“The Greatest Show on Earth” will make its way to Gainesville for the first time in January.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will present a “Super Circus Heroes” theme Jan. 10-12 in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
Renee Musson, associate director of the O’Connell Center, wrote in an email that the “Super Circus Heroes” theme is “based on the circus’ current focus to stop childhood bullying.”
She said the circus will be in town prior to the event at various charities trying to spread the message and “help folks find their inner super hero to stop the bullying.”
“They are excited to be here so that every ‘child of any age’ can get to experience ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’” Musson said.
The show dates and times are Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.; Jan. 11 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. and Jan. 12 at 1 p.m.
The tickets will range in price from $14 to $58 and will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
There will also be coupons available as the show gets closer, Musson said.
Emily Astrom, a 19-year-old UF mathematics sophomore, said she would go to the circus when she was younger and that she’s excited it is coming to Gainesville.
“I would rearrange my schedule just to go,” she said.
Laura Hernandez, an 18-year-old UF accounting freshman, said she thinks it’s awesome a circus is coming to campus.
Hernandez said the fact that it’s coming to the O’Connell Center is convenient because many freshmen might not have transportation otherwise.
According to the Ringling Bros. website, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will showcase “superhuman athleticism, power and pageantry that will have Children Of All Ages discovering their own superhuman strength.”
“This show will be great for everyone,” Musson said.
A version of this story ran on page 3 on 11/26/2013 under the headline "Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus to perform at UF in January"
