Celebrating Traditions - the Interlocking UB

A Look Inside the Iconic Welcome Weekend Event

The Interlocking UB, formed by thousands of incoming first-year students each fall, combines a spirit-rally, mass assembly and human performance architecture in what has become one of the marquee events of Welcome Weekend. Established in 2005, this tradition initiates the unofficial kick-off to the UB experience.

2018 was the first year the Interlocking UB took place in UB Stadium.

"The Interlocking UB made me feel a part of  something bigger than myself." - Devonte Tolliver, UB Student

From Start to Finish: Video Series

Since its inception, the Interlocking UB has been a physical manifestation of spirit, identity and tradition on campus. Behind the scenes of this human construct, is an engaged team of Student Life colleagues dedicated to keeping the tradition at the forefront of the UB experience.

Executing a Proud Tradition

Opening video still title: Executing a Proud Tradition.

Watch this iconic tradition take shape from the student perspective.

Interlocking UB Timelapse

Video still: aerial view of the human interlocking UB.

See the human interlocking UB come to life.

Journey to a Tradition

Opening video panel for interlocking UB history video.

The team behind the scenes.

The number two with decades inscribed.

A proud campus tradition is launched.

Group of 3 blue people icons gathered.

The full human logo spans 42,750 square-feet.

Clock icon displaying 38 minutes.

Represents the typical build time from start to finish.

The number 2000% in a red star.

Total increase in student participation over the years.

Sunshine icon.

Fun fact: the tradition has never been rained out.

Aerial photography drone icon.

What started as a photograph atop Clemens Hall, is now captured by two drones at UB Stadium.

Through the Years

The Interlocking UB has grown over the years. What started with just a few hundred participants, now welcomes the entire first-year class each August.

Photo Gallery

See where the Interlocking UB started, where it is now and all of the excitement in between.

The first Interlocking UB took place in 2005, and had about 200 participants.

 The first Interlocking UB took place in 2005, and had about 200 participants.

A snapshot from 2007, in progress of completion.

 A snapshot from 2007, in progress of completion.

The 2009 edition celebrated UB's sustainability initiative.

 The 2009 edition celebrated UB's sustainability initiative.

The Interlocking UB continues to bring first-year students together to kick off the UB experience.

 The Interlocking UB continues to bring first-year students together to kick off the UB experience.

Each year, participants receive a class t-shirt to wear during the event.

 Each year, participants receive a class t-shirt to wear during the event.

A spectator captures the building process on a cell phone in 2015.

 A spectator captures the building process on a cell phone in 2015.

The creation of the interlocking UB serves as rallying point for new students.

 The creation of the interlocking UB serves as rallying point for new students.

Students show "horns up" to share their UB pride.

 Students show "horns up" to share their UB pride.

An aerial shot from 2016.

 An aerial shot from 2016.

Students take a selfie during the assembly of the interlocking UB.

 Students take a selfie during the assembly of the interlocking UB.

Students form the initial building phase by creating a "true" blue outline.

 Students form the initial building phase by creating a "true" blue outline.

2018 was the first year this iconic tradition was moved to UB Stadium.

 2018 was the first year this iconic tradition was moved to UB Stadium.

Drones are used to capture aerial images, shown here in progress during 2019.

 Drones are used to capture aerial images, shown here in progress during 2019.

New students gather at UB Stadium as part of Opening Week and Welcome Weekend.

 New students gather at UB Stadium as part of Opening Week and Welcome Weekend.

Victor E. Bull serves as the official welcome ambassador, as part of the interlocking UB festivities.

 Victor E. Bull serves as the official welcome ambassador, as part of the interlocking UB festivities.

Victor poses with two students.

 Victor poses with two students.

In 2020, UB created a photo mosaic to replace the interlocking UB, which was paused due to COVID-19 regulations.

 In 2020, UB created a photo mosaic to replace the interlocking UB, which was paused due to COVID-19 regulations.

Orientation leaders hand out t-shirts to new students during the 2021 event.

 Orientation leaders hand out t-shirts to new students during the 2021 event.

The 2021 interlocking UB event included health and safety protocols.

 The 2021 interlocking UB event included health and safety protocols.

Vice President for Student Life Brian Hamluk welcomed students during the 2021 event.

 Vice President for Student Life Brian Hamluk welcomed students during the 2021 event.

The interlocking UB is a great way for first-year students to meet their new classmates.

 The interlocking UB is a great way for first-year students to meet their new classmates.

On-field outline for the current pattern, created by Marching Band Director Jim Mauck.

 On-field outline for the current pattern, created by Marching Band Director Jim Mauck.

Students gather in advance of forming the interlocking UB.

 Students gather in advance of forming the interlocking UB.

This UB tradition provides an excellent engagement opportunity for new students.

 This UB tradition provides an excellent engagement opportunity for new students.

Fly the flag, 2021. Go Bulls!

 Fly the flag, 2021. Go Bulls!
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