Hours after the sun goes down on Sunday night, the UTSA Main Campus will be filled with lights, color and music for UTSA Midnight Light. One of UTSA’s most exciting traditions brings students, faculty and staff together to show their Roadrunner spirit as the university lights up the Monuments, signifying the start of the 2023-2024 academic year.
The late-night pep rally will feature music and fellowship. This year’s festivities will also include UTSA’s new take on lighting up the sky.
“In order to keep our UTSA and San Antonio community safe, we will be complying with the Texas burn ban order and forgo fireworks at this year’s event, said Analicia Gonzales, UTSA senior associate director of communications and family engagement for Student Affairs. “Roadrunners attending Midnight Light will have the opportunity to see the midnight debut of a custom UTSA drone show comprised of a programmed swarm of 200 drones giving Roadrunners a spirited start to the Fall 2023 semester. Midnight Light will begin at 10 p.m. with glow giveaways, snow cones, and music provided by DJ Gumby.”
The Midnight Light will be held at the John Peace Blvd. entrance of the Main Campus. Rowdy, UTSA Cheer and the Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band will lead the excitement. The event includes a special presentation of the Monument light sequences and their meaning by the Spirits of the Roadrunner, Ene Jon-Mark and Jacksarn Mann and Student Government Association President Zachary Nepote. The festivities will end at midnight following the drone show.
A group of students kick off a new semester at the annual Midnight Light Event.
This gathering at the Monuments on the night before classes has been a UTSA tradition since 2014. The UTSA Monuments are an award-winning architectural element unique to campus; they are lit up nightly throughout the year with various color patterns to recognize academic achievements, athletic victories and special occasions.
To prepare for Midnight Light, the John Peace Blvd. entrance to campus will be closed starting at 9 p.m. on Sunday. Drivers may enter campus through the Brenan Ave. entrance.
There will be free parking available at Tobin Ave. Garage for the duration of the event.
The Midnight Light is a signature event of Roadrunner Days—a line-up of events, seminars and socials that helps students develop a sense of belonging at the university, encourages them to meet new people and introduces them to university resources that will help them succeed on campus and in the classroom.
Sunday’s event will help kick off the first week of Roadrunner Days, which will run through August 26 and will focus on connecting UTSA students. The second week, which will take place from August 27 through September 2, and will focus on connecting students to valuable campus resources.
