TABLE OF CONTENTS

SALAM & WELCOME TO DENTON!

Welcome to North Texas! Showdown brings together collegiate MSAs across Texas for friendly competitions, religious lectures, and other events. Showdown is an amazing way to meet and create bonds with Muslim college students from all across the state! InshAllah, this opportunity will allow you to have fun, gain knowledge, and create lifelong friendships—all while growing as Muslims. The MSA Lone Star Council and the UNT Muslim Students’ Association are excited to welcome you to the 15th Annual MSA Showdown at the University of  North Texas!

Objectives

• Develop relationships between the MSA Lone Star Council & MSAs in Texas
• Develop brotherhood/sisterhood and facilitate networking among MSAs in Texas
• Develop brotherhood/sisterhood within individual MSAs
• Create and foster an environment for spiritual growth
• Provide training/development for potential Muslim leaders

Important Links

• Competitions Packet: bit.ly/showdowncomps22
• Registration Packet (this packet): bit.ly/showdownregpacket22
• Registration: bit.ly/showdownreg22

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

The MSA Lone Star Council has mandated the following for all Showdown attendees:

1. All attendees must provide proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination via the CDC card.

1. Vaccinations must be up to date.

1. If already fully vaccinated, then you must have received your booster:

1. For Moderna/Pfizer: between October 25, 2021 to March 11, 2022.
2. For J&J:  between January 25 to March 11, 2022.

2. If already fully vaccinated, but no booster:

1. You will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test between March 23-25 if you received your 2nd dose before October 25, 2021 unless otherwise stated. More information will be emailed to you if a test is required.

3. If not yet fully vaccinated, then you must have received one of the following:

1. For Moderna/Pfizer: your second dose between October 25, 2021 to March 11, 2022.
2. For J&J: your first dose of J&J by March 11, 2022.

2. Complete the registration form (with payment) and select one of the first two options.

1. A picture or scanned copy of a vaccination card must be uploaded at the time of registration.

2. Unvaccinated attendees must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken on or between March 23-March 25, 2022.

1. The following tests are allowed: PCR/molecular OR a rapid antigen. A negative blood draw will not be accepted.

1. COVID tests are free at most locations. To schedule a free test, visit Walgreens, CVS, or Curative test sites.

2. Complete the registration form (with payment) and select the third option.

1. You will receive a link via email to upload either a photo or a screenshot of your negative result on our portal by March 25, 2022.  

Throughout Showdown, LSC will abide by the following guidelines in order to minimize the transmission of COVID-19:

1. All attendees must wear a face mask at all times during Showdown.

1. During sporting events, players on the bench must be wearing a mask at all times. The only exception will be when players are actively playing on the field or court. The protocol will be enforced and reminders will be given by Sports Heads and Sports Chairs.
2. During lunch & dinner breaks, masks do not have to be worn but social distancing will be enforced to the best of our abilities.

2. Attendees will be monitored for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, which include but are not limited to: cough, fever, fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, muscle or backaches, diarrhea, congestion, and runny nose.

1. If attendees feel any of the aforementioned symptoms, please notify a steering committee member or LSC officer ASAP.  

3. Hand sanitizers and a limited number of additional masks will be provided on-site.

Attendees that choose to not abide by the aforementioned guidelines will not be allowed to attend Showdown and will be turned away at the discretion of the MSA Lone Star Council and the Steering Committee. No refunds will be allowed except in the event of an individual testing positive for COVID-19. LSC’s COVID-19 protocols have been carefully reviewed by an epidemiologist and are made upon recommendations by the Texas Department of State Health Services—any questions or concerns will be handled by the team‘s expert. Please contact projectalum@msa-texas.org to discuss any questions regarding the COVID-19 protocols.

THEME: RESTART. REFRESH. REIGNITE!

“Indeed, Allah (God) will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
Qur’an 13:11

In today’s fast-paced society, everything around us is constantly evolving, including ourselves. Every day brings new challenges, and these challenges are meant for us to realize our ultimate purpose, which is to please Allah (SWT). Whether we have the happiest of moments or the most tragic of times; whether we live full of glee or go through hardships where we must learn to endure and embrace the pain – one thing always remains. After every experience we face, there is a light at the end of the tunnel – a new beginning, a new start, a new intention.

