Football Funday Sunday was a watch party event that happened at the Smith University Center (UC) at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 19. Although turnout was low, a few students still showed up and enjoyed snacks while watching the football game.
This is currently the second time the Campus Activities Board (CAB) has held this event at Francis Marion University—the first-time being Sept. 28 this fall semester. The event offered snacks such as Pringles, Cheez-Its and Capri Suns for students to enjoy while watching the game or studying in the UC. It marked the second time the event has been held since the start of the NFL season, with teams like the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns playing that day.
Students watched the game closely, with with few saying much during play. Promotion for the event included flyers posted around campus to attract students’ attention.
“It’s just something different we haven’t done before. We noticed that a lot of students on campus are sports fans,” said Michael Smith, student conduct coordinator in the Student Life Department.
Smith said planning for this event took about a month and made use of existing resources, including space in the UC and free food to attract students. While not a big campus event, it gave the Student Life Department a chance to gauge what activities students like to see on campus.
“For any of the students who watch football or would play football anywhere else, I feel like this is definitely an event to bring people together,” said Lyric Clinton, a student who referred to herself as a “casual football fan.”
The event was meant to appeal to a variety of student interests to measure what draws the most engagement. It successfully attracted sports fans to take part in the on-campus activity. However, students are advised that Football Sunday Funday is not limited to football fans but for anyone who’s willing join.
The next Football Sunday Funday is scheduled for Nov. 9 at the same time. Students with ideas for future events or suggestions beneficial to campus life at FMU can contact Smith via email for more information. A similar event centered on college basketball is planned for the spring, so students are encouraged to be on the lookout for future information.