This Taylor University basketball game covered by ESPN, CBS, NBC, and Fox generates several million views each year.
Another eclectic TU tradition. Students enter the basketball court in various costumes. Last year, the well-known floor Third Center Wengatz (3CW) sported outfits resembling the aliens from "Toy Story 2" (and 3).
But the most distinctive tradition of the game is the silent part of the night.
The Taylor community sits in the bleachers in absolute stillness until their team scores their 10th point. After this, the stadium erupts in absolute chaos.
For those freshmen, transfers, or those who perhaps happened to stumble upon Upland, Indiana this next Friday, consider these few tips before making some noise at TU's Silent Night.
DO: Arrive early
The game starts at 7:00.
The fans arrive at 3:00.
I experienced a nightmare of a line last year after my 4 p.m. class. My floormates kept a spot for me. We alternated times people could leave for restroom breaks and dinner. Even though we secured a line spot 3 hours early, we still had to squeeze into the stadium like a student teetering the line between a D and F during finals week.
Do not be the person who arrives at 7:05. We will have no room for you. The entire student body barely fits.
DO NOT: Forget a costume
Granted, yes, you could go without a fun outfit. But you will feel severely out of place.
DO: Drink lots of water beforehand
(And, of course, schedule a bathroom break before as well)
The humidity swelters in that stadium packed with somewhere between 2,000-3,000 people. If you don your Buzz Lightyear onesie, odds are you'll sweat more water than you took in that week. Stay hydrated!
DO NOT: Be the freshman who cheers before the 10th point
Yes, I could warn the sophomore, juniors, seniors, professors, and every "-ors" on campus.
But we know at this point.
National television airs this event. You do not want to become a YouTube sensation because you started whooping after the first basket.
DO: Stay for the entire event
For all you introverts out there (including me)!
I know some might be tempted to flee the overpacked gym during halftime. After all, most of the excitement surrounds the tenth point (usually scored in the first quarter).
But if you leave early, you will regret it. Trust me. I did.
