3,000 waffles and 90 gallons of ice cream
Students from The University of Texas at Arlington continued old traditions and began new ones this week, combining the 22nd annual Waffleopolis event with the opening of Brazos Park, a new amphitheater and green space located in the heart of campus. Backed by a literal drumroll from the Maverick Marching Band, University leaders cut the ribbon on the new Brazos Park, then made way for a night of music and dancing.
“I can’t tell you how excited we are to make this awesome campus space something for you to enjoy,” said Peter Nguyen, president of EXCEL Campus Activities, UTA’s student program council.
The Brazos Park stage, located in the center of campus, incorporates architectural elements from Brazos House, which housed UTA students from 1936 until 2018. A new amphitheater and open space was constructed in its place, made possible in part by a generous gift from College of Business alumnus Mustaque Ahmed. The park is designed to increase student engagement and interaction.
Approximately 4,000 students attended the ribbon cutting and Waffleopolis, a UTA tradition that began two decades ago when resident assistants at the old Brazos House welcomed new and returning students back to campus by making them Belgian waffles, said Mari Duncan, director of Apartment and Residence Life.
Waffleopolis has since expanded into a campus-wide event and is one of the highlights of the 40-plus events over 18 days that compose Maverick Stampede, UTA’s annual kickoff to the new academic year.
UTA served 3,000 waffles in less than an hour and went through 90 gallons of ice cream, Duncan said.
“Waffleopolis has a strong following and grows each year,” she continued. “To get that kind of turnout after the first day of classes shows how popular it has become.”
The quirky tradition is memorable for new students and continues to attract returning students back for a waffle party in the middle of campus.
“These are events that we remember fondly when we recall our college experiences—hanging out with your friends, dancing and eating,” Duncan said. “Our students had fun, and it was memorable. And that is priceless.”