Student Union to Host Summer on the Plaza
Monday, May 11, 2015
Something exciting is in the works this summer at the Oklahoma State University Student Union. Every Thursday night from May 21 through June 25, the Student Union will host its annual Summer on the Plaza series and open its doors to the Stillwater community as well as to OSU students, faculty and staff. This year’s event will be bigger than ever with new additions, including the Stillwater Public Library, the Stillwater YMCA and more. There will be everything from prizes from Stillwater businesses, live music, water activities and free movies to extended shopping and dining hours with lots of family-friendly fun for everyone to enjoy.
“It’s been gratifying to watch Summer on the Plaza grow and evolve over the past three years and we have been thrilled to have the support of the Stillwater community,” said Brandon Mitts, Allied Arts and Special Events manager, and coordinator of Summer on the Plaza. “My family is always looking for something fun and different to do, and that is what this summer series provides to so many.”
Each week will bring a different type of live entertainment, including a demonstration by Stillwater Martial Arts and Stillwater School of Performing Arts; musical performances by Jack and Dave, Ten Pound Turtles, the Val Gladden Band, Cheyenne Roberts and Coyote Hill; and Zumba classes for participants of all ages. There will also be a variety of entertainment options, including inflatable water games. All activities are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
In addition to the exciting programs taking place on the Student Union Plaza, several operations inside the Student Union will be staying open late on Thursday nights. The University Store and Orange Tech will remain open on Thursdays until 8 p.m. for patrons who want to late-night shop. The University Store carries the largest selection of OSU spirit merchandise in Stillwater, including quality brands like Nike, Under Armor and Cutter & Buck. The store also houses an unique women’s boutique carrying the latest trends and styles.
Several dining options will also remain open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, including: Johnny Rockets, a 1950s-style diner serving juicy hamburgers, classic sandwiches and hand-dipped shakes; Hot Dogs USA, featuring everyone’s favorite street food, including all the hot dog greats like The Manhattan, The Chi-Town and The Cowboy; and Union Express, a quick-stop convenience shop with a huge selection of drinks and snacks as well as an ice cream counter.
At 8 p.m., the entertainment will move inside to the Student Union Theater where each week it will show box office hits, including “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” “Space Jam,” “Insurgent" and “Monsters University." Admission is free and $1 concessions will be available for purchase.
Free parking will also be available in the Student Union parking garage on Thursdays after 5 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the outdoor activities will be canceled. The indoor movie will go on as scheduled.
Oklahoma State University is home to the most comprehensive Student Union in the world. A recent $65 million renovation has given new life to the historic building. For more than 60 years, the Union has been a central part of university life with thousands of students, faculty, alumni and staff visiting each day. For weekly updates regarding Summer on the Plaza performances and activities, visit the Student Union website at union.okstate.edu. The Student Union can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Vine with the user name osuunion.