Rolling Into Tradition
When it comes to Central Michigan University's annual "Toilet Paper Toss" basketball game, there's much more going on behind the scenes than one might think. CMU Athletic staff and students arrived to McGuirk Arena nearly five hours before tipoff to start preparing the venue for what is easily the most-anticipated game of the mens basketball season.
The toilet paper is donated by Mount Pleasant's local Meijer. From there, one roll is placed on every seat in McGuirk for each of the 3,532 fans in attendance to toss after a CMU player makes a basket during the pregame program.
Before the paper leaves the hands of those throwing it, it serves as a photo prop, a fidget toy or even a costume (of sorts) for fans while they wait for the main event.
After the smoke (or in this case, toilet paper) clears, several teams of athletic and custodial staff immediately jump into action, pushing thousands of rolls into the four corners of the arena as quick as they can so the game can start.
As fans shift their focus the matchup against Bowling Green State University, staff continue to clear the floor. They hoist an enormous amount of toilet paper into large recycling bins which are later wheeled off into a separate hallway. Only then can staff take a breather and enjoy the game.
