The University of Lethbridge is throwing a party and southern Alberta is invited!
The University of Lethbridge and Pronghorn Athletics are urging everyone to get tournament ready with a pre-game parking lot tailgate party at the Enmax Centre in advance of the Pronghorns debut game in the 2019 U SPORTS University Cup Men’s Hockey National Championship.
“We are thrilled to bring this national championship event to southern Alberta for the first time, and we plan on showing the rest of the country how to do it right,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor of the U of L. “Our community means everything to us, and we want to see everyone come out wearing their blue and gold, ready to make some noise and have some fun.”
The Horns open the championship tourney on Thursday, Mar. 14 at 7 p.m. (tickets available at go.uleth.ca/lightitup2019). The Light It Up in Lethbridge Tailgate Party kicks off at 5 p.m. outside the northeast entrance and features $5.50 beer and cooler specials in the Beer Gardens, a barbecue by donation in support of Lethbridge Minor Hockey, and activities such as facepainting, sign making, games and prizes all in the Ultimate Fan Zone, as presented by the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association and supported by the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union.
It’s just the second time the Pronghorns men’s hockey team has participated in the University Cup championship and to date, they’re undefeated, winning the 1994 title in Toronto.
“They’ve worked extremely hard to get ready, and I know that a loud and proud community showing would really give the guys a boost,” says Mahon. “More than that, I think it will be such a fun, positive atmosphere, celebrating everything university sport is about. I always enjoy being a part of events where the community comes together as one, it can be very powerful, and I can’t wait to get things going.”
Mahon is especially excited to see Pronghorns alumni back to support their brethren. A special 2019 Horns Alumni Reunion will take place in the Canadian Western Bank Lounge inside the Enmax Centre, also beginning at 5 p.m. in advance of the Horns game. Alumni can purchase their reunion passes at go.uleth.ca/hornsreunion2019.
“What a great opportunity to catch up with some of your former teammates and support the current Pronghorns,” says Mahon. “As athletes, they know how meaningful that support is and what it meant to them when they competed, and I expect this event will really bring them together once again.”