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Students drive-in to 'The Beach' for Transformers 2

Lights, a big screen, speakers and cars made their way onto Auburn's campus Tuesday night.

Students piled into their trucks and cars and headed to "The Beach."

Only this beach, on the corner of Lem Morrison and Donahue Drive, featured a drive-in movie.

University Program Council found a whole new way to feature films on campus. They premiered a free showing of "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen."

Previously, the biggest movie event on campus was a showing of "The Dark Knight" in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

This is the first drive-in movie they have hosted in five years.

"We decided to bring back the drive in movie as a new way to show films on campus," said Ryan Higginbotham, UPC's director of films. "We had a lot of requests for it and have been planning to show Transformers 2 since its release this summer."

UPC members set up the parking by laying out cones and directing traffic as it entered the lot, so that every car had a view of the screen.

They hired a professional for the projector screen and speakers.

"I work with the National Association of College Activities to help with events on campus such as video games that require a big screen," said Jeff Cashio of Auburn Moon Entertainment. "We got everything set up in two hours with the screen and sound. The students provided exceptional help."

Cashio said a drive-in movie was hosted on campus 10 years ago, and he was happy that they brought it back.

UPC provided refreshments for the moviegoers.

Drinks and candy added to the movie experience. A popcorn maker completed the night.

"Tiger catering provided a popcorn maker, and we provided the rest of the snacks," said Celeste Daugh, junior in secondary education and UPC's assistant director of films. "We have been planning this since the summer, and I'm happy to see that we had a good turn out."

Daugh said they hope to bring the drive-in movie back next year and add it to the list of UPC's annual events.

Students brought out camping chairs and bundled up in blankets to keep warm in the chilly weather.

"I'm excited they brought a drive-in movie to Auburn's campus because I have never been to one," said Elizabeth Folmer, senior in building science. "I liked the movie choice because I didn't get a chance to see it in theaters."

The drive-in was a hit with students who attended, and many of the moviegoers said they would attend drive-ins on campus in the future.

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