The Big Event changes venues, fewer fans

Students receive prizes, free food and view the Carolina game in Carmichael Gym

Jessica Neville

Science & Tech Editor

For 13 consecutive years, the Big Event has brought students together on campus to watch the N.C. State versus UNC-Chapel Hill basketball game played at Chapel Hill.

Although usually held in Reynolds Coliseum, a scheduling conflict made it necessary for the event planners to hold the event at Carmichael Recreation Center this year. 

Jennifer Gilmore, communications manager for University Dining, said the purpose of the Big Event is to give students an alcohol-free venue in which to watch the basketball game.  

“We usually have a good turnout for the event; last year, it was completely full,” Gilmore said before the game. “We hope there will be a lot of excitement and energy.”

Students who attended the event were treated to free Chick-fil-A, Papa John’s and Coke products, as well as numerous prizes given through raffle tickets. Other features of the event included performances by the Pack-a-belles, Fusion dance group, the marching band and the varsity cheerleaders. 

Shauntia Walton, a sophomore in biological sciences, said she came to socialize with her friends. 

“I just wanted to get out of my dorm room really,” Walton said. “I think this event is a positive experience and I’m glad it’s alcohol-free.” 

Although Carmichael had seating for up to 1,000 students, at half time the seats were only approximately half filled.  

Charles Cofield, a sophomore in biological engineering, said there was not as much excitement at the event as there was last year. 

“To be honest, it seems like people have given up on our basketball team,”

Cofield said. “I also think it was more fun last year because it was on a weeknight, so more people came.” 

In addition, Cofield said he liked the open space in Carmichael but thought the compact space in Reynolds brought everybody together more. 

The highlight of the Big Event was the halftime giveaway sponsored by University Dining and Coca-Cola. Twelve students were chosen randomly through raffle tickets given out at the entrance. The students stood on signs with different Coca-Cola products that named different prizes underneath. Gilmore called for different students to turn over their signs and see what prizes they had won, narrowing it down to two students. 

The competition, dubbed “Last Student Standing,” gave students prizes sponsored by Coca-Cola, including bikes, couches and All Campus gift certificates. 

The last two students competed for a $500 All Campus gift certificate and $3000 for tuition. The winner of the tuition prize was Darrell Palmer, a sophomore in mechanical engineering. 

“I’ve never been to the Big Event before, so I didn’t really have any expectations,” Palmer said. “This definitely made it worth it. I can’t believe I won all this money, I’m speechless.” 

Howl for Haiti volunteers collected money and gave out ribbons at the entrance to the BIG Event to contribute towards the University goal of $50,000. 

De’Ericka Aiken, a senior in political science and chair of the Student Government Community Service Commission, said as of Saturday the goal had been halfway met. 

“We have approximately $25,000 right now, so we are on our way to meeting our goal,” Aiken said. “I am confident that we can get there. A lot of students are branching out on their own to meet their goals.” 

During commercial breaks, Student Body President Jim Ceresnak gave out prizes donated by the events various sponsors through raffle tickets.