Since the late 1970s, eager sports fans have gathered for the student-wide Campout in hopes of receiving NC State basketball tickets.
This year’s Student Government, along with University Athletics, the Union Activities Board and University Recreation, hosted Campout and Throwback with the Pack in Talley Student Union, Reynolds Coliseum, and Miller Fields Friday.
Although both Campout and Throwback to the Pack took place Friday night, the events were separate from each other. Student Government was responsible for running Campout, according to Student Body President Rusty Mau.
“The most important part about Campout is preserving the tradition of camping out, to get students excited about NC State Basketball,” Mau said.
With basketball season just around the corner, students are doing what they can to earn extra tickets and interact with fellow sports enthusiasts. This event offered attendees a chance to earn six loyalty points towards acquiring basketball and other athletics tickets.
Sydney Levine, a freshman in elementary education, said the evening was split into two events, Throwback with the Pack and Campout. Throwback with the Pack took place before the Campout event.
“It got me excited for basketball season, and was a good campus event,” Levine said.
At Throwback with the Pack, alumni and previous NC State basketball players competed in tournaments against the NC State men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Students attending Campout were required to bring their own camping gear, tents, flashlights, snacks and sleeping bags to camp on Miller Fields from Friday evening until Saturday morning, swiping their students IDs at various designated times to be sure they attended the whole event.
Students were then required to swipe into the Campout event and pitch tents for the night. Campus a cappella groups, including Ladies in Red and Grains of Time, performed and entertained guests throughout the night.
At 2:30 a.m. there was another designated swipe time at Campout. Levine said that after swiping, students were allowed to hang out and socialize or sleep. At 5 a.m., students were allowed to leave, having earned six loyalty points to be used toward obtaining student basketball tickets.
NC State traditions of acquiring basketball tickets have been occurring since the 1970s. Originally, students would campout at Reynolds Coliseum to gain their basketball tickets. NC State’s Student Government thought it best to preserve this tradition of camping, so it began the annual Campout.
Campout was held at PNC arena the past two years, but was switched to Miller Fields this year to preserve the outdoor camping experience that had originally taken place.
Along with Student Government, UAB was another prime coordinator of the event. The Inter-Residence Council and University Recreation also contributed to the organization of the Campout.
“It’s an organic tradition,” Mau said. “Campout is a great example of the hard work of our Student Government and our working with other student organizations, as well.”
Mau said he considered the event a success that further stimulated student involvement and encouragement of attending athletic events.
