At The University of Akron, student entertainment is more than just a good time — it’s a tradition with unique timing. Three distinct show times — 7:17 p.m., 8:08p.m. and 9:09 p.m. — have become part of the campus culture, each with its own story and significance. These times have shaped the way students experience campus life, from comedy shows to live performances. But how did they come to be, and what makes them work so well?
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9:09
The story behind the iconic 9:09 time slot dates back to 1995, when Thomas Faessel, associate director of residence life activities and the driving force behind student entertainment, noticed something interesting: students weren’t arriving on time for events that started at 9 p.m., because they were glued to their favorite TV shows. Faessel and student leaders discussed shifting the showtime to accommodate the end of popular programming, and the idea of starting at 9:09 was born. This allowed students more time to make it to the event after their TV shows concluded.
“We figured out it would take about nine minutes to get across campus,” Faessel recalls, “and the 9:09 time stuck.” What started as a practical solution quickly became a beloved part of Akron’s entertainment culture. Today, 9:09 is reserved for major events, like comedians, performers and shows held in E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.
7:17
In 2005, when the new Jean Hower Taber Student Union was built, a new coffeehouse series was created. Faessel, a fan of Disneyland, drew inspiration from the park’s 50th anniversary celebration. Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, so Faessel suggested 7:17 as the perfect time for these more intimate performances.
“It’s all about the connection to Disneyland,” Faessel explains, adding that his family had taken many trips there over the years.
The timing accommodated both residential and commuter students, especially with the new student union coffeehouse setting, which was an ideal space for singer-songwriters, open mic nights and spoken word performances.
8:08
In response to feedback from students, particulary during Akron's cold winters, Faessel and his team decided to create a new series aimed at a middle ground between the late 9:09 and the earlier 7:17. In 2024, the 8:08 Comedy Club was born.
“9:09 is a bit too late in winter, and 7:17 was too early for some,” Faessel explains. “So, we created 8:08, and it’s become a popular middle ground for comedy lovers.” The 8:08 shows are more casual, catering to a different audience than the larger, high-profile 9:09 events.
The success of these series lies not just in the time slots, but in how well they meet the needs of students. Faessel notes that even as the University’s student population fluctuates, the tradition of these time slots has persisted. “Students may change, but they still know about 9:09, 7:17 and now 8:08. These times have become ingrained in the culture.”
As Akron continues to evolve, so will the entertainment offerings. While the University has adapted the times to meet the needs of students, the iconic times are still alive and well. The entertainment programming at Akron stands as a testament to the creativity and adaptability of student leaders and the commitment to offering engaging, accessible experiences for the campus community. Akron’s unique start times ensure that there’s always something to enjoy, no matter the hour.
By Bree Sabin