Every year since 2000, Eta Alpha Omega has sponsored Muggin’, an event meant to provide a safer alternative to off-campus partying after Tiger Tunes. This year will be the biggest yet, with 2,100 bottles of IBC Root Beer being served in the center of campus following the final Saturday performance.
“Muggin’ was started because a group of guys wanted a fun alternative to drinking alcohol after Tiger Tunes,” said Michael Crowe, a junior finance and business management major and the vice president of Eta Alpha Omega. “We also believe that Muggin’ builds a great sense of community on campus.”
The beginnings of Muggin’ can be traced back to the year 2000.
“One of our alumni was bored and brought a boombox along with an ice chest of IBC to the gazebo and invited all of his friends,” said Alex Nelson, a junior finance and business management major and the secretary/treasurer of Eta Alpha Omega.
The event has expanded every year since, and is now one of the most well-known events of Homecoming week.
This year, Sean Michel, a Ouachita alumnus from Bryant who appeared on “American Idol” several years ago, will perform live along with his band. Nelson said the club also has several other activities planned.
Crowe said the group traditionally serves IBC root beer because of the reason the company was founded.
“Interestingly enough, IBC was founded in 1919 as an alternative to alcohol consumption during prohibition,” he said. “We chose IBC root beer because of this direct stance. The principle that you don’t need to drink alcohol to have a great time is where it all began.”
Crowe said planning Muggin’ takes a great deal of time.
“Each year, we try to bring new ideas to the event to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved,” he said. “Once the funds have been raised to cover the costs of the root bear, smaller details and logistics are handled to make sure everything runs smoothly; then comes marketing.”
For Nelson, the best part of Muggin’ is seeing so much of campus gathered in one place.
“I love interacting with other students, faculty and alumni,” he said. “It is a huge event and attracts a large portion of the campus.”
Crowe said he enjoys being able to serve the campus.
“It’s a great experience to serve after everyone has put in so much hard work and effort into Homecoming week,” he said. “We truly get just as much joy and satisfaction hosting the event as each of the students who attend the event do.
“As a club, it is the event we all look forward to the most.”
Muggin’ will begin after the conclusion and presentation of awards at the 8:30 Tiger Tunes performance on Saturday night. The event is free of charge.
For more information, contact Crowe or Nelson.
