It is unquestionable that globally, the student theme of the week is Halloween. There is no doubt that boys and girls everywhere will be spending their time finalising their most haunting Halloween plans and creating their scariest (most revealing) Halloween costumes. Whilst this too is the case at Birmingham, this week of thrill does not end for us on the 31st. Beyond discussion of ‘All Hallows Eve’ takes place an even bigger buzz around our largest sporting event of the year that is happening this Saturday, 2nd November. This event is the university’s first annual American football match; xpLosION 2013.
Although American football may not be considered a big deal in the UK, it certainly is in Birmingham. As the season opener enters its seventh year, we will be sure to see crowds of over 3, 000 uniting together, supplied with hot dogs and candy floss to line the Bournebrook pitches and ROAR for their untameable Lions! With international representatives within the team and as the reigning national champions of 2013, the pressure is on for Birmingham’s American footballers as they prepare to face their rivals, the Nottingham Trent Renegades, in just a few days time.
Aiding the electrifying atmosphere of xpLosION 2013 are the half time performances that are due to take place. Ahead of the astonishing firework display, the university’s national award-winning Dance Squad will take the stage first with what is due to be a breath-taking and hair-raising production (mash-up including Beyonce and Sean Paul amongst many promised, how could it go wrong?!) Following this will be the unmissable and inevitably breath-taking cheer by the Birmingham Pussycats, who, like the Lions, are the reining national champions of 2013! If these credentials aren’t enough to convince you of just how spectacular this event will be take a look at last years half-time productions for good measure!
(The Birmingham Pussycats, xpLosION 2012)
(The Birmingham Dance Squad, xpLosION, 2012)
Having caught up with both the Dance Squad and Pussycat Captains I was left feeling assured that the half time entertainment we have promised will be the most spectacular to date:
“Preparation for the event is coming on great considering the amount of new freshers we have taken on in this year. We are working really hard and putting in a lot of training hours to hopefully give our best xpLosION performance yet!” (Captain of the Pussycats, Grace Preston)
“The whole routine is done and we will be using this week to drill it so it looks perfect on the day! We’re super excited to offer another element to xpLosION and deliver a performance that is different from previous years- Small squad, big impact!” (Captains of the Dance Squad, Emma Spires and Sarah Warnes)
So students of Birmingham, crack out your favourite royal blue and burgundy jumpers, wooly hats and anything Lion adorned and head down to the Bournebrook pitches this Saturday from 4pm and be ready to ROAR for all the impressive sporting talent your university has to offer and for an explosive night you will never forget!!