The University at Buffalo warmed up for the first football game of the year with its Backyard Bash on Thursday. The event, which featured a UB Idol talent show, a pep rally, and a musical guest, attracted students, alumni and faculty.

Jennifer Bowen, the assistant vice president of human resources, said that the event was designed to provide a "fun event" for the faculty and staff, which was something UB hadn't "traditionally done," she said. "The goal is to help build pride and camaraderie," said Bowen.

The afternoon event centered on a singing competition called "UB Idol," which showcased seven faculty and staff singers. Each competitor performed a song, after which their work was critiqued by a panel of three judges, including basketball coach Reggie Witherspoon.

John Wilde, a 39 year-old alumnus, brought his eight and 11 year-old sons to the Backyard Bash to watch their mother, Cathy, compete in UB Idol. "It's tough making a family night out, so this is a great opportunity to get the family together," he said.

His wife, Cathy Wilde, sang "Something to Talk About" during the competition and was greeted with encouragement from the judges, especially Witherspoon who exclaimed, "You gave 'em something to dance about!"

But it was Tommie Babbs who claimed the title of UB Idol with his rendition of "Always and Forever." Wearing an all-white suit with a matching cream hat, Babbs earned the rave of "styling and profound" from Witherspoon.

Gloria Babbs, Tommie's wife, was in the audience cheering him on to his win. They picked out the song together, she said. "It's our anniversary on Monday, 25 years, so he was singing it to me," said Babbs.

Mike Pietkiewicz, the assistant vice president for governmental relations, claimed second prize with a spirited version of "Sweet Caroline." And in third place was Joy Wrona, who opened the contest with "I Will Survive."

The event also attracted UB students, who stopped by to rev up before the big game. Mike Maher, an 18 year-old UB freshman, said that he came for the pep rally. "Since I'm new here, I thought I'd come out and support the team," he said.

Kristin Kiehart, a 19 year-old sophomore, also came to the bash to become part of the UB community. Having just transferred from a community college, Kiehart said she was looking forward to become more involved in school events.

"I've never been one for school spirit," she said, "but I can already feel the pride in me growing." Both Maher and Kiehart said they planned on attending the game after the Backyard Bash.

A pep rally followed the UB Idol contest. The UB Cheerleaders and marching band took part, and ALL Time Low performed a pre-game concert. As the Backyard Bash wound to a close, fans made their way to the stadium to watch the UB Bulls garner the season's first win, against University of Texas El Paso. The game finished with a score of 42-17.

The party was, as Jennifer Bowen said, the beginning of a "new tradition."