The “Ram Roast,” one of the most anticipated traditions at N.C . State, is back. The tradition, which started after Tar Heel fans began painting State’s Free Expression Tunnel Carolina blue before big athletic competitions, focuses around guarding the tunnel from intruders.
The yearly event responsible for charging up students just in time for the Carolina game promises to be full of activities to ensure the Pack is ready when the Tar Heels come visiting Saturday.
Student Body President Chandler Thompson felt it was one of the most special events at State, as it was a huge celebration of school spirit and Wolfpack pride.
“Ram Roast started first as a senior class project and its evolved to the Alumni Association Student Ambassador Program ( AASAP ), which then has been happening twice a year, ” Thompson said. “Two years ago I had to plan one of the Ram Roasts. My favorite part of Ram Roast is the late night events that happen and I think its special to bring students together and celebrate N.C . State pride.”
Mitchel Abbott, traditions committee chair of the AASAP , claimed that the Ram Roast was one of the most important events they organize every year.
“We [ AASAP ] started the event seven years back,” Abbot said. “It’s one of our traditions that is most famous and important after homecoming as far as hosting events and whatnot.”
Abbott said he is very excited about the activities planned for the event which starts 8 p.m . at the Free Expression Tunnel and goes on all night.
“We have a pep rally from 8 to 9 p.m . where Tom O’Brien and the players will be there,” Abbot said. “Then there will be performances by student groups like Acappology and Ladies in Red, we have the N.C . State dance team cheerleaders and band will be performing and then the N.C . State clogging dance team will also be performing.
“We have a tailgating triathlon that will have teams of two competing in competitions of corn hole and water-pong and everyone who participates in that will receive a free pair of N.C . State gloves and the winner will get a traditions scarf.”
Anh Dinh , sophomore in chemistry, participated in the tradition last year and felt it was an important event for all NCSU Students.
“It’s important for N.C . State students to participate because they are also participating in an important school tradition,” Dinh said. “It enhances the college experience, especially one that’s unique to our school. Not everyone can say they protected the Free Expression Tunnel from being painted Carolina blue. This tradition also brings students together to show their support for the Wolfpack .
“As always, I look forward to seeing the Free Expression Tunnel be painted red and white and seeing the different designs students create to show off their Wolfpack pride.”
Despite a 70 percent chance of rain Thursday night and the possibility of it being cold, Dinh felt it would not affect participation to a large extent.
”The weather conditions may affect participation but only a small percentage if any,” Dinh said. “A good number of students will still attend the event, especially since it is dealing with our rival school. When UNC is involved, students are eager to join in to show N.C . State is the dominant school out of the two.”
“We have the best fans and the best school spirit.”
