By Gustavo Dias Juliani, Staff Writer
Newman’s Performance Hall will transform into a high-energy television studio on Friday for the school’s second Game Show Marathon.
The student-led event will feature versions of four old-school game show games: “Match Game,” “Chain Reaction,” “Jeopardy” and “Family Feud.” The evening will start at 7 p.m. with a warm-up improv session by former members of the Sloppy Joes, Newman’s improv troupe. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The concept emerged in late 2024, when organizer Deqlan Mitchell — a junior and co-president of the Newman Gaming Club — decided to expand the scope of previous events. The Gaming Club is organizing the marathon, which grew from Mitchell's vision of a continuous sequence of games. He said he wanted the event to serve as both entertainment and as a platform for campus engagement.
"We wanted to make it a proper tradition," Mitchell said. "It’s a fantastic source of lighthearted competition that I think can help ease the tension students might have as finals approach."
One of the unique aspects of the event is its ability to break down barriers between different groups on campus. Last year, the lottery-style player selection resulted in teams where students played alongside nuns.
Mitchell encouraged everyone — from freshmen to senior faculty — to participate.
The prizes for the winners of the game shows include tickets to Luke Bryan’s “Mind On The Street Tour,” on June 18 at Intrust Bank Arena; to Bert Kreischer’s “Permission to Party Tour” on May 17 at Intrust Bank Arena; and to Wichita Wind Surge baseball games. Admission buttons for the Wichita Riverfest are also up for grabs.
Attendees can increase their chances of being selected from the audience to play by making donations, which will grant them additional entries into the player lottery.
Mitchell said his goal is to cement the Game Show Marathon as an annual Newman staple alongside long-standing traditions like Breakfast and Bingo.
It takes a village of scorekeepers, tech crews and volunteers to run the marathon, said Mitchell, who will serve as the emcee.
"If you’ve never seen Deqlan perform with a microphone, you simply must go to this event — whether to participate or just to watch," said Joshua Prilliman, director of student activities. "What I can say with absolute certainty is that you’re going to have a great time."
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