But this light in the midst of darkness seldom strikes on its own. This fire must first start with a renewed intention and a solid purpose on what we are to change. As Muslims, we pride ourselves on changing every day to establish a better version of ourselves. Many of us spend countless hours discussing how we want a better world but rarely do we turn inwards and begin the change within. These changes, no matter how big or small, must begin within our hearts. And in the darkness, it may seem like everything has ended, the reality is that the spark has just reignited.

For the end is always just the beginning.

COMPETITIONS

Flag Football (Brothers)

Soccer (Brothers)

Volleyball (Sisters)

Dodgeball (Sisters)

Basketball (Brothers & Sisters)

T-shirt Design

Nasheed

Tajweed

Short Film: Comedy & Drama

Art: Calligraphy & General

Performance Poetry

Written Poetry

Writing

Extemporaneous Speaking

Knowledge Bowl

Scrapbook

Team Spirit

Photography

Event Photography

Promo Video

#RaceToShowdown2022

TikTok Talent

Project Sadaqa

Charity Project Pitch

Other Events

Social Events

Spiritual Lectures

Community Service

Bazaar & Vendors

& so much more!

RULES & DEADLINES

In order to remain organized and fair with all attendees, the following deadlines are strict.

Registration Costs         

*Note: There will not be onsite registration. Please plan accordingly.*

Click here to register.

No refunds will be issued to an individual or MSA that is unable to attend after registering & submitting payment online.

A participant must be fully registered by the submission deadline. Fully registered means that the registration form was completed & and payment was received. All participants on rosters must also be registered by the rosters deadline.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• The MSA Lone Star Council reserves the right to disqualify any Showdown attendee for inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to sexual misconduct, stalking, harassment, violence, and suspicion of dishonest participation.

• All Showdown attendees must meet the following requirements: be a member of a university/collegiate MSA registered with LSC and/or 18 years or older. Current students and alumni of 3 years are allowed to compete. Alumni of over 3 years are allowed to attend but not compete.

• COVID-19 Protocols: All attendees must wear a mask at all times. Players on the bench must be wearing a mask at all times. The only exception will be when players are actively playing on the field or court.

• Plagiarized submissions for competitions are an automatic disqualification. Each competition entry/submission must be unique.

• Any participant who enters a competition late is subject to disqualification at the discretion of the competition’s judge(s).

• Participants must be wearing their Showdown wristbands at all times and will not be allowed to enter event areas without their wristbands.

• The dress code for both brothers and sisters should be loose-fitting and not transparent. Feel free to wear your school’s MSA shirt if available.

• All submissions must be submitted through the forms provided on the LSC’s website.

SHOWDOWN ORGANIZERS

PROGRAM

PRAYER TIMES

Check out our on-campus Meditation Room (401), located on the fourth floor of the University Union. We use this space as a prayer room throughout the year. Although we will be having jamaat (prayer in congregation) at Showdown, feel free to stop by if you get the chance.

The following are the athan times for Denton during the weekend:

Sunni Prayer Times

Shia Prayer Times

LODGING OPTIONS

Below are hotel options that your Steering Committee has worked hard to find! Hotel reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. We cannot stress enough how important it is to book your rooms early this year! We recommend booking your hotels by March 10th. The earlier you book it, the greater guarantee you have of having a proper reservation at the hotel or having a room in a hotel in general! If you cannot secure a hotel, Airbnb is also a good resource to explore! Our Eagles are also willing to host guests at their apartments & houses on a first-come, first-serve basis, but they can only host a limited number. Contact Sidra (sisters) or Omar (brothers) below for details.

SHOWDOWN SPECIFIC HOTEL OPTIONS

Below is a list of hotels that have blocked-off rooms specifically for Showdown attendees. Options are listed according to price (highest to lowest).

Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center 

• Address: 3100 Town Center Trail, Denton, TX 76201
• Phone: (940) 243-3799
• Distance: 1.9 miles (5-minute drive) away from UNT
• Highlighted Amenities: free made-to-order breakfast, free parking, free wifi, and fitness center.
• Details: 10 rooms available until March 11, 2022. Call to reserve room(s) and use the reservation code “UNT Showdown”. Rooms start at around $350/night.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Denton South

• Address: 3180 S Interstate 35 E, Denton, TX 76210
• Phone: (940) 205-5100
• Distance: 4.1 miles (6-minute drive) away from UNT
• Highlighted Amenities: free breakfast, free parking, free wifi, and fitness center.
• Details: 10 rooms available until March 11, 2022. Call to reserve room(s) and use the reservation code “UNT Showdown”. Rooms start at around $160/night.

Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites

• Address: 2450 Brinker Rd, Denton, TX 76208
• Phone: (940) 387-1000
• Distance: 3.7 miles (7-minute drive) away from UNT
• Highlighted Amenities: complimentary breakfast, free parking, and fitness center.
• Details: 10 rooms available until March 11, 2022. Call to reserve room(s) and use the reservation code “UNT Showdown”. Rooms start at around $130/night.

OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS

Below is a list of hotels that do not have blocked-off rooms specifically for Showdown attendees but are close to campus. Options are listed according to price (highest to lowest).

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Mariott Denton

• Address: 2900 W University Dr, Denton, TX 76201
• Phone: (940) 384-1700
• Distance: 2.5 miles (5-minute drive) away from UNT
• Highlighted Amenities: free parking, free wifi, a fitness center.
• Details: Rooms start at around $190/night.

Hampton Inn & Suites Denton

• Address: 1513 Centre Place Dr, Denton, TX 76205
• Phone: (940) 891-4900
• Distance: 2.4 miles (4-minute drive) away from UNT
• Highlighted Amenities: free breakfast, free parking, free wifi, and fitness center.
• Details: Rooms start at around $170/night.

Residence Inn by Mariott Denton

• Address: 3761 I-35E, Denton, TX 76210
• Phone: (940) 272-3800
• Distance: 4.6 miles (8-minute drive) away from UNT
• Highlighted Amenities: free parking, free wifi, a fitness center.
• Details: Rooms start at around $150/night.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denton

• Address: 4465 N Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76207
• Phone: (940) 808-0444
• Distance: 3.0 miles (7-minute drive) away from UNT
• Highlighted Amenities: free breakfast, free parking, free wifi, and fitness center.
• Details: Rooms start at around $150/night.

Comfort Inn Near UNT

• Address: 4050 Mesa Dr, Denton, TX 76207
• Phone: (940) 320-5150
• Distance: 2.5 miles (4-minute drive) away from UNT
• Highlighted Amenities: free parking, free breakfast, free wifi, a fitness center.
• Details: Rooms start at around $120/night.

Days Inn by Wyndham Denton

• Address: 4211 N Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76207
• Phone: (940) 600-1527
• Distance: 2.9 miles (6-minute drive) away from UNT
• Highlighted Amenities: free breakfast, free parking, free wifi, and fitness center.
• Details: Rooms start at around $105/night.

Need additional help?

If you have questions regarding accommodations, feel free to contact the accommodations chairs! If you’d like to see if a brother or a sister would be willing to host you, please contact the accommodation chairs listed below and they will be able to help you out.

Accommodations Chairs

Sisters - Sidra Ambreen: (972) 900-5686

Brothers - Omar Issa: (469) 810-1400

CAMPUS MAP

PARKING  

UNT is a large campus surrounded by lots of commercial and residential property. Texas Woman’s University is also nearby and will be used as an additional sports facility. Please note that some events may be happening on campus during Showdown weekend, so parking may be limited. Keep reading to see garage options. 

Purchase a parking pass here. Create a guest account, add your vehicle, and select UNT Denton. Parking is $5 for the entire day.

IMPORTANT LOCATIONS

Islamic Society of Denton

1105 Greenlee St, Denton, TX 76201

UNT University Union

1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX 76203

UNT Rec Sports Complex

901 Precision Dr, Denton, TX 76207

UNT Eagle Point Fields

1499 S Bonnie Brae St, Denton, TX 76205

TWU Fitness & Recreation Center

1607 N Bell Ave, Denton, TX 76209

*Disclaimer: Neither the MSA Lone Star Council (LSC) nor the University of North Texas Muslim Student Association (UNT MSA) is responsible for any parking violations issued by the City of Denton and/or the University of North Texas Transportation Department. Please be aware of parking notices and signs!

