Winter Blast set for Feb. 26

The temperature may have dropped to the single-digits lately, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make the best out of it. Organizers hope to turn the university’s McNichols campus into a winter wonderland for the annual Titan Winter Blast that will take place Saturday, February 26.

Alumni Relations Assistant Director Angelina Jaroszewski has been preparing for this year’s event to welcome back alumni and current students as McNichols campus begins to open once again following a three-week remote learning period due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Some of the biggest attractions for this year’s event will include a chili cook-off featuring 16 alumni and student chefs, horse-drawn trolley rides through campus and fowling. Students can snack on cookies and hot cocoa, as well as catered food by National Coney Island.

Organizers are also taking COVID-19 precautions including offering different stations inside and outside the Fitness Center.

The chili cook-off will take place inside, along with games and seating. If guests want to stay outside, tents will be provided for extra seating and fire pits and heaters will be provided to keep everyone warm.

“All food and drink must be consumed outside in the seating tent or fire pit area, and not inside the Fitness Center, all guests must wear a mask while inside the Fitness Center or the heated tent and guests should be prepared to show their vaccination cards at the door or proof of a negative covid test to be admitted, if this is deemed necessary,” Jaroszewski said.

The Winter Blast has been a tradition at Detroit Mercy for 17 years, and Jaroszewski said change amid the pandemic was needed to keep it going.

“We are proud to say this event has transformed into an event like no other on campus,” she said.

Before the pandemic, Jaroszewski said attendance ranged between 350-450 people. Last year, the event was closed only to students, although she said the pandemic forced them to think of new ideas that are being implemented this year.

The event will end with a men’s basketball game at Calihan Hall against Purdue Fort Wayne. It’s the last regular season contest for the Titans before the Horizon League tournament.  

Students get full event access, food and drinks for only $5 if they register by Feb. 6. The price goes up to $10 after that. Non-students have to pay $20 admission, or $25 after Feb. 6.

You can register for the Winter Blast online at udmercy.edu.