In recent years, entertainment at UB Bulls games have included appearances by Dustin Diamond, who played "Screech" in "Saved by the Bell," professional skater Tony Hawk, and the Village People.
This year, fans at the UB Bulls home opener against Colgate will hear a performance by Shaggy and see the cast of Sorority Life 2.
Such guest performances can be expensive for the school - the Shaggy performance will cost UB $30,000.
The Student Association and the Athletic Department will foot the bill for the halftime show, and SA President George Pape said it is a worthwhile expense.
"We need more school pride, and we need attendance and support," said Pape, "so I feel we should use any means that is necessary to achieve those goals. We contribute a lot of money to activities."
Some students, however, are not as sure special appearances will entice students to attend football games.
"I thought Screech was a lame attempt to get students to attend, but I know my cousins traveled from Rochester to see Tony Hawk, so I guess that one worked out in the school's favor," said Emily Copp, a junior business major. "Although, if people want to go to a sporting event, they will go to see the game, and I don't think the guest appearance will sway them."
Junior art history major Lauren Tsai agreed, and said those who come for the entertainment will not be persuaded to stay for the game.
"As for the student population, I don't think gimmicks are necessary because as soon as people see who they came for, they will leave anyway."
Not everyone downplays the importance of entertainment at football games, however.
"I think it's a wonderful opportunity to invite people into UB so that they can see our university and our team play a game," said Associate Athletic Director Laura Barnum. "If it entices those who already attend the events, then it's an extra for them, and if they are new people coming out then it's a great way to expand our fan base."
Allison Kretovic, a senior political science major, believes the attendance outcome depends on the relative fame of the entertainment choices - and that this year's selection won't be that enticing.
"No, I wouldn't come for that," said Kretovic. "If I cared to see the cast of Sorority Life 2, I'd just sit in the student union for five minutes."
Some students might be down on the cast of Sorority Life 2, but others are interested in seeing Shaggy perform.
"I think more students will come to see Shaggy since he is so well known," said Gail Eilat, a junior and media study major.
Kate Canfield, a junior anthropology major, agreed.
"He had some songs out that had a lot of radio play," said Canfield, "so I'm sure he has his fans out there that will come out to see him."
Besides getting word out about performances at the game, SA has launched other advertising campaigns.
"When I got food yesterday, on my napkin was an advertisement for the football game," said Sarah Clark, a junior psychology major. "And I thought it was a great idea to get the word out."
There have also been advertisements on local television stations that showcase the Bulls team members.
"Whatever brings out the fans, we are appreciative of," said Rich Sanders, a junior sociology major and UB Bulls weak-side linebacker.
Though it may take celebrity appearances and major advertising campaigns to get some students out to see Bulls games, others say all it takes is for the team to play good football.
"I'd like to believe it's possible, but if not then I really hope that our football program takes off in the next few years," said Bill Mandell, a junior history major. "It would make this school so much better."
Patrick Meier, a junior business major, said that even if the Bulls do not play exciting games, select forms of entertainment would appease him.
"I want to see a real deal NCAA team come play against the Bulls," said Meier, "Or just bring in Jenna Jameson for autographs."
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
