In true Game of Thrones form, humor and violence united in the first episode of Season 4 as a crowd of more than 700 fans cheered and groaned together for the pre-screening at Ohio University.
Fans started lining up and winding their way around Baker University Center beginning at 3 in anticipation for the event.
The Baker University Center Ballroom was set for 800 people, and the less than 100 empty chairs made for an impressive sight, said Stacy Boesch, an HBO Campus Agent and senior studying marketing and management. Boesch said she was pleased with the turnout.
Sean Hoover, a junior studying political science, has been a Game of Thrones fan since the beginning of the seasons, having read the books as well.
“I thought everything was awesome,” he said. “The episode was great, and they do a great job following the books.”
A late start to the event led to a shorter Black Sheep Improv set, and Blue Pencil Comedy did not perform. The DVD also skipped over a damaged part in the middle of the episode.
Aside from the minor setbacks, everyone seemed to enjoy the event, said Bridget Gibson, a sophomore studying communications.
“I think everyone had a good time, and it looked like most everyone got something, which is what we wanted,” she said.
Posters, buttons and DVD seasons were among the prizes given throughout the night.
Though not an avid Game of Thrones fan, Ishan Patel, a freshman studying management information systems and management, volunteered at the event and thought it went well.
“It’s not a bad event to volunteer at because there was lots of energy and people were excited,” he said.
After watching the episode, Patel said he’d add the show to his must-watch list.
“I think it says something about a show when you can get this many fans together and they get crazy,” he said. “It’s also really well-produced.”
The HBO Campus Agents are planning more events for the year and are looking forward to spreading the word about HBO, Boesch said.
“This pre-screening was one of the main things we had planned, but we do have other things in the works,” she said. “These types of events are popular, so we hope to continue having them.”
OU was the first of the 11 schools selected to get pre-screenings to see the new episode.
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