Marian University students, faculty, and staff turned up the heat during Day of Knights on March 20 with a new event hosted by the Unity Center: the Hot Ones Challenge.

Held in Clare Hall from noon to 3 p.m., the challenge was inspired by the popular YouTube series Hot Ones by First We Feast. Participants were invited to test their spice tolerance while answering trivia questions related to Marian University and Indianapolis history.

To enter, participants donated $5 to a campus organization, initiative, or space of their choice. The challenge featured 10 of the hottest sauces from the YouTube series. After each sauce, participants were required to answer a trivia question while handling the growing intensity of the heat.

“The challenge was really fun. It wasn’t as hot as most people think,” said Duane, a Marian student who took part in the event.

The Unity Center implemented safety precautions to ensure the well-being of participants. Waivers were required, and dairy and non-dairy milk, as well as ice cream, were provided to help manage the heat. Participants were allowed to withdraw from the challenge at any time.

Trivia winners received a bottle of hot sauce of their choice as a prize.

The event drew praise and attention from across campus, adding a bold and spicy twist to this year’s Day of Knights celebration.