Student Union to host Summer on the Plaza

Something exciting is in the works for this summer at the Oklahoma State University Student Union. Every Thursday night from May 23 through June 27, the Student Union will host its second annual Summer on the Plaza and open its doors to the Stillwater community as well as to OSU students, faculty and staff. There will be everything from live performances and free movies to extended shopping and dining hours with lots of family-friendly entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

“I am very excited about the summer activities at the Student Union,” said Brandon Mitts, Coordinator of Allied Arts and Special Events. “My family is always looking for something fun and different to do, and that is what this summer series provides.  Here at the Student Union, we are so proud of the renovated building, especially the new restaurants, renovated retail space, outdoor plaza and amphitheater, and these summer concerts and activities are our chance to share this new space with everybody.”

Each week will bring a different type of live entertainment, including a demonstration by Three Points Karate, musical performances by Jack and Dave, Val Joe and the Strike Anywheres, Ten Pound Turtles and the Monica Taylor Trio, as well as presentations by Cueless Improv and family-oriented yoga and Zumba classes for participants of all ages. There will also be a variety of family-friendly entertainment options, including a bounce house, water activities and lawn games. All activities are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to the variety of exciting programs that will be taking place on the Student Union Plaza, several operations inside the Student Union will be staying open late on Thursday nights to join in the fun. The University Store will remain open on Thursdays until 8 p.m. for patrons who might not have had the chance to shop in the newly renovated 36,000 square foot store. The University Store carries the largest selection of OSU spirit merchandise in Stillwater, including quality brands like Nike, Hurley, Cutter & Buck, PING, Jansport and Under Armor. Plus, when you shop at the University Store you are helping fund great Campus Life programs like Camp Cowboy.

Several dining options will also remain open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, including: Johnny Rockets, a 1950s-style diner that serves up juicy hamburgers, classic sandwiches and hand-dipped shakes; Hot Dogs USA, serving up everyone’s favorite street food including all the hot dog greats like The Manhattan, The Chi-Town and the O-Stater; and Union Express, a quick-stop convenience shop with a huge selection of drinks and snacks as well as an ice cream counter.

At 8 p.m., the entertainment will move inside to the Student Union Theater where each week they will be showing recently released box office hits, including “Jack the Giant Slayer,” “Warm Bodies,” “Oz: The Great and Powerful” and “The Call.” Admission is free and $1 concessions will be available for purchase.

Free parking will also be available in the Student Union parking garage on Thursdays after 5 p.m. While there is an abundant amount of seating inside the Student Union, we recommend patrons bring their own chairs or blankets for sitting on the plaza to enjoy the entertainment. In case of inclement weather, performances will go on as scheduled in the Student Union Atrium.

Oklahoma State University is home to the most comprehensive Student Union in the world. A recent $65 million renovation has given new life to the historic building. For more than 60 years, the Union has been a central part of university life with thousands of students, faculty, alumni and staff visiting each day. For weekly updates regarding Summer on the Plaza performances and activities, visit the Student Union website at union.okstate.edu. You also can keep informed through Facebook at facebook.com/osuunion or Twitter at twitter.com/osuunion.