As if the $65 fee for senior portraits was not enough to dry the money-filled well, the class of ’03 continues to be thirsty for dough after paying for the infamous 200 Nights.
“Last year, 200 Nights was held at the Trumbull Marriott, and tickets were $65 each,” said Colette Landers ’03, SBRA (Student Beach Resident Association) co-president. “It was a mess. They ran out of food and alcohol, and there was only one bartender. Students were stealing alcohol and Trumbull Police had to come and control the situation.”
Although the lack of alcohol angered ’02 students, many retaliated with inappropriate actions.
“The lines were astronomical to get beer and mixed drinks,” said Greg Zacholl ’02, who will also DJ this year’s 200 Nights. “People would go behind the bar themselves and fill up their beers. People were so fed up by 10 p.m. that we were buying beer from the hotel bar and jumping into the hotel fountains.”
The night ended abruptly at 12 a.m., and all students were sent back to Fairfield.
“Some students didn’t have a ride home,” Zacholl said. “The buses left unfilled because the drivers were impatient and wanted to get out of there.”
Due to the lack of acceptable behavior by last year’s senior class, it was difficult for the class of ’03 to find a catering hall that would be willing to accept business from Fairfield University.
“I tried 100 places, and every time I mentioned Fairfield, they just shied away,” Landers said. “Every place had heard of what happened last year. Our only option was the Stamford Marriott.”
As a result, the charge for 200 Nights is more expensive.
“The tickets this year are more expensive because the Stamford Marriott is pricier in general,” Landers said.
Landers reported that all necessary precautions, including an area to fit over 500 people, have been taken to ensure an entertaining night.
After continued negotiation, SBRA decided to cut out dessert and one hour of open bar to decrease the ultimate charge for 200 Nights.
“We have five bartenders, four hours open bar with beer and wine, and we hired security guards,” Landers said. “All of this adds up.”
The final cost culminated at $90 per person; however, the charge increased to $110 a person for on-campus seniors and off-campus seniors who did not pay the allocated SBRA beach dues.
“Dues are for buses and social events,” said Tim Harper ’03, SBRA co-president. “The money to pay for 200 Nights comes out of a budget, not out of the dues.”
Landers ensures that no beach due money is used to pay for this event.
“Those are never touched. The reason that it is cheaper for off-campus students is because there is a residential fund given to SBRA by the university,” said Landers. “Each off-campus student is given roughly $25 by the University. So off-campus tickets cost $90 and on-campus tickets are $110. It is $110 for off-campus students who have not paid their dues yet…this is just a way to get them to pay their dues.”
Some say that dues for the Naut, which are keg parties at different beach houses six days a week, are included in the so-called beach dues. Although Harper refuses to comment on whether the Naut is included in beach dues, many students are left wondering where their money really goes.
“If we come short, it is coming out of my bank account…out of my spring break,” said Landers. “Everything is on open basis. Everyone is welcome to see all the bills and statements to make sure the money is being held properly. Duane Mezzler [advisor to SBRA] meets with us on a weekly basis as well.”
SBRA assures that no money is pocketed and no one benefits economically from all collected dues.
“People with negative views don’t understand,” Landers said. “Please come talk to me, and I can explain where your money is going.”
Since a large number of the senior class have expressed concern about 200 Nights, FUSA plans to alleviate any other discrepancies by offering another option called “Senior Smash.”
“Due to the fact that many seniors were upset with the large ticket price for 200 nights, the Senior Class Council is offering an alternative solution,” said Eddie Seavers ’03, Class of 2003 vice president. ” ‘Senior Smash’ provides a cheaper celebration for seniors without directly competing with the SBRA event.”
The event will be take place the day after 200 Nights at the Skybox Café in downtown Fairfield, Saturday, Nov. 9 between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m.. The cost is $40. It includes transportation from Lantern Point and campus, an open bar and food, including wings, potato skins and chicken tenders. There will be a DJ and a commemorative cup.
Ticket sales will be held on Thursday between 12 and 6 p.m. and Friday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the BCC next to the information desk.
Landers and Harper both report that FUSA has made no contribution to fund or to organize 200 Nights.
“I believe that FUSA could have contacted us before organizing Senior Smash,” Landers said. “It wasn’t a matter of miscommunication…there was no communication. I just wish someone had spoken to me. FUSA and the school never offered to help us in planning 200 Nights.”
Students believe the Senior Smash is a good alternative to 200 Nights.
“Unfortunately I already bought a ticket for 200 Nights, but had I known about Senior Smash before, I would have considered going there instead,” said Megan Piccininni ’03. “Although it is too costly, I decided last minute to go to 200 Nights because it’s the one senior event we can all really enjoy.”
Others remain confident in 200 Nights.
“I think the extra $25 or $30 to have a good time is worth it,” Harper said. “It’s a big event for us to have with our friends. If people want to say screw 200 Nights, then don’t come. We could care less. We have enough people.”
According to Landers, about 125 tickets have been sold for 200 Nights, but she is optimistic that the SBRA will sell about 400 tickets, equaling the total of tickets sold last year.
SBRA warns students not to show up to 200 Nights without a ticket because security officers will be monitoring the area for any unauthorized student entrance.
“I hope it is worth it,” Piccininni added. “Last year was much cheaper, but the place appeared to be less attractive than the Stamford Marriott. If the Stamford Marriott is as nice as I hear, and the liquor is flowing all night, it will probably be worth it in the long run.”
“The idea is to have a formal event. We want to offer students an opportunity to go somewhere different, not somewhere that they can go any day,” Landers concluded. “We can accommodate a lot more students. The idea is to include everyone. We really want on-campus students to attend just as much as off-campus students.”
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