FORT SMITH, Ark. — An annual tradition on the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) campus is back again this year.
The UAFS Toy Toss has been an annual event held during one of the men's basketball games for several years, allowing fans to throw stuffed animals onto the court during the game. It’s a scene you won’t find at your ordinary college basketball game.
The event returned on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
There is no admission charge, and fans only have to bring stuffed toys to get in. After the first points are scored, they can toss those toys on the floor.
"The goal is to kind of just give those who maybe won't get a Christmas an opportunity to kind of have some joy during those holiday seasons," said Dyllan Newell with the UAFS Student Activities Center.
Newell said he has been excited about this event.
"I just think, like, the idea of throwing a stuffed animal onto a basketball court in the middle of the game is so outlandish. And, like, last year, it was such a cool... it was such a surreal moment of, like, seeing all the toys fly down onto the court," said Newell.
As for the toys ...Newell says they will find a good home. The toys will be donated to the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Fort Smith.
"And then we have a food pantry on campus that also provides some other resources for students and families. so we'll keep a small portion of the toys for that pantry as well," said Newell.
Newell says if you don’t want to bring a soft toy to throw on the court ...you can bring a hard toy and exchange it for a soft toy.
"If you bring a hard toy, we'll have volunteers at the door that'll swap that out for you for a soft toy," said Newell. "And if you come and you don't have a toy and you want to pay the regular ticket price, we'll also give you a toy to throw just because you're there."
Again, there is no admission charge. All you have to do is bring a stuffed toy. Everything starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center.