There are plenty of ways to get involved during your first year at Brock University, but one of the best is by supporting the Badger community. Whether you are looking to meet new people, show your school spirit or enjoy a night out with no studying, Brock’s varsity sporting events are a great experience. From packed crowds at the Meridian Centre to championship level competition on campus, here are five events every first-year should attend throughout the year.
Steel Blade Classic
There’s no better way to kick off the school year than with the Steel Blade Classic. The Brock men’s hockey team takes on the Guelph Gryphons on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Meridian Centre. The tradition has been going on since 1999, bringing together students, alumni and the community for one of the Badger’s biggest games of the season. If you’ve never been to a university hockey game, be prepared for a rowdy atmosphere and a great introduction to Brock’s spirit.
Brock Rugby Weekend
If you’ve never visited Alumni Field, Oct. 3 and 4 is the perfect weekend for you. Spend the weekend outdoors while supporting both Brock Rugby teams as the women’s team takes on the McMaster Marauders on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. and the men’s team taking on the Queen’s Gaels on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. It’s a different atmosphere from indoor sports, giving students the chance to experience another side of Badger’s athletics while enjoying Alumni Field.
Brock Open
Both the Brock men’s and women’s wrestling teams are among the most successful varsity programs in USPORTS. On Saturday, Jan. 9 in the Ian Beddis Gymnasium, you have the chance to see why Brock’s wrestling team is one of the best in the country. The Brock Open brings together top wrestlers from across the country to compete at a high level. Even if you’ve never watched wrestling before, you don’t want to miss out on the experience of Brock’s championship legacy.
Paint the Meridian Red
If there’s one basketball event to attend all season, it’s Paint the Meridian Red. The annual doubleheader on Saturday, Jan. 30 features both the Brock women’s and men’s basketball team against the Waterloo Warriors at the Meridian Centre. The action kicks off with the women’s team at 6 p.m., followed by the men’s at 8 p.m., giving Brock students two exciting games in one night. With students filling the stands wearing red, it’s one of the loudest and energic events for Brock sports.
Volleyball Senior Night
Senior Night is more than volleyball; it’s a celebration of graduating student-athletes who have represented Brock throughout their university careers. On Saturday, Feb. 20 the reigning bronze-medal women’s team kicks off the action at 4 p.m. while the men’s team kicks off at 5:30 p.m. against the Western Mustangs in the Bob Davis Gymnasium. With playoff positioning often on the line, the atmosphere is emotional, competitive, and full of school pride.
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University isn’t just about lectures and assignments, it’s about finding your community. Attending Badgers games is an easy way to make memories, meet classmates and support some of the best varsity athletes. Whether you’re cheering at the Meridian Centre, Ian Beddis Gymnasium, Bob Davis Gymnasium or Alumni Field, these five events are the perfect way to get involved with sports for your first year at Brock.
Be sure to check out Brock’s Official Athletics Website throughout the year to stay up to date on upcoming games for more opportunities to support the Badgers.