St. Peter, Minn. – The Gustavus Athletics Department is set to host the First Winter Gustieland Weekend on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6 at Lund Center.
The weekend’s events will kick-off on Friday night at the Gustavus versus St. Olaf men’s hockey game at 7:05 p.m. The first 100 students through the door dressed in their favorite ugly Christmas sweater will receive a free Santa hat. There will also be a photo booth where attendees can take a Gustie Christmas card photo with Gus the mascot and friends. The athletics department encourages participants to post their pictures on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #wintergustieland for a chance to win a specially designed Gustavus ugly Christmas sweater and a Zamboni ride with Santa between the second and third periods.
The Gustavus women’s basketball team kicks off Saturday’s events with a 1:00 p.m. game against St. Catherine at Gus Young Court. Once again, fans dressed in their ugly Christmas sweater and receive some free hot chocolate and candy canes.
The busy afternoon continues at nearby Don Roberts Ice Rink where the women’s hockey team will face St. Olaf at 2:00 p.m. Between the second and third periods of the game, individuals with the most Gustie pride are urged to limber up and be ready to compete in an on ice competition. Particpants selected will put their athletic skills to the test in a challenging obstacle course contest on the ice. The winners of the race will earn gift cards to the Gustavus Bookmark.
The men’s basketball team will close out Saturday’s home events and Winter Gustieland with a 3:00 p.m. game against Northwestern. In what are the marquee contests of the weekend, fans are encouraged to channel their inner elf by taking part in a present wrapping challenge at halftime of both the women’s and men’s basketball games. The winners of the gift-wrapping contests will also receive gift cards to the Bookmark.
For further details on the events of Winter Gustieland, please contact Cassie Weaver – cweaver@gustavus.edu.