A few times every semester, the Student Center undergoes a transformation. Decorations pop up around formerly austere columns. Tables overflowing with food replace Papa John's and Chick-fil-A.
Friday, March 1, the Student Center took on a less scholarly role to host Tiger Nights: Aubie Across America. The event, spanning the top two floors of the building, included a live DJ, reptile and bird exhibits, a casino in the ballroom and several other activities, all free to anyone there.
"Well, it's a party!" said Laura Barnett, senior in finance. "No, but seriously, it's an event put on by the (University Program Council). It's from 7 p.m. to midnight, and we do it about twice a semester. Basically, we just take over the Student Center."
This is evident from the moment a student walks in the doors. To the left, Chick-fil-A is uncharacteristically empty and dark, but directly to the right caretakers from the Southeastern Raptor Center show off their predatory companions, informing passersby about the birds and the center itself, which rehabilitates and cares for several different species.
Behind the raucous birds, pizza, ice cream and a DJ round out the second floor area that has been renamed New York in the spirit of the night's theme.
Several activities are definitely more geared toward students, such as the half of the ballroom transformed into a mini-casino, where students play poker for a chance to win prize baskets stuffed with goodies.
Opposite the Black Jack tables or "Las Vegas," sits "Texas," which consists of a mechanical bull and star spangled cowboy hats for those who ride.
Given the sheer amount of things to do, one might expect to see the same activities at each event, but Barnett says that is not true.
"Each event has its own theme, and we come up with different stuff to do each time," Barnett said.
Some of the more popular tables, such as Jennifer Lolley's reptile exhibit, however, have seen several Tiger Nights.
"This is my fifth time or so," Lolley said. "They like me to come down here, because it's cool to take a picture holding a snake so you can put it on Facebook or Twitter. I do it to raise awareness."
Lolley is promoting the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, a 120-acre forest on N. College Street laced with hiking trails for adventurous students.
"It's a part of the University, and it's free, so I like to let you students know about it and this is how I do it," Lolley said.
Students at the event had only positive things to say about it.
"Tiger Nights are awesome! Everybody should come," said sophomore Ariel Reynolds while waiting for the personal recording studio to open up.
"I think it needs more publicity. Half my friends haven't even heard of Tiger Nights," said sophomore Elizabeth McDaniels.
Regardless of publicity, Tiger Nights typically draws 1,200 to 1,500 students and is a well-established Auburn tradition that promises to continue well into the future with nights such as these.
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