One of the longest standing traditions at the University of Utah is the lighting of the Block U-a large concrete hillside letter on Mount Van Cott, located just north of campus at an elevation of 5,249 feet above sea level. The Block U, which at 108 years of age is one of the earliest hillside letters, is more than 100 feet high and 100 feet wide. Lights were first installed in 1969, and a fund-raising campaign in 2006 to renovate the aging landmark included the installation of light emitting diode (LED) red and white lights, which are controlled through a wireless system. For each home victory by the football, men's or women's basketball and gymnastics teams, the Block U is illuminated red. In addition, for road football wins, the Block U is illuminated white. It is also lit for important postseason events such as bowl games, Pac-12 championships and NCAA tournaments. In 2014, the Ute athletic teams began a new tradition that quickly gained foothold with the fans in the stands. After a Utah win in the sports noted, the team circles a TNT box and "detonates" it to flash the Block U. While primarily used to recognize athletic victories, The Block U occasionally lights up in both colors to signify special campus events such as graduation. |