Thrill of Gillville returns

Schools across the nation have plenty of traditions revolving around their sports teams, and Liberty is no exception. In recent years, Gillville has become a mainstay of the Liberty athletics culture.

In 2012, Turner Gill debuted as the new head coach Flames football team and Roccotown, which was named for a former coach, transformed into Gillville. At Gillville, the pop-up campsite located right outside Williams Stadium for Liberty students planning to attend Saturday home games, Flames fans can enjoy pizza, cornhole and a sports-themed film for only $1.

Each year, Gillville appoints a mayor who is charge of maintaining the event. According to Bobby Mead, one of last year’s mayors, 363 students attended the first night of Gillville last season.

“Gillville is a great event to be at because it is out of the normal of everything else here, but there is such school spirit,” Mead said.

According to Mead, Gillville provides an opportunity for students to hang out with fellow Liberty students past the 12:30 a.m. curfew.

In addition to the late-night activities, as the sun rises, Gill brings hot chocolate or orange juice and doughnuts for all the attendees.

On game day, Gillville residents also receive the added advantage of getting into football games two hours before kickoff. The early entrance bonus can often lead to these fans securing ideal seats from which to view the game.

According to Benjamin Akers, the other mayor of the 2014 season, more than
900 students attended Gillville at least once last year.

The first opportunity for students to pitch their tents outside Williams Stadium as part of Gillville is Friday night, Sept. 12, before the Flames take on Brevard College Saturday.