By: Samuel Mason McQuage

Liberty University students have voted to switch companies that provide beverages for the campus.

The Coca-Cola Company will be the new provider after students voted 2,985 to 2,713 in favor of Coke over Pepsi.

Photo taken from http://tjthesportsgeek.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/cokepepsi.png

Students have mixed emotions about the decision because of equal appreciation for both products. By voting Pepsi out, students will be losing Mountain Dew along with many other popular choices.

“I love the actual Coke drink, but I enjoy Pepsi products more overall,” Kirth Benson, a sophomore at Liberty, said.

Many students are very happy they are able to continue enjoying Dr. Pepper. While the switch will prohibit sales of bottled Dr. Pepper, it will still be available from the fountain.

“As long as I can get my Dr. Pepper, I don’t care who the provider is to be honest,” Roberto Barazza, a freshman at Liberty, said.

But there are also those that are very excited for this change to occur. Ben Yohn, a junior at Liberty, is ready for the change to take place.

“I love Coke and think it is a much better drink than Pepsi, along with all the rest it offers,” he said.

According to the Liberty Champion, the switch will be completed by January 31, 2016, but they are hoping to have it mostly completed by the start of the Spring semester.

Student's will say goodbye to these Pepsi drink machines at the end of the Fall 2015 semester.
Student’s will say goodbye to these Pepsi drink machines at the end of the Fall 2015 semester. Photo taken by author.

The main problem with switching drink providers is having Pepsi pick up their drink machines and having Coca-Cola deliver theirs to the campus. It is a lot of work that requires a bit of time to complete.

According to an interview conducted by The Liberty Champion, the contract will most likely be a five year contract which means Liberty will at least have Coca-Cola as their provider until 2021.

A list of drinks coming to Liberty:

  • Coke
  • Fanta
  • Sprite
  • Powerade
  • Mellow Yellow
  • Minute Maid
  • Dasani

A list of drinks leaving Liberty:

  • Pepsi
  • Mountain Dew
  • Dr. Pepper (Bottled ONLY)
  • Starbucks (Bottled ONLY)
  • Brisk
  • Gatorade
  • Dole

Change is the one thing constant on Liberty University. Here are a few things going on around Liberty University this semester alone:

  • Beverage switch
  • Additions to Demoss
  • Convocation changes
  • Lahaye Ice Rink Expansion
  • Freedom Tower
  • Indoor Track

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