Lion Night Caters To College Students

In an effort to get college students to Court Street, the Florence Main Street group and UNA are teaming up for its first ever Lion Downtown event.

The organizations hope to bridge the gap between the University of North Alabama college campus and the many restaurants and businesses downtown.

“A lot of the businesses close early around here and it’s kinda frustrating to not be able to have a place to go,” said Jordan Givens, UNA Sophomore.

But now, UNA students are invited downtown for Lion Night.

“It’s definitely growing and building and we`re hoping that being so close to the campus that it creates more of a college environment,” said Robin Blackwood, a Flobama manager.

Businesses plan to stay open late to cater to the younger crowd, Thursday.   Many places will offer deals from 6pm-9pm.

“Hopefully we can get enough people out so it can do them some good and us some good as well,” said Blackwood.

“College kids are pretty poor.  That`s a typical college kid, we don`t have any money so offering discounts would definitely help,” said Givens.

UNA shuttle buses will take students from campus to Court Street on Thursday.

The buses will run late, until 2 a.m. to make sure students get back to campus safely.