The Big Deal

Once a year, downtown Florence hosts a block party to welcome you to campus. It’s a Big Deal.

The Big Deal kicks off UNA’s Mane Month. It’s the biggest welcome the Shoals throws all year. For one evening, the intersection of Court Street and Irvine Avenue fills with tables from campus organizations, university departments, and local businesses. Games, food, giveaways, and entertainment welcome new students and help them find their people. The entire community meets the new class of Lions.

Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Intersection of Court Street and Irvine Avenue (in front of Rogers Hall)
There is no rain date for this event.

UNA Departments and Recognized Student Organizations

A table at The Big Deal is free for every UNA department and registered student organization, and it’s one of the best chances all year to put your group in front of hundreds of new students before their schedules fill up.

Registration is free, but the deadline is firm: August 1.

Groups can begin arriving at 4:00 p.m. and should be fully set up by 5:00 p.m. UNA provides one 8-foot table per group.

Questions or last-minute changes? Email studentengagement@una.edu.

Community Vendors

The Big Deal is also an open door for community vendors. It’s a packed downtown block, a captive audience of students looking to put down roots in the Shoals, and a straightforward way to introduce your business or nonprofit to the newest class of UNA Lions.

Registration fees:

• April 1–June 30 (early bird): $50 for businesses, $35 for nonprofits
• July 1–August 1 (final registration): $75 for businesses, $50 for nonprofits

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email link to pay. Registration isn’t final until that payment is processed. Payments are non-refundable, so confirm before you submit.

Like campus groups, vendors may arrive at 4:00 p.m. and should be set up no later than 5:00 p.m. UNA provides an 8-foot table for each vendor.

Questions or concerns? Email studentengagement@una.edu.