(Aug. 24, 2018) – UTSA is putting a new spin on some old traditions to celebrate the first week of classes.
The fun gets started tonight at 6 p.m. with Howdy Rowdy Bash, a pep rally-style event to introduce UTSA student-athletes for every sport and get everyone fired up for the upcoming season. For the first time, this annual Roadrunner Days tradition will be held at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Following the athletes introduction, the party features a concert from platinum-selling recording artist Jesse McCartney and exclusive ride time in the park just for Roadrunners from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are required for admission to Howdy Rowdy Bash. Fiesta Texas season passes will not be accepted.
Another option for Roadrunners on Friday night is to grab a friend and head over to the Student Union Retama Auditorium (SU 2.02.02) for a showing of Ocean’s 8. The first showing is at 6 p.m. A second is scheduled for 9 p.m.
On Saturday morning, Roadrunners will roll up their sleeves for a morning of service to support the UTSA and San Antonio communities. This opportunity is a great way to meet other students while learning about and experiencing UTSA’s deep commitment to community service.
Volunteers signed up for service projects that include cleaning up creeks and waterways at San Antonio parks, putting school supplies in backpacks for local school districts, making toys for pets at the local animal shelters, cleaning and organizing the Roadrunner Pantry, and cleaning up and beautifying the UTSA Campus Garden. For anyone who hasn’t registered yet and are still interested in volunteering, email [email protected] for more information.
Roadrunner Days Service Projects begin with check-in and a free breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at the Student Union Window Lounge. At 9 a.m., staff members will lead each group to their service projects. Volunteers are asked to wear a UTSA t-shirt, comfortable clothes and closed toe shoes. Transportation, water, snacks and materials for each project will be provided.
Also on Saturday, Roadrunner fans can get a taste of the UTSA game day experience at the inaugural UTSA Football Fan Day at the Alamodome. Fans will fire up their grills and break out the cornhole during tailgating, which begins at 10 a.m. Free family-friendly activities including face painters, balloon artists and inflatables will fill H-E-B Plaza located on the north side of the Alamodome starting at 2 p.m. Join the Spirit of San Antonio marching band, UTSA cheerleaders and fellow Roadrunners as they line Lots B and C at 4 p.m. to welcome the team during the traditional Spirit Walk. Inside the Dome, the football scrimmage kicks off at 6 p.m. then fans will be allowed on the field for an autograph session at 8 p.m. Admission and parking are free and the event is open to the public.
UTSA will provide five shuttle buses for students with a valid UTSA student ID card to ride to and from the Alamodome free of charge. The buses will leave from 3:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. from the Convocation Center and drop off between Alamodome Lots B and C. The return service will depart after the conclusion of the autograph session from between Lots B and C and drop off at the Convocation Center.
VIA will provide Special Event Service from the UTSA Main Campus beginning at 2 p.m. The fare is $2.50 each way or $1.25 each way for UTSA students with a valid UTSA student ID card. The return service will run for 45 minutes following the conclusion of UTSA Football Fan Day.
For students who prefer films over football, there is another showing of Ocean’s 8 at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Student Union Retama Auditorium (SU 2.02.02).
Students will need to check into all Roadrunner Days events using Event Pass on their mobile device. To do so, simply log in to RowdyLink, click on profile and download event pass using Apple Wallet, Google Play or screenshot. Saving the event pass makes checking into campus events quick and easy. In many cases, students will need their event pass or abc123 to get free swag, food and shirts at events.
