Friday night, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will attempt to break its own record for the number of people opening a soda can at the same time, cementing the school’s legacy in soda world-record lore alongside such accomplishments as the most cans of Fanta attached to a wall using duct tape (eight).
SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe on the precipice of participating in the world record for most soda cans opened simultaneously (1.134) / Image from an SIUE video
Last fall, 1,134 people were part of a world record when they simultaneously popped the tops on cans of Pepsi Next at halftime of an SIUE soccer match. Interns collected open and unopened cans following the match to verify the record, which is recorded with Record Setter, NaDean Schroeder, director of marketing & special projects for SIUE athletics, said.
To get the record in the Guinness World Records requires payment to the organization, who must send someone to be in attendance. Record Setter, on the other hand, is a home for people with random ideas, including many colleges and universities, Schroeder said.
SIUE is already one of 56 world records in the soda category. Some records are for the length of time to consume a particular name brand, but most records documented on recordsetter.com may have been inspired by the consumption of large quantities of sugar.
Tanner Little punched an old 7-up bottle 106 consecutive times. The young man did not tire at 106, or get interrupted by his mother calling him to dinner, he simply quit and turned the camera off.
Simon Kirk, on the other hand, was too tired to continue after 11 consecutive Cossak dance kicks while facing a can of Sun Drop. Kirk, wearing the same clothes he wore when Cossak kicking, moonwalked around the same can of Sun Drop in a staggering 17 seconds, a world record for the slowest time, and most likely the fastest time.
SIUE’s attempt to eclipse its own record will take place at halftime of the Cougars men’s soccer match against Oakland University Friday. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. at Korte Stadium. All are welcome to join.
This will be the second consecutive year SIUE has attempted the world record for simultaneous Pepsi can openings. Dreamed up by the SIUE Experience committee, Pepsi agreed to sponsor the event as long as the company could choose the beverages provided, Schroeder said. Last year’s record-breaking group opened cans of Pepsi Next. A hoped-for group of 1,800 Friday evening will pop the tops of Pepsi with real sugar.
A freshman class that is about 350 larger than last year, as well as increased fraternity and sorority support, gives Schroeder hope that the university will eclipse the 2013 record.
