Stakes are high at USU Weeks of Welcome
Who knew that one of the most popular university activities would be bingo?
When you think of bingo, I’m sure you think of your grandma playing a relaxing game with her friends. High Stakes Bingo is far from that.
Clara Alder, the Utah State University Student Association traditions director, describes it perfectly: “Utah State has been able to take something so simple, like bingo, and make it one of the most memorable nights. It’s a jam-packed night of fun and intensity.”
The high stakes come from the prizes players can win, such as a 55-inch TV, a massage gun, concert tickets and many other prizes. It really gets your heart racing as you wonder, “Am I going to win this time?”
The Utah State University Student Association has been putting on this activity for years, and it has become one of the most memorable and beloved traditions at USU.
This year, they really outdid themselves. Alder described it as “one of the most successful bingos we’ve ever had. The energy in the ballroom was unmatched.”
© Joseph F Myers High Stakes Bingo Night Joseph Myers
They provided some amazing prizes, while also putting together Minute to Win It games to give students more opportunities to win prizes. The stakes were indeed high and you could feel the anticipation as the numbers were called out.
John Ruff, a sophomore, probably experienced this anticipation more than anyone before he won his paddleboard. He had been to High Stakes Bingo the previous year, and it was one of his favorite things he had done, so he’d thought he’d try his luck again. He got a bingo, but, unfortunately, so did two other people.
“I had been telling everyone that tying and losing would be worse than not winning at all,” Ruff said. “Then I yelled ‘bingo’ and saw two people stand at the same time.”
When a tie happens, the winners play rock paper scissors to see who gets the prize. Ruff won the paddleboard, making the ballroom go crazy.
“If you have never done High Stakes Bingo,” Ruff said, “it’s an exhilarating rush, and a great time to spend with friends. Who knows, you might win.”
My first time going, I wondered if it would even be fun. I never had much luck with competitions or winning anything, but my friend convinced me. It was still a blast, even though I didn’t win anything.
Jonah Geisler, a sophomore, attended High Stakes Bingo without a ticket. He waited in the overflow option and was lucky enough to make it in.
“Even if you’re not even close to winning, the hype and energy in the room is so much fun,” Geisler said. “Being able to cheer on your friends and the people around you. I may not have won any prizes, but I won by getting in and having a good time.”
After my experience with High Stakes Bingo, I can’t wait to see what else the USUSA and the Blue Crew has in store for us this year.
“We work really hard to make this university one that has fun and memorable events,” Alder said.
© Joseph F Myers High Stakes Bingo Night Joseph Myers
USUSA said they put a lot of thought and effort into these events, and it always shows in the presentation and the experience you have at each one you attend. So far this year, they have stepped it up now that we’re able to get together again. This High Stakes Bingo had more energy and participation than I had seen the past couple of years. I believe that same energy will continue throughout the year with more activities and events coming up.
Is High Stakes Bingo worth going to?
“It’s not always about winning,” says Alder. “It’s about the memories you make. We may not win every football game, but we still have fun going!”
This is definitely an activity you don’t want to miss when the opportunity pops up again.