University of Detroit Mercy is gearing up to host its highly anticipated Titan Winter Blast. This tailgating event is set to take place on Feb. 17 at the Student Fitness Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. before the Titan men's basketball team game against Purdue Fort Wayne.

This escape from the winter blues promises to bring together alumni, facility, family, friends and students under one roof for good old fun.

"The Titan Winter Blast is meant to bring together the Detroit Mercy community with current students and family as well as alumni," said Arneshia Austin, assistant director of Alumni Relations.

At the heart of this year's Titan Winter Blast is the famous chili cook-off. Teams compete to make the tastiest chili and attendees walk around each booth and vote for the best home cooked chili. The winners will be announced during the half time show at the Titan men's basketball game.

The event also features horse drawn trolley rides that tour the McNichols Campus, a hot cocoa bar, a cookie decorating station and many games, such as a Detroit staple fowling, or bowling with a football.

"School's been hard? Midterms are getting stressful? Use the aggression and take it out on the pins," said Austin.

Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for alumni, faculty, staff and guests, and include a complementary ticket for the men's basketball game, buffet featuring coney dogs as well as vegan options from National Coney Island, and an open beer and wine bar from North Center Brewing Co. for attendees 21 and up.

Tickets will be sold until the event ends through online registration and walk ins.

— By Marketing & Communications student intern Zahra Albdair