Ahhhhh, Thursday nights. They signify the end of a long week of classes, work, and hours spent at the library. For many, Thursdays mean beginning of a long weekend ahead-full of excitement, rowdiness, spontaneity, and of course, good old fun.
But do you think your Thursday nights are falling far short from this? Are they lacking this appeal because you find yourself doing the same thing with the same people at the same party or bar? One word for this sort of mundane routine comes to mind: boring.
It’s now time to get out of this rut and do something different with your life. Get away from all that seems mundane and boring, gather your friends and try what many here at this school are now considering the hottest thing to do on Thursdays…bowling.
FUSA’S Weekend Programming Board provides and funds alternatives, including Thursday Night Bowling, for Fairfield University students usually for each day/night of the weekend (Thursday-Sunday). Thursday Night Bowling is sponsored once a month, beginning at 9:30 p.m. and lasting until midnight.
“Our purpose is to give the students something different to do and enjoy other than the typical party scene,” said Jeff Holland, director of weekend programming. “The events that we coordinate are both unique and fun alternatives.” The Weekend Programming Board sponsors events such as trips to Broadway musicals and shopping in NYC. Thursday night bowling, however, is gaining extreme popularity.
Three years ago, FUSA began funding Thursday Night Bowling, but it has only grown in popularity just this year.
“My friends and I have just recently become obsessed with bowling. We have gotten so bored with going to the same parties and spending so much money at the Grape and bowling is different and, surprisingly, a lot of fun,” said Caroline Stebbins, ’03.
With inspiring numbers of students partaking in this FUSA funded event, Thursday Night Bowling has become the hottest craze on campus.
For the past two years, predominantly freshmen have come to this event. Yet, this year proves to be different. In fact, more and more students from all classes are taking up the sport. Recently, there have been more upperclassman, especially seniors, than expected.
“The amount of people that are now coming is remarkable,” said Holland. “On January 16th, we had nearly 200 students bowling. It is now, by far, the biggest and most popular event we are funding.”
“It’s a good time, a good alternative, and it’s free,” said FUSA President Karen Donoghue.
FUSA pays for all students who choose to partake in a free night of bowling at Nutmeg Lanes. There might seem to be a catch, but there is none. You show up and you get a free pair of bowling shoes and free bowling until close. You can play as many games as you want.
FUSA also provides all students with free transportation. Buses make continuous trips throughout the night from Alumni Hall to Nutmeg Lanes. The first pickup is at 9 p.m. in front of Alumni Hall and the last bus leaves Nutmeg Lanes around midnight.
“You can choose to come and go starting at nine. It’s not only a free ride home, but it’s a safe ride home,” said Holland.
Safety is a key issue because there is a bar within the premises of Nutmeg Lanes that students of age can utilize. With great deals like $3 bottles of beer and $5 pitchers, Nutmeg Lanes has a lot to offer Fairfield University students.
“How much better can it get? Free bowling, free transportation, and cheap beer…not bad for a Thursday night,” said Zach Moore, ’03.
Along with the free bowling, Nutmeg Lanes provide trophies to each male and female student with the highest score for the night. Gift certificates provided by FUSA are also raffled off every Thursday night.
However, to get a free raffle ticket you must be wearing an “I Love Bowling” T-shirt, which can be purchased for $5 at the alley from Holland.
With such great numbers, the Weekend Programming Board is presently trying to make this event occur twice a month, instead of once a month.
“It’s a great start to a fun night ahead, and even just a relaxing night after a long week of classes,” said Rae Nicoletti, ’04.
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