In the newly renovated Reitz Union, a Gator tradition will celebrate its 15th anniversary.
GatorNights, organized by the Reitz Union Board Entertainment, will have a zip line, carnival rides and performances by comedian Ron Funches (from NBC’s “Undateable”), UF’s Theatre Strike Force, No Southern Accent and Treble Makers. This will be the first GatorNights to use the renovated Reitz, and about 2,000 people are expected to attend.
GatorNights began Aug. 25, 2000, to give students a safe option on the weekends, Josh Wilson, the program coordinator of Reitz Union programs, said. The budget for Friday will be about $18,000 to $20,000, Wilson said. A typical GatorNights program costs about $8,000, he said.
Jennifer Kassicieh, a 20-year-old business administration junior and the Reitz Union Board of Entertainment’s GatorNights committee director, said she’s looking forward to Friday.
“We’ve never had these three groups perform together in one show, so that’s a big deal for our organization and all their organizations,” she said.
Students who visit different spaces will receive a T-shirt, said graduate assistant of Reitz Union programs Maggie Sutton.
“I’m just really excited for the students to enjoy their renovated space and to get to know these spaces in a fun and engaging and exciting way,” Sutton said.
Samantha Taglieri, a 19-year-old UF education sophomore, said she’ll attend.
“I’m excited for the Alice and Wonderland theme, which is pretty cool.” she said. “I’m also excited for the rides,” she said.
