Celebrating Traditions - Oozefest
A Closer Look at the Muddiest (and most fun) Event On-Campus
Oozefest is one of UB’s most popular traditions and one of the largest mud volleyball tournaments in the United States, held each spring.
More Than Just a Mud Volleyball Tournament
Oozefest started in 1984, as a way to help students de-stress before exams and bring the UB community together. What started with 16 teams, has grown over the years and now includes over 1,000 participants that includes students, alumni, staff and UB community members. Oozefest remains one of UB's strongest and longest traditions, and tops many students' "UB bucket list." So what is it about the Ooze?
It's good, clean, fun! Beyond the actual volleyball tournament, Oozefest also includes a costume contest for a way to win additional prizes -- and teams do not hold back their creativity. There is also a lot of strategy behind staying warm, keeping your shoes on and more -- bring on the duct tape!
True Blue: Oozefest 2022
Oozefest: A Tradition for the Ages
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Oozefest started in 1984, with just 16 teams.
Teams compete for prizes, including an award for the best costume.
True Blue spirit is alive and well during this messy event.
Keeping your shoes on in the mud is always tricky -- many students use duct tape!
The local fire department floods the fields with 200,000 gallons of water from Lake LaSalle.
The mud volleyball tournament has grown to include over 1,500 participants.
What makes you #UBTrueBlue?
Photo Gallery
See how Oozefest started, where it is now and all the muddy messes in between.