Block parties have become increasingly popular among Pac-12 schools and many larger universities across the nation in recent years and now the U has followed suit. On Saturday Oct. 12, the U held its first ever Block U Party before the Utes took the field against Stanford. 
Forty departments, local radio stations and local food vendors set up booths or tables in the middle of campus, starting from the Marriott Library plaza and ending at Milton Bennion Hall (MBH) from 1-4pm.
“This is a really good idea,” said Tyler Dickerson, a junior in accounting. “I like to get people out and there’s a bunch of stuff to do. It’s different from the normal tailgate.”
Students, alumni and other block party-goers gathered around the stages set up right in front of the library and MBH where seven live bands and other talent acts performed throughout the event. Some of the talent that received the most attention were local bands such as the Blue Aces who have had experience opening up for larger, more mainstream bands such as Neon Trees.
Right next to the stage was the KUTE DJs who broadcast live via internet and announced the live talent. Multiple other radio stations had booths set up at the event as well like X96 and ESPN 700.
The food tables and trucks from local vendors and Campus Dining Services were scattered around the block party and were also a major hit for students.
“The Ritas Ice [is my favorite],” said John Anderson, a junior in communication. “It’s amazing”.
The AirMed Helicopter was also open for block party attendees to visit and sit inside with the pilots and crew members.
There were also multiple inflatable games like the money booth at the Credit Union where participants entered a wind booth and tried to catch as many Federal Credit Union dollars as they could.
ASUU also handed out free T-shirts to the first 500 visitors to their booth.
The party was supported with open arms by the U’s administration and received a large amount of advertising outside of the U from radio, TV and billboards.
The block party was more of a family-friendly event set to contrast the tailgate party but attendees were able to go back and forth, though encouraged not to drink if they were doing so. Security said they did not have any major issues at the block party.
Most of those at the block party went to Rice-Eccles stadium for the game and got to witness the Utes defeat then-No. 5 Stanford.
“We heard about it I was like why aren’t we doing it more?” Anderson said “I understand because we’re playing Stanford but I think we should do it more often.”