party at McMahon stadium. The all-day event will feature a pancake breakfast, a Dinos football game and concerts featuring the Stampeders, Spirit of the West and Bedouin Soundclash. Numerous prizes will also be handed out, including two semesters worth of free tuition.

“The Students Union contributed $20,000, the Alumni Association put in $20,000 and the university added $90,000,” said alumni and external relations event manager Christopher Pollen.

Pollen said he believes the party’s value extends far beyond its price tag.

“We want this to be an event for everyone,” said Pollen. “This is where alumni, staff and students can all come together.”

Students’ Union vice-president events Eric Jablonski agrees.

“The idea is that we are bringing the community together, so I think its money well spent,” said Jablonski. “No university has ever had a kick-off this big and the idea is that this will be the first of more of these events to come.”

The event will begin at 10 a.m., with a tailgate party and a free pancake breakfast. The Dinos will take on their long-time rivals–the U of A Golden Bears–in what will be the Dino’s home opener. At halftime, Calgary’s own ’70s sensation, the Stampeders, will play. After the game there will be performances by Bedouin Soundclash and Spirit of the West.

Beyond their financial contributions, The SU also booked the three musical acts.

Pollen said he just wants the university community to enjoy the event.

“It’s a once-in-four-decades type of party,” Pollen said. “Enjoy this, this is our gift for the 40th year.”

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