The Spring 2018 semester at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is about to come to a close and one of UNL’s mainstays for the past decade is coming to a close as well: the Union Runza. Offering students a reasonably priced place to eat for lunch or dinner, the Union Runza will close after Chick-fil-A and Steak ‘n Shake teamed up to outbid the Lincoln-based fast food joint for a spot in the Union food court. UNL officials announced last week that once finals week is complete, demolition crews will begin prepping the area occupied by Runza for implosion, eventually making room for the new tenants next semester.

“We are forever grateful for the service Runza has given the University over the past 10 years,” said UNL President Hank Bounds. “Now that this chapter in UNL history is closing, we want to commemorate the closing of Runza the best way we know how: having the Runza imploded. We drew tons of viewers for our Cather-Pound implosion, so we figure this could help us go viral again.”

President Bounds went on to discuss the current plans to make the Runza implosion possible. Demolition crews will begin initial preparation for the implosion starting dead week by drilling holes in the walls of the restaurant to hold the explosives. Construction will become increasingly louder throughout the week as students file into the Union for a spot to study.

“First they take my cigarettes away and now my Runza?” said UNL sophomore architecture major Kevin Salsa. “And what the hell are they thinking trying to implode the Union Runza? Won’t that collapse the entire building? I’m a sophomore in college and I have more mental capacity than these professionals.”

UNL officials said a watch party will take place from the computer lab across from the Runza on May 11th at 11 a.m. Anyone looking to live stream the event can watch the video on Facebook Live, Periscope and Twitch.