The atmosphere of this past weekend was something Ball State University desperately needed. The past couple of years, there seems to have been a lack of Cardinal pride on campus. Though this year has been considerably better, something has always been missing from Ball State. Last weekend showed everybody who attended the football game, and participated in the game day experience, exactly what I'm talking about.
The buzz that was created on campus last weekend was amazing. As I was waiting in miles of traffic to enter the tailgating area, there were picturesque images of college. A student was riding a bike while holding a cooler, people were playing catch from car to car, and others were shouting through megaphones and blowing air horns, all while each car had separate karaoke contests. The atmosphere was comparable to the Coke field during the Indianapolis 500 and Allstate 400 race weekends. Ball State felt like a real college campus.
The game itself was an emotional rollercoaster. It was great to see Scheumann Stadium sold out, but disappointing because Ball State deserved to win. Even though Ball State lost, the football team proved that they can compete competitively for the MAC title. The football team is going to continue improving each and every week. Hopefully fans will continue to support enthusiastically as well.
However, students should not look back on this weekend and say, "That was the best time I ever had at Ball State." Instead, the atmosphere created last weekend should be a regular happening. The way people went out and created fun situations and memories should be expected. Indiana University and Purdue University, the colleges Ball State is compared to most, have the Little 500 and Grand Prix respectively; what does Ball State have? One way to improve the social scene at Ball State is by creating a similar springtime event.
In addition, the greek environment on campus has enormous potential. Although there are additions to the fraternity scene in the works, the frats themselves need a more open door policy. For example, DePauw University is ranked first nationally for their greek involvement with a student body of only 2,300. If the average Joe were able to attend fun, organized frat parties at Ball State, more people might entertain the idea of pledging, quickly creating a dynamic greek scene.
Other ways to improve the social landscape of Ball State is by working with Muncie businesses to attract college students. If the town and gown relations between Muncie and Ball State were good, it would add another vibrant aspect to the campus.
Finally, kegs need to return. The Ball State Police Department should take a more passive role and the vague noise ordinance needs to be revised so people feel comfortable going to a party. College students want to go out and not have to worry about receiving a public intoxication or underage drinking ticket. Whatever happened to the glory days of Ball State when David Letterman and Jim Davis were students?
The bottom line is that Ball State and its students need to create more of a fun-friendly atmosphere. There is no reason why this university cannot improve its academic reputation while stimulating a lively social landscape. Ball State should take advantage of the social aspect of college as an influential recruiting and marketing tool. The mindset on campus should be "work hard, play hard." Maybe then more people will want to Ball U more often.
Travis O'Neil is a junior language arts and communication studies major and writes 'The O Report' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Travis at tjoneill@bsu.edu.
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