Röcbar selected as 100 Days venue

By Scott Norgaard     1/28/10 6:00pm

Busy seniors worrying about life after Rice have at least one reprieve as their collegiate careers wind down: 100 Days, a dance traditionally celebrated 100 days before commencement to kick off the countdown to graduation in May. This year's dance will be held Feb. 2 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at R?cbar, a downtown nightclub. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, and can be purchased from the senior committee college representatives at meals or at the Rice Memorial Center info desk.

The door price is less expensive than it was last year, Chair of the Senior Committee Danny Newman said, because the committee did not want to penalize last-minute attendees. In addition to a ticket, each entrant will need Rice identification, or be accompanied by someone with a Rice ID. R?cbar, located at 530 Texas St. near the Preston stop on the metrorail, will have drink specials for those over 21, including $3 domestic and $4 "early drinks," which include Mike's Hard Lemonade.

100 Days raises funds for the senior gala, which cost $25,000 last year and is expected to cost as much this year. The senior committee, which coordinates 100 Days, is expecting to receive $5,000-$6,500 on the event, both in ticket sales and through an arrangement the committee has with the venue, Newman said. The committee is composed of 17 seniors, with representatives from every college.

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As in recent years, the dance is not technically 100 days before graduation due to scheduling conflicts, but a close approximation, Newman, a Jones College senior, said. Newman said the committee chose the venue because of its success two years ago and that they did not want to simply return to last year's venue, Club26ten, which drew 650 attendees. The committee expects 500 students to attend this year's event.

Like last year, the starting budget for the event is $1,000, which was supplied by the alumni office. The committee also raised $250 from the homecoming tailgate.

The committee has arranged for buses to transport students to and from the club, Newman said. The first bus, which gives seniors priority, will depart from the Sallyport at 9:45 p.m. Afterward, the bus will run on half-hour intervals. Newman recommends students take the metrorail to avoid long bus lines. At 12:30 a.m., a second bus will transport students from the club back to campus. The committee has also made an effort to make cabs available in order to maximize the number of ways to get students home safely.

"We are confident that everything will go smoothly," Newman said.

Music for the event will be provided by DJ Tristan Clement, a Lovett College sophomore.

Some students said they don't find an off-campus event that alluring, and instead are more motivated by friends and college spirit.

"I usually stick with parties at Brown College to show support, more than go for personal enjoyment," Brown College junior William Garcia said.

Other students, particularly seniors, want to spend quality time with their friends before they are separated.

"Since I am a senior, this is my last 100 days," Baker College senior Ulyssa Martinez said. "I wanted to kick off the last 100 days with my friends."

Altogether, the committee is expecting about 500 students to attend the event.

"Most kids at Rice don't go to nightclubs," Newman said. "We grow accustomed to hanging out with friends on campus and being comfortable within the hedges. This is a way of bringing [us] out into a different venue.

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