Issue 145

Time To Play

25th September 2006

Following much speculation continuing from problems with Sportsnight attendance last year, the Athletic Union's Sportsnight has been moved from Time and Envy to the relatively new nightclub, Play. Every year the Sportsnight becomes open for bids from local nightclubs and this year Play offered a competitive deal which not only gives Sportsnight a fantastic venue but will also generate much needed finance for the University's sports teams.

After a fortnight worth of deliberation between different venues the contract was signed with Play leaving both AU executives and members happy with the decision. Richard Lancaster, the Athletic Union manager, was delighted at the switch from Time to Play, saying "We are all really excited about the sports night moving to Play. The venue combined with our sports team's usually fantastic atmosphere means the night should be hugely successful. This also means a lot of funds coming directly back into the university." Tim Stickley, incoming Athletic Union president said, "I have chatted to a lot of our members about the AU night and I think they will all be glad about the decision to take the night to Play - it's an awesome venue and the night should increase revenue into the AU."

There was worry last year that if the Sportsnight remained at Time and Envy that funding for the AU would be cut, as there were not enough people attending the event after people were given another option when Play opened. This would have resulted in teams being cut from the AU, or having to become self sufficient. The fact that this deal has been signed cements the future of the AU and all of its present teams.

Once term gets going Sportsnight becomes one of the best attended events of the week, with all the different AU teams getting together to either celebrate, or drown their sorrows after the inter-university (BUSA) fixtures that take place each Wednesday. The fact that this year the venue is Play has already gone down well with some of the members. Rob Barker, a second year rugby player, said, "I think that Play will be a great place to celebrate winning."

Sportsnight will be held every Wednesday night in Play at the bottom of Wind Street, tickets will be available from the Ents box office, the AU office and on the door.

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