By James Herd
Reporter
This year’s Labor Day weekend is going to be much different than previous years.
Normally the campus would be practically closed this weekend, with only a select few residential restaurants open. People usually head home for the Labor Day weekend and visit friends and family.
This year, things are changing.
“We want to make sure we’re meeting the needs of our students,” said Dr. Kevin Jackson, vice president for student life.
With the growing Baylor population, changes must be made to provide for those who just cannot make it home this weekend.
In addition to the Traditions Rally, the Student Life Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 p.m. to midnight on Labor Day.
The Marina will be open from 1 p.m. until dark on both Saturday and Labor Day.
Also, if it has been too long since you have seen Katniss Everdeen pick up her bow, the Student Union Building Den will hold a 7 p.m. showing on Saturday and a matinee showing on Labor Day of “The Hunger Games.”
Free popcorn and Dr Pepper will be served for the first 200 people, and there is a prize giveaway.
Where food is concerned, Quiznos, Einstein Bros. and Panda Express will remain open on Saturday and Labor Day. However, on Sunday the only retail dining establishments that will be open are Panda Express and the Starbucks in Moody Library.
On Sunday, tailgating opens at 12:30 p.m. and the season opener against SMU begins at 5:30 p.m.
The buses will be available to transport students to Floyd Casey Stadium from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Penland Hall bus stop.
Jackson said that this change in the campus hours could possibly reflect on future school years once they assess the level of student use.
He also mentioned that it’s not every year that the opening football game is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, so it may not be needed in future years.
“[I am] excited about the services we’re opening,” Jackson said.
He went on to say that the Labor Day weekend is a “fantastic weekend for our students to stay on campus in the Waco area and remain engaged.”
