The Buck Fifty - 150 Years of Phi Sigma Kappa
The Buck Fifty is a celebration of 150 years of Phi Sigma Kappa! We're marking this occasion the only way we know how: by throwing an epic party with good people, good food, and good music. This celebration will take place July 14 - July 16 in Worcester with events planned each day.
It is our goal to get every brother, past or present, back to 11 Dean St. for a reunion that we’ll be talking about for the next 150 years.
All proceeds raised by this event will go towards buying a new roof for Main House. The Main House roof is in bad shape and it leaks with every rain storm. By buying a full price ticket you are helping with important renovations to our house that will ensure it remains standing for another 100+ years.
The Buck Fifty Photo Album
Schedule of Events
Friday July 14th:
5:00PM: Worcester Bravehearts Catered BBQ
6:30PM: Worcester Bravehearts First Pitch
Saturday July 15th:
12:00PM: Doors Open
50 / 50 Raffle
PSK Thrift Store
PSK Merch Sale
Lawn Games
Catered Dinner
2:00PM - 10:00PM: Live Bands
Gary Backstrom Band (yes, that Gary from Jiggle the Handle)
EMRJN (with Marco Duran '18 on drums)
Sunday July 16th:
10:00AM - 1:00PM: Hair of the Dog Brunch
Ticket Prices
Worcester Bravehearts Baseball Game Ticket
A ticket to the Bravehearts costs $35/person. This ticket includes parking, private all-you-can-eat concessions, and your box seat ticket.
The actual cost of these tickets is $35 so we are not able to offer discounted rates.
The Buck Fifty Ticket
A full-price ticket to the party is $150. Sounds fitting, doesn’t it? These full price tickets will help pay for all parts of the event such as food, drinks, bands, music equipment, tents, tables and chairs, and other equipment we need to rent. This whole shebang doesn’t come cheap!
All proceeds raised by this event will go towards buying a new roof for Main House. The Main House roof is in bad shape and it leaks constantly. By buying a full price ticket you are helping with important renovations to our house that will ensure it remains standing for another 100+ years.
We recognize that not everyone is in a position to pay for a full price ticket but we absolutely want to make sure that every brother is able to attend. If you can’t pay the full $150 then email us at kxa.alumni@phisigkap.org for a discounted ticket.
Hair of the Dog Brunch Ticket
A ticket costs $5/person. This will go to buying supplies for Bloody Marys. A small breakfast buffet (donuts, coffee, eggs, etc.) will be available.
Accommodations
Phi Sigs are able to get a special rate at the Courtyard Marriott Worcester and the Hampton Inn Worcester. Both of these hotels are less than a mile from 11 Dean St.
To get these rates you’ll need to call the front desk and ask for the WPI rate. Availability is limited at this price so make your reservation now!
Courtyard by Marriott Worcester
72 Grove Street
Worcester, MA 01605
Special rate of $149.00/night. Call 508-363-0300 x 0 for guest services and ask for the WPI rate.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/boswr-courtyard-worcester/
Hampton Inn & Suites Worcester
65 Prescott Street
Worcester, MA 01605
Special rate of $154.00/night. Call 508-886-9005 x 0 for guest services and ask for the WPI rate.
(If you select reservations, you will be routed to their central reservations line who does not have access to the discount)
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/orhwohx-hampton-suites-worcester/
Note: It is not possible for alumni to stay over at 9 or 11 Dean St
Who's Going
Music
The Buck Fifty wouldn't be a true Phi Sig party without featuring some amazing music. We're proud to announce three amazing bands with ties to different eras of Phi Sig:
Gary’s legendary jam band, Jiggle the Handle, played parties at Phi Sig for many years in the 80’s and 90’s. We’re very excited to welcome him back with his new band and they sound better than ever!
EMRJN is a hard rock band featuring brother Marco Duran ’18 on drums. They’re bringing energy to the party with a mix of rock, alternative, and classic metal.
Matt is a long-time friend of the house and he played a number of parties in the early 2000’s. He’ll be playing a solo set using multiple instruments and looping pedals to build up songs, layer by layer and groove by groove.
Merch
The Buck Fifty merch features a logo by our very own Jeff Pollak '88 - see below!
The T-Shirt features the logo prominently on the front. The back features the names of everyone who registered before June 17th (the day the t-shirt order went out).
The beer mug is a glass beer mug with the Buck Fifty logo laser engraved for durability.
If you missed the chance to order, we will have limited availability at the door on July 15th. Supply will be limited (especially on the T-Shirts) so make sure you come early before we run out!
Party of the Century Photos (July 18th 2015)
FAQs
Can I buy a ticket at the door?
Yes, we will have a limited supply of Buck Fifty tickets available at the door.
We will also be offering discounted 'Drinks Only' tickets at the door. If we run out of Buck Fifty tickets, we will only be able to offer the discounted 'Drinks Only' tickets.
Who can attend?
The Buck Fifty celebration is open to all brothers, past and present, as well as their family and guests. Friends of the house are also welcome.
To make the event more accessible to family and friends, each attendee has a discounted plus-one ticket available for $75.00. This plus-one ticket is meant for any non-brother guest (spouse, partner, friend, family, etc.).
How can I find out who is attending?
Check out the online Who's Coming list to see who's already registered. Be sure to check back often for updates! Please note that it may take a day or two for the Who's Coming list to display new registrants' names.
What are we celebrating?
Our national fraternity is celebrating its 150th anniversary! Our local chapter joined Phi Sigma Kappa in 1915 and we’re Damn Proud of it!
How do I get tickets to the baseball game?
We are buying the tickets in a block, and will reach out to you directly a couple days before the 14th.
How much does it cost? What are the funds used for?
This event is both a (large and expensive) party and a fundraiser for repairs to Main House. See the pricing section for more info above. All the funds collected for this event will go towards these important causes. If you’re unable to pay the full ticket price, email kxa.alumni@phisigkap.org for a discounted ticket. Our primary goal is to make sure every Phi Sig is able to attend.
I registered but my plans have changed. What should I do?
If you need to change your registration, you can email us at kxa.alumni@phisigkap.org. We can change your payment to a donation or we can send you a refund. Note that we are not able to provide refunds after July 1, 2023.
What are the current COVID-19 restrictions? Are masks required?
We expect everyone attending an indoor event to be vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event. Masks are welcome but not required. We encourage everyone to respect the choices that individuals make about their own masking. For more information on WPI’s COVID-19 policies please click here.
I need a place to stay. Any recommendations?
Yes, see the Accommodations section on this page. Note that it is NOT possible for alumni to stay over at 9 or 11 Dean St.
What should I bring with me?
Bring photos from your college years! The party will be held outdoors, rain or shine (we’ll get extra tents in case of rain) so please bring whatever you may need for inclement weather (umbrellas, extra socks, change of clothes, etc.)
Is transportation to the hotels available?
We don’t have organized transportation planned, but our recommended hotels are less than a mile from Phi Sig. That’s a quick Uber ride away or a short walk.
Where can I park?
Street parking is generally available in the vicinity of 11 Dean St.
How do I make a gift?
Thank you for considering a gift to Phi Sigma Kappa! A major goal of this year and of this event in particular is the purchase of a new roof on Main House. If you would like to contribute above the regular ticket price to help us in this goal, you can make a donation to the Phi Sig Fund:
https://www.phisigkap.org/phisigfund
I have another question
Still have questions? Send an email to kxa.alumni@phisigkap.org and we’ll get back to you!