Thursday night at the Rensselaer Union Activities Fair, the Red Army became one of the largest Union recognized groups on campus with 192 members joining during the three-hour event. This astonishing number of students that came out to show support for RPI athletics shocked both me and my fellow chair, Blake Huovie ’08. The support the Red Army has received shows a newfound desire of the student body to be a part of a great organization that will make an impact at athletic events.
This year the hockey line is being completely revamped. The tradition of lining up for season hockey tickets outside the Union was a major campus event in the past; the line for the 1985-86 season started the day after we won the NCAA championships in 1985. Now, without the seats in the Field House being obstructed by large support columns and a hockey team that hasn’t won an ECAC championship in the last eleven years, the hockey line has been a dying tradition, with only a few die-hard fraternities setting up camp outside the Union.
This year, however, the Red Army is looking to get the student body re-energized and excited for the upcoming hockey season. We have a new coaching staff, a new group of freshmen, and a lot of support from the Red Army. In celebration of the beginning of hockey ticket sales, which begin at 9 am on September 12, the Red Army is throwing a celebration at the Union. The Red Army Stakeout will begin at 4 pm on the Union patio. Here you will receive a number; that number will reflect your spot in line for the ticket sale the following morning. No more camping outside the Union for months to make sure nobody takes your spot. Just show up at 4 pm and let the fun begin.
Take part in the scavenger hunt where you could win a free pair of season tickets, or a pair of tickets for Freakout! Challenge the members of your own hockey team to two-on-two street hockey. The activities will be wide-spread and will also include student bands and a cappella groups, a barbeque after registration begins, Twister, and yes, even a pillow fight on the lawn in front of the Union.
Registration for the Red Army will be opened up again on Monday during the Stakeout. Bring your friends, sign up for the Red Army and enjoy an evening of fun! We hope to see you there.
