Photos by Ralph Freso
Grand Canyon University's Havocs have spent years living up to a lofty reputation: "The biggest party in college basketball."
From coordinated chants and long-standing traditions to a game day atmosphere that transforms Global Credit Union Arena, the student section has become one of the defining parts of the Lopes experience.
Now, Havocs President Kendra Slater and Vice President Brody Wolfe are tasked with ensuring the energy, passion and sense of community that have fueled the student section for years continue with the next generation of Lopes.
“When selecting a Havocs president, we look for someone who truly embodies what it means to be a Havoc,” Game Entertainment Coordinator Paityn Frye said. “That means being willing to do the preparation work, bringing the most energy, serving the people around them, and being completely all-in.
“All our Havocs leaders are incredible, but the president has that extra well-rounded polish that allows them to be a bridge between our staff and students. Kendra and Brody embody so many of those qualities, and we are excited to see them lead the group this year.”
In 2016, SB Nation writer Mark Sandritter called GCU’s student section “The Biggest Party in College Basketball.” A decade later, the tagline has stuck and it’s fueled every basketball season since.
The title was enticing for Slater, who fell in love with the Havocs upon first introduction during her freshman year at Lope-A-Palooza, Welcome Week tradition following the first volleyball home game of the season.
Witnessing the wild and eclectic student section from across the Global Credit Union Arena and the Havocs leaders jumping in front of the crowd, hyping up everyone in purple body paint, tutus and bandanas, got Slater thinking only one thing: “I want to do that.”
“I just thought, that is really cool,” Slater said. “I wondered what that is and then I found out it was an actual position you can have here on campus. Ever since then, I wanted to be a Havocs leader.”
Her path became clear: become an official Havocs member, move up to Havocs vice president junior year and finish off senior year as the president.
The same way she watched Havocs leaders deliver the unforgettable game day experience throughout her freshman year, she will do now, carrying on their legacy and showing the student body how Lopes really party.
Much of that lies in Havocs traditions that have carried on for years.
After game tipoff, students know to stay on their feet until the Lopes score.
When a basketball player is ready to shoot a free throw and a GCU cheerleader shouts “one, two, three,” students know to finish the sentence by shouting “Lopes Up,” raising the signature mascot hand signal and staying still until the player finishes his shot.
When public address announcer Dr. Paul Danuser is introducing the opposing team, students know to turn their backs to them and shout “Who’s that?”
But the one that really amps up the crowd is the Purple Pre-Game Party. House lights are low, purple disco lights are flashing the crowd, fog machines fill the arena and the floors are shaking as “Party Till We Die” blasts through speakers.
This tradition was irresistible for Wolfe.
“It’s just five minutes of getting lit,” Wolfe said. “It’s the energy in the arena at that moment. You’ve just let in 200 people who have been camping out for a week and now they are singing and jumping, and it’s probably the most electric part of the whole game. It’s my favorite.”
“I came to the school because I love the atmosphere of the basketball games. I didn’t even realize this is a position I can apply for at first. After my first semester, I was in love. I was at every camp and every game and once I realized this is something I can do, I decided to apply.”
Slater and Wolfe want every Lope to experience the exhilarating student section and to fall in love with the hype just like they did their freshman year. They want sports games to become their favorite, must-attend events where they create lasting college memories and a community that carries on beyond their four years on campus.
The duo shared this passion with students that stopped by their booth at Monday’s Pop-Ups on the Promenade, standing around a table impossible to miss with their team members completely decked out in purple spirit outfits, body paint and glitter.
But they really made sure their message was heard loud and clear, when they stood on stage in front of thousands of new Lopes that packed the Global Credit Union Arena for Welcome Week New Student Orientation.
“We are a community that every single student is automatically a part of as soon as they step foot on campus,” Slater said. “One of our biggest goals is to reach every single student and tell them if you are a student on this campus, you are a Havoc."
Wolfe added, “It’s about being a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about community and finding your people.”
One of the first steps for students is to look the part. Every year, Havocs create several packets for students that include GCU swag for purchase. T-shirts, basketball and baseball jerseys, fanny packs, socks and more, because showing off purple pride is a must.
Havocs will release the craziness when they kick off the purple party at their first major traditional event of the year, Friday’s Lope-A-Palooza, after the volleyball team takes on Louisiana Monroe in their first home game in GCU Arena.
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