The Curb Event Center was full last night as more than 3,000 people from Belmont and the surrounding community flooded its seats to watch the Belmont Bruins men’s basketball team defeat Eastern Kentucky (84-73) and women’s basketball achieve an astounding 95-62 win against the same opponent. Community centers, elementary schools, nonprofits, senior citizens and more attended the event, and families from the Belmont neighborhood claimed tickets to cheer the Bruins to victory.
As a showing of gratitude to its neighbors, the annual event featured a balloon artist, face painter, entertainment and more. Some of the city’s favorite mascots were also in attendance to celebrate Bruiser’s birthday. This year’s host partner was Google Fiber.
Additionally, Dalmation Creative Agency donated t-shirts with the event logo to the first 70 guests to arrive. All of those attending were offered the opportunity to register to vote, learn about proposed improvements to Nashville’s transit system and give their opinions on services and programs they would like offered at the Easley Community Center in Rose Park.
Holding onto last year’s impressive turnout, Metro Parks had the most attendance of any group, followed by Knowledge Academy and Eakin Elementary. Gray Line Tennessee also deserves thanks for providing transportation for seniors from five different senior housing sites.
Before the Bruins took the court, the game ball was presented to Senator Steve Dickerson, and Pastor Jeremy Maynard of Southside Community Church opened the event with a word of prayer.
Director of Community Relations Joyce Searcy said the event is one of the best parts of what she does. “We are so grateful to the members of our community, and as ‘Nashville’s University,’ it’s our honor to spend time with those who live in our neighborhood,” Searcy said. “It’s a team effort, and I couldn’t be more pleased with this year’s event. From those who cooked hot dogs, to the students who cheered alongside our guests–we do this for the community. And we’re so happy to be able to continue doing it.”
Searcy and her team bustled around campus all night greeting buses filled with excited children, scooping popcorn and handing out tickets. Student volunteer chairs Sophie Moll and Sydney Prichard, along with 30 other volunteers, ensured that all the night’s guests had a fun experience. As each attendee left for the night, the Community Day team’s words were heard all across campus–“see you next year!”
