By Tory Hyde
Let the countdown begin. Spring is only four weeks away. As you make travel plans to various locations, don’t forget UA has a lot of cool places and things to offer too. Experience campus in a new way with these seven fun things to do.
- Take a tour of Gorgas House.
Gorgas House is named after the Gorgas family, who lived in the house from 1879 to 1950. It was one of the only buildings on campus to survive the Civil War. The house has had many purposes since it was built in 1829; it was a dining hall, a hotel and a residence. Gorgas House is open weekdays from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. It is behind Gorgas Library and in front of Morgan Hall on Capstone Drive. Admission is free for students, faculty and alumni.
2. Attend a theatre production.
The University’s theatre and dance department puts on at least seven productions a semester. This semester features such performances as “Vinegar Tom,” Dance Alabama! and “I Gelosi.” A list of performances and dates can be found on this website. There, you can also purchase tickets.
3. Go to a sporting event and join the Crimson Chaos.
The Crimson Chaos is a student group that goes to different sporting events on campus. The group is called the Chaos because it is made up of the the loudest and proudest fans cheering on the Crimson Tide from the stands. This semester, the group plans to go to baseball games, women’s tennis matches and women’s softball games. For more information on Crimson Chaos events, visit this website.
4.] Participate in a Greek philanthropy event.
Every few months, a Greek organization will host a fundraiser for one of its philanthropies. These events range from 5Ks to cookouts to events at local restaurants. Typically, tickets cost $5 to $10. The best place to find announcements for these events is to follow @uagreekpoints and @uagreekprograms on Instagram. The Alabama Panhellenic Association also announces philanthropy events on its website.
5. Visit Smith Hall.
Students might be surprised to find that Smith Hall, the academic building, is also the Alabama Museum of Natural History. Some of the main exhibits include footprints in stone, “Skulls and Skeletons” and “Ancient Sea Monsters in Alabama.” Smith Hall is on the east side of the Quad and faces Gorgas Library on Sixth Avenue. It is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Admission is free for students, faculty and staff.
6. Go to a concert at Moody Music Building or Bryant-Jordan Hall.
More than 350 music majors are on UA’s campus, and they frequently have recitals and concerts to showcase their talents in a range of genres. Upcoming performances include UA Opera Theatre’s production of “Semele” Feb. 28 and March 2 and 4, the UA Jazz Ensemble on March 7, and Mozart’s Requiem on March 20. Student tickets usually cost $3. Moody Music Building is on Second Avenue. Bryant-Jordan Hall is on the Bryce campus. For upcoming events, visit the School of Music’s website.
7. Explore the Bryant Museum.
The Paul W. Bryant Museum is every Alabama football fan’s dream. It takes visitors through the history of Alabama football. The museum specifically highlights Paul “Bear” Bryant’s life and achievements as UA’s award-winning head football coach. It also showcases trophies and rings the football team has won. The museum is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily and is on Bryant Drive across from Coleman Coliseum.