By: Marissa Mason | Managing Editor

Coca-Cola arrived at the USA campus with a six-hour launch party today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Student Center Amphitheater.

“There is no specific schedule of events,” Dr. Christina Cleveland, Assistant Vice President Auxiliary Services, said. “The only scheduled participation I am aware of will be for the USA Cheerleaders and Miss Pawla who will attend at 12:00 and 12:30 respectively.”

Prizes such as beverage samples, koozies, bottle openers, pens and other items were given away at the event.

All of this fanfare was to celebrate Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United’s arrival as the new exclusive beverage provider for vending and pouring rights for the University of South Alabama, according to Cleveland.

“Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United is providing support for the following: community marketing, athletic investment, student engagement and programming, scholarships, campus capital improvements and on-campus recycling support,” Cleveland said. “The value of the investment is estimated to be approximately $5.5 million over the 10 year period.”

All vending and dispensing machines were replaced earlier in March. The new vending equipment utilizes cashless technology and accepts the following payment methods:  debit, credit, ApplePay, GooglePay, SamsungPay and JagCash.