Miami, July 15, 2016 – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) North Campus invites Pokemon enthusiasts of all ages to play Pokemon GO safely Tuesday – Friday, July 19 – 22. The campus’ lush 245 acres is home to more than 35 Pokestops and 3 Pokemon Gyms, allowing players to interact with impressive artwork, an international sculpture park and botanical garden. Activities will include tutorials, a 5K hunt and prizes galore! All Pokemon Go events at the North Campus are free and open to the public. As a special bonus, students who register for Fall classes during the Pokemon Hunt will receive a backpack of supplies.
“Parents hear so many negative stories associated with this game, but we want to show them that it can have a positive influence on kids. Take me for example. I hate walking, but I’ve already lost ten pounds,” said MDC student Yuniel Figueroa, an avid Pokemon player who has gained fame among players on campus for his success with the game.
The week-long Pokemon hunt kicks off at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, with a scavenger hunt through the campus. Players of all ages can meet costumed characters and experience Pokemon sightings from the game at noon in Building 3000. At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, Pokemon professors will lead young trainers on a hunt across the campus starting at the Building 4000 Breezeway.
New players wanting to learn more can visit the Pokemon Center from 10 a.m. – noon on Thursday, July 21, at the Building 4000 Breezeway. Students will host information sessions and tutorials for new players, and provide campus maps for visitors to explore campus landmarks, academic departments and student service areas.
In collaboration with the Aquatic and Fitness Center, the week will wrap up with a 5K Pokemon Hunt at 10 a.m. Friday, July 22, where participants can earn a unique 5k Pokemon medal. Novices and experts alike can earn a medal while hatching their Pokemon eggs. Registration begins at the North Campus Aquatic & Fitness Center at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m.
In addition to acres of walking space, students will be sponsoring three Recharge Zones, where players can plug in their phone chargers for a few minutes and grab some cold water to stay hydrated, or purchase a snack. Recharge Zones are part of students’ efforts to raise funds for the United Way, allowing players to give back to the community while having fun. Recharge Zones will be open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., July 19 – 22, located in special tents near each of the campus’s three Pokemon Gyms.
Players are encouraged to take a selfie in front of each of the campus’ 35 Pokestops, marked on their in-game GPS maps. The first 50 players to visit the Student Life office in room 4208 with all 35 stops caught on camera will win a free power pack to charge their phone for a little extra game time on the go. The MDC mascot, Finn the Shark, will be playing along with special prizes for trainers who find him.
North Campus Pokemon Go events:
Tuesday, July 19 – 9 a.m.: Pokestop Scavenger Hunt kicks off at Building, 1000, Breezeway
Tuesday, July 19, – Noon: Character meet up at Building 3000, Breezeway
Wednesday, July 20, 2 p.m.: Young Trainers Hunt, Building 4000, Breezeway
Thursday, July 21, 10 a.m.: What is Pokemon GO? Building 4000, Breezeway
Friday, July 22, 10 a.m.: 5k Pokemon Hunt, Acquatic & Fitness Center
For more information, please contact the North Campus Student Life Department at 305-237-1250, e-mail NStudentlife@mdc.edu, or visit Room 4208.