WHAT TO BRING TO SHOWDOWN

• THIS packet. It has directions and maps in it!
• Cash, Credit/Debit Cards, Checks (food will be provided but if you want to go exploring, you’ll need some extra cash)
• Driver’s license/School ID with your name, Date of birth (DOB), & photo (for check-in), health insurance card, and copy of insurance (for use in the event of an emergency)
• Depending on accommodation: Blanket, pillow(s), inflatable mattress, and/or sleeping bag
• Your MSA T-shirt(s)
• Tennis shoes for sports
• Shower supplies/personal items (towels, toothbrush, deodorant, floss, etc.)
• Cell phone/laptop chargers
• First aid/medications
• Modest attire appropriate for sports, entertainment, award ceremony, workshops, sweaters in case of cold weather, and an umbrella in case it rains.
• Salah necessities (hijabs, prayer rugs)
• Positive attitude and sabr (patience).
• School spirit
• Cowboy boots and hat (it’s TEXAS y’all!)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1. Do I register through my MSA or do I register myself?

1. Registration is done individually. Some MSAs may have a form that you’re required to fill out so that they can plan lodging & transportation; however, you must still register yourself with us in order to be considered fully registered for Showdown.

2. I have an exam that weekend so I can’t go. Is it okay if I leave Showdown early or show up later?

1. Yes, you don’t have to stay for the entire weekend! While we recommend staying for the entirety of Showdown to gain the full experience, we understand that everyone’s circumstances are different. If you need to leave early, let your MSA president/Showdown coordinator know.
2. If you’re participating in a prejudged competition, such as Short Film, Writing, Written Poetry, etc., and aren’t able to physically attend Showdown, that’s okay! You’ll still need to register in order for your piece to be entered in the competition.

3. Showdown is expensive for me and I can’t afford to pay the registration fee, but I still want to attend & compete. What are my options?

1. We can waive the registration fee, depending on your circumstance. Please be advised that this is only on a case-by-case basis. For more information, contact projectalum@msa-texas.org.

4. My school doesn’t have an MSA but I still want to compete/attend Showdown. Is this possible?

1. ABSOLUTELY! On the registration form, be sure to specify your school under “Other”.  If your school doesn’t have an MSA and you’d like to compete in something, contact exec@msa-texas.org before March 1, 2022, so that we can accommodate your request(s).

5. How can my MSA afford hotel & transportation costs for our members?

1. We recommend asking your university’s student government for funding, doing fundraisers on campus (bake sales, profit shares, etc.), and asking for donations at the masjid. Additionally, LSC does provide MSAs with grant funding, with certain requirements in place.

6. This is the first time that my members are going to Showdown. Can someone help us keep track of what to do?

1. Absolutely! We’ll be releasing a checklist for MSA Presidents/Showdown Coordinators to use so that their MSA can stay on top of all the deadlines. This information will be shared through LSC’s Outreach Directors.
2. We also have multiple Showdown 101 presentations, available for your MSA members and for your officers.

7. I have a lot of questions about Showdown. Who can I talk to?

1. Email exec@msa-texas.org or on social media (@msalsc). We’ll also be hosting mandatory information sessions for all schools attending Showdown, so feel free to ask any questions there as well.

8. I can’t come to Friday of Showdown. Is there a way I can still check-in and attend?

1. Yes! Check-in is available Saturday morning from 8 AM-12 PM. We do not recommend any competitors who are participating on Saturday morning (i.e. morning sports, Extemporaneous Speaking, Charity Project Pitch, etc.) check-in on Saturday.

9. What is required for jerseys?

1. All jerseys must be the same color as their team. Numbers must be printed on the back. Names are not required but are encouraged, if possible. Jerseys do not need to be fancy or expensive; simple jerseys available at Academy or Wal-Mart suffice. Additionally, jersey designs can be handmade, with the numbers printed on the back of each jersey in bold/fabric paint.

More questions will be added!

We look forward to seeing you at the

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

&

TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY  

for Showdown 2022!

Jazak Allah Khair!

SPONSORS & PARTNERS