recreation

St. Mary’s University Prepares for Oysterbake, Ravaging of Campus

Once a year, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio sells its campus out for a weekend of liquor, bands, oysters, and carnival rides.  In the aftermath of nearly two days of public partying, the campus is left reeling with trash strewn about and the landscape trampled by thousands of San Antonians as well as smashed by platforms, portable restrooms, and rides.  Not to worry, the private university is compensated with millions in gross revenue (about $550k net according to the website).  Because of the ongoing events, students aren’t allowed in the libraries during the San Antonio Spring classic but they do receive a $3 early ticket discount over the general public.

How does St. Mary’s make money on Oysterbake?  One lucrative revenue source is ticket sales.  The public can buy at $16 per ticket early and $20 at the gate.  About 70,000 people attend over the course of the weekend per the official website so even at just $16 that amounts to $1.12 million.  Parking is limited but also filled to capacity and provides another $10 a pop.  I’m not sure exactly how much food and beer will cost at Oysterbake 2010, but I know it can be pricey.

I just found the link with prices.  They use a coupon system which you need convert before you can see the price.  Beer is $4.50 (or 9 tickets for those of you on the ticket system).  An oyster basket is $5.  A baked oyster basket is $6.  Turkey leg is $5.  Large kettle corn is $6.  Shaved ice is $2.50.  BBQ taco is $3.0.  Beyond the food and drinks, tack on whatever proceeds or cut the always profitable carnival games bring in.

User TxRose on city-data.com wrote, “If you go to Oyster Bake in the morning it might be more family friendly, but quite honestly, I don’t think it’s worth the ticket price, food costs, beer costs, etc.”

Of course, St. Mary’s Oysterbake sponsors Miller Lite, Cricket, Ford, Lisa’s Mexican Restaurant, Yellowtail, and Thurmunz Seafood also contribute to the StMU pocketbook.

So that’s how St. Mary’s University makes most of its money from the food, fun, music, and liquor.  Where does it go?  The Oysterbake website says it basically goes back to the students, campus, and various programs.  There is a great chance of rain in San Antonio this weekend, but the show will go on.  Unfortunately for the Rattlers, bad weather does take a cut from the loot.

http://www.sanantonioblog.org

Fiesta 2010 San Antonio

If you’re planning your Fiesta 2010 San Antonio schedule, you need a guide to fiesta if you’re inexperienced in how Fiesta Week in Sa, Tx works.  First, understand that it’s almost hot and muggy with a chance of showers during Fiesta Week.  This should be no different in 2010.  Dress accordingly.

Second, the 2010 Fiesta Events in San Antonio will be packed and I mean packed.  It’s well worth your while to have someone drop you off if you can find that person.  For example, Fiesta Oysterbake at St. Mary’s becomes deadlocked at noon meaning you will be waiting at least 30 minutes.  Don’t try to park at St. Mary’s unless you’re coming early.  Instead, park a few blocks away and walk the rest.  Homes in the surrounding neighborhoods will sell their “parking” for $10 a car.  I suggest parking a half mile away and walking the rest.

Another piece of advice is to simply come early.  You’ll get a better experience since there won’t be so many people crowding around you and you can go to more booths and carnival type rides (if that’s what you want to do).  As I wrote in a previous blog, Oyster Bake tickets are $4 cheaper (see how much are Oyster Bake tickets) if you buy ahead of time so you should purchase these before you go.  Also, you won’t risk waiting 10 minutes just to get tickets.

Read more generation information on 2010 Fiesta San Antonio.

Read about Day 1 of Fiesta San Antonio.

The Via Park and Ride is a service you may want to consider for traveling to and from Fiesta events but just remember than the buses often have to wade through the same traffic everyone else does (unless they get preferential treatment as far as drop offs).

As a quick guide to to the 2010 San Antonio Fiesta, I would eat beforehand to save money, bring sun tan lotion or wear a long sleeve shirt, wear sunglasses, wear very light and loose material clothing, and either arrive early or arrange for someone to drop you off.  Also, get discounts on Fiesta events by purchasing or buying your Fiesta tickets early.

http://www.sanantonioblog.org