(Aug. 20, 2018) — A spectacular display of lights, color and music will fill the UTSA Main Campus tonight during Midnight Light. The entire UTSA community will come together at the UTSA Oval off John Peace Blvd. to witness the lighting of the Monuments, signifying the start of the 2018-19 academic year.
The tradition begins at 11:30 p.m. Roadrunner Nation will join President Taylor Eighmy, Rowdy and the Spirit of San Antonio marching band for the celebration. Following the lighting of the Monuments, there will be fireworks, music and a special presentation of the Monument light sequences and their meanings.
Starting at 9 p.m., the John Peace Blvd. entrance on the Main Campus will be closed to vehicle traffic so students and fellow Roadrunners can celebrate in the area. Those driving to campus to attend Midnight Light should enter campus through the Brenan Ave. entrance. Free parking will be available in the Tobin Ave. Garage for the duration of the event.
Roadrunners have been gathering at the monument for Midnight Light each night before the first day of classes since the tradition began in 2014. The UTSA Monuments are an award-winning architectural element unique to the university. Every night, the Monuments are lit with various color patterns to recognize special occasions in the UTSA community, such as academic achievements and athletics victories.
The Midnight Light is one of many events during Roadrunner Days, a nine-day celebration running through the first week of classes. The events welcome new and returning students to UTSA at the start of the new academic year.
On Tuesday, August 21, all Roadrunners are encouraged to wear their UTSA gear to celebrate the first day of classes. They can also show off their school pride by capturing memories of the day at a UTSA photo station. The UTSA Involvement Ambassadors will be in the Student Union Paseo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. taking pictures and handing out goodie bags. Other events for the entire UTSA community to engage in on Tuesday include Networking Socials and Roadrunner Life Hacks workshops to help students survive and thrive at UTSA. Then cool off between classes with a sweet treat and meet President Eighmy during Paletas with the Prez from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sombrilla. Before heading back to their residence hall or home, students are invited to the Fraternity/Sorority Life New Member Information Session to learn about Greek life at UTSA.
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.
