Lions fans were able to meet some of the athletes they watch on a weekly basis at the “Lions on the Square” athletics event held in Hammond Square Mall.
Promoting Southeastern athletics, “Lions on the Square” was hosted by Southeastern Louisiana Athletics as well as the Hammond Square Mall and Northshore Broadcasting on Nov. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.
“There was a really big turnout,” said senior communication major Jessica LeBlanc. “There was food, music and the athletes were all out here. Everyone seemed to have a great time, so it was definitely a huge success.”
At the promotional event were members of the football and men’s basketball teams. Fans were able to get autographs from the players and take photographs with them and Roomie the Lion.
“This promoted Southeastern in a big way,” said LeBlanc. “A lot of people don’t know who the players are, they just kinda pay attention to the game and see them on the field or on the court. But this event helps to personalize Southeastern Athletics a bit for visitors to games or people who are going to see them play.”
The promotional event was an opportunity for Southeastern to display its fan-friendly side. Along with the meet and greet, kids were treated to a Kid Zone and other fun activities.
“It’s really important because it’s so ingrained in our community,” said TJ Maggio, disc jockey for Kajun 107.1. “More so over the last 20 years it has ramped up and its an excuse, like my wife and I just recently went to one of the games and it was so fantastic to see the family and kid oriented stuff going on near the end-zone. Just to celebrate that kind of stuff is invaluable.”
Moreover, Maggio sees this as a way for the community to support the athletics programs as well as for others to promote themselves.
“It’s something we need and we have believed that ever since football was reinstated,” said Maggio. “Any opportunity we can do to advertise or be involved or be a part of, it’s a no brainer. It’s really something that I think not enough people take advantage of and really should.”
Businesses in the Hammond Square Mall offered specials that night. Menchies had free yogurt samples, the Santa Fe Cattle Company served $4 burger and fry plates and Albasha offered lunch prices for anyone who had a Southeastern ID card.
For more information on promotional athletics events, visit the Southeastern Louisiana Athletics at lionsports.net.