Old Dominion University fans will finally get a taste of Ice Cream and Cake on Feb. 17, when the University celebrates mascot Big Blue’s birthday with the reveal of its first official ice cream flavor during the women’s and men’s basketball games.
The University has partnered with Lolly’s Creamery, a locally owned ice cream business with locations in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, to create Ice Cream and Cake. The flavor is an ode to ODU’s nearly 20-year tradition for fans and cheerleaders to dance to the song of the same title by the Buckwheat Boyz. The ice cream features a sweet cream base swirled with ODU blue-tinted ooey gooey butter cake to create the perfect flavor for Monarch Nation.
“At Lolly’s, we are thrilled to partner with ODU. The opportunity to bring Ice Cream and Cake to life through a new flavor is what we are built to do,” said Joey Launi, owner and founder of Lolly’s. “As a community-oriented business, we could not be more excited about this collaboration and look forward to sharing it with everyone.”
Beginning Feb. 17, the flavor will be available at locations on Colley Avenue in Norfolk and in the ViBe district and at Loehmann’s Plaza near Town Center in Virginia Beach. At the Colley Avenue location close to campus, Launi plans to offer special sundaes in addition to scoops and pints.
That same day, a select number of fans will get to sample the ice cream during the ODU women’s basketball game against Marshall University at 2 p.m. and the men’s basketball game against Georgia State at 7 p.m. at Chartway Arena. Guests can also sample the ice cream at Big Blue’s birthday party, celebrated from 6-7 p.m. at Chartway Arena.
“When I started at ODU, I learned why the Ice Cream and Cake tradition is so cherished by students and alumni. I thought it would be a treat to bring that tradition to life through a partnership with Lolly’s Creamery,” said Brian Eubank, executive director of licensing at ODU. “We are excited to embrace our sweet tradition for students, alumni and the ODU community to enjoy.”
A portion of proceeds from the sales of Ice Cream and Cake licensed ice cream will support scholarships for ODU students.