A new tradition will officially start at Auburn Friday, Oct.11.
Molly Lawrence, assistant director of major entertainment for the University Programs Council, said while there was an event last year called Bodda Getta Bash, this year's iteration will be bigger, better and more similar to future versions of the event.
"We had one last year, but it was at the amphitheater," Lawrence said. "This year's event is in the arena, and should be a lot bigger. This is our second year, but it's pretty much completely different."
The change is because this year's Bodda Getta Bash is the result of a alliance among SGA, UPC and Auburn Athletics, which allows the event to occur in the Auburn Arena.
"There was a different view about it last year," said Mark Goldstein, SGA's assistant director of pep rallies. "This year we're trying to make sure it becomes a long- standing Auburn tradition."
Bodda Getta Bash is essentially a combination of the Homecoming parade, pep rally and UPC's annual fall concert.
"We really split the work on it," said Kaitlyn Williams, SGA's director of pep rallies.
SGA and UPC said they hope Bodda Getta Bash becomes a well-liked tradition.
"Everyone knows Hey Day or Big Event," Goldstein said. "We want Bodda Getta Bash to become one of those traditions."
The Homecoming parade begins at 4 p.m.
The pep rally portion of the event starts at 6:30 p.m.
After the pep rally the UPC concert will take place.
UPC and SGA said they hope Bodda Getta Bash becomes a well-liked tradition.
Eric Hutchinson and Gloriana are the artists playing at Bodda Getta Bash.
"Gloriana and Eric Hutchinson are great bands," Lawrence said. "We're expecting a lot of people."
The pep rally will include performances and appearances by the Auburn University Marching Band, Auburn Cheerleadering, Tiger Paws, AU Rhythm, a guest speaker from Auburn Athletics and Aubie.
Lawrence said the increase in event size will also affect the promotions tied to Bodda Getta Bash.
Lawrence said by following @AuburnBGB on Twitter and liking the event's official Facebook page, students will be notified of opportunities to receive free merchandise and free food.
"(Tuesday) morning we gave away free Chick-fil-A, and it was gone in less than an hour and a half," Lawrence said. "We'll definitely be doing that at least one more time."
Future promotional giveaways include hats, shirts and cups.
Lawrence said the items used to promote the event are free.
The freebies are not the only part of event that students will get for free, Lawrence said.
"Bodda Getta Bash is open to the public, and it's free for everyone," Lawrence said. "It's a great event for Homecoming weekend."
Williams agreed the open nature of the event is part of Bodda Getta Bash's charm.
"It's about more than just Auburn students," Williams said. "It's about the Auburn family."
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