The sounds of catchy top 40 hits were nearly as noticeable as the enticing scent of Gatti’s Pizza on Wednesday at the 11th annual Party on the Plaza, held in Gregory Gym.
With free giveaways, mini golf, a basketball shoot-out contest, tailgate games such as beanbag tossing and free Amy’s Ice Cream, the interior of the gymnasium felt more like a street carnival than a workout center. Even the on-again-off-again rain and a last-minute relocation didn’t matter as students turned out in droves to attend the event inside the gym’s main concourse and practice court area.
Hosted by RecSports, Party on the Plaza is UT’s largest student-organization fair. All proceeds from the various activities benefit the Student Emergency Fund, a part of Student Emergency Services.
“What we do is help students in crisis,” said Christa Lopez, coordinator of Student Emergency Services. “Often, it is financial crisis. Students come in with a variety of stories of why they need help.”
Originally slated to take place outside at the Gregory Gymnasium Plaza, morning rain showers forced the event to take cover. While a few tables stayed outside, the majority of the festivities relocated indoors.
“We made the call to move at about 8:45 this morning, which was only 15 minutes before registration opened,” said organization chairwoman Amber Walkowiak. “We had staff members carrying tables and setting up the games in the gym, and everything didn’t really settle down until about 10:30. Registration was supposed to be done at 10, so it was a bit of a backup plan, but it worked.”
Organizations including club sports, art appreciation, spirit groups, sororities and fraternities, honor societies and more lined the inside of the gym with tables. With 165 different student groups tabling, the event gave new and returning students a chance to find their place on campus.
“I saw the banner and a bunch of people walking into the gym this morning, and I just wanted to see what was going on, so I walked in,” said business freshman Ben Gao. “Now, I’m looking into fencing and Texas Crew. I’ve never done either of them before, but they may be something to get into. You never know.”
One of the day’s main events was the Scholarship Shoot-out, hosted by RecSports.
Students lined up to take a shot at sinking $2,000 in scholarship money, as well as a Party on the Plaza T-shirt.
“The object is to first make a 3-point shot,” said urban studies and English junior Egu Ramanathan. “After that, you compete against everyone in your gender who made the three-pointer in a half-court shot contest. It’s kind of like a last man standing sort of thing.
We really do it to get people involved and promote RecSports and friendly competition.”
Despite the dreary weather and unexpected change of venue, organizations reported better-than-expected attendance.
“It’s been pretty busy all day,” Walkowiak said. “Even upstairs, where you wouldn’t imagine it to be, there’s been a lot of traffic. I’d say we had a pretty good turnout.